The Sydney Society of Model Engineers Inc. (SSME) is the oldest model engineering club in Australia, and the oldest continuously operating Model Engineering Club in the world. Not bad for a hobby that started in a private home! Here is the story of where we have been, and where we are headed next.
1906: a few enthusiasts and some big ideas
The S.S.M.E. began in 1906 at Summer Hill in Sydney, founded in a private home by local engineering enthusiasts who met to discuss the engineering topics of the day. The club was originally known as the Summer Hill Society of Model and Experimental Engineers.
In 1912 the name was changed to the Sydney Society of Model and Experimental Engineers, and it was later shortened to the name we use today: the Sydney Society of Model Engineers.
1932–1970: Ashfield
In 1932 the club rented, and then purchased, a site on Parramatta Road at Ashfield. The Society held its first exhibition in January 1933 and continued to operate on that site every Saturday until 1970.
Changing technologies and model engineering interests meant the Society needed larger premises. There was only so much a city site could hold once trains, boats, planes and cars all wanted room to run.
1971–2026: the Model Park at Luddenham
In October 1971 the Society opened its 10 hectare (25 acres) property at 869 Luddenham Road, Luddenham, in Sydney’s south western suburbs. For 55 years the SSME Model Park was home to 11 different sections, catering for trains, boats, planes, cars, slot cars, tether cars, Largescale Offroad and stationary steam models and more.
Generations of visitors came out to watch the models in action, ride the Passenger Steam Railway and try the slot car circuit.
A final open day in July 2026
The club held its final open day at the Luddenham site in July 2026. It was the end of a remarkable chapter, and a chance to say thank you to everyone who has been part of the Model Park family.
The next chapter: Razorback
Because of airport development pressures, the club is now relocating and rebuilding at a new site at Razorback, in the Macarthur/Wollondilly region. It is a big job, and it is the latest step in a story that has already taken us from a lounge room in Summer Hill to Ashfield and on to Luddenham.
Watch this blog for news on the move, the rebuild and when we will be welcoming visitors again.
