A unique experience in Scotland

Scottish Model Engineering Trust

The Scottish Model Engineering Trust (SMET) has been established for a number of years and is based at our own site at Wester Pickston about 3 miles out of Methven in Perthshire, Scotland. In April 2019 we were joined by the Perth and District Model Railway Club to become a centre of model railway excellence now known as the Wester Pickston Railway Centre.

The trust is unique in Scotland having miniature railways in scales from N gauge up to 7¼ inches and miniature road vehicles of various sizes. We are passionate about our hobby and want to encourage the next generation into this rewarding pastime. Whether you are 8 or 80 you are very welcome.

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Image of Wester Pickston Railway
Loco in action

Wester Pickston Railway

The Wester Pickston Railway is located in 7 acres of woodland in the Perthshire countryside about 3 miles out of Methven. The railway has an extensive 7¼″ and 5″ guage ground level track.

The mainline comprises of two circular routes extending to some 2km, there are numerous sidings and passing loops, two stations and a small halt, two unloading bays that can accommodate most locomotives and two turntables and steaming areas.

Track plan Open days

Perth Model Railway Group

The Scottish Model Engineering Trust covers both miniature and model railways. Our modelling section, known as the Perth Model Railway Group, covers the smaller sizes such as N, 00, and 0 scale. These activities take place in the purpose-built Shed 63A, so named after the original LMS steam shed in Perth, where several layouts are being worked on or displayed on open days.

The Group manage and run the annual Perth Model Railway Exhibition for SMET, in late June. This is one of the foremost model railway shows in Scotland, with a wide selection of stands. We invite over 30 quality layouts from all over the UK, and numerous and varied trade stands, together with several Scottish railway societies and heritage railways.

About PMRG Layouts PMRG Exhibition

White Hills Pass model
Miniature Road Vehicle

Miniature Road Vehicles

There is a small but thriving group of Miniature Road Vehicle (MRV) enthusiasts at SMET. We drive a variety of road vehicles mainly steam powered although there are several electric powered vehicles. On public Open Days we give passengers an alternative view of the Wester Pickston site carrying passengers in one of two new purpose built 4 adult trailers.

A track for the vehicles has been cut through the woods. Starting at the new loading area the track crosses over the rails before heading into the woods. Passing a purpose built sawmill the track continues across another rail crossing as it winds its way to Duck’s End station.

About MRV