Guild of Model Wheelwrights

WELCOME TO THE GUILD OF MODEL WHEELWRIGHTS.

This is a unique organization based in the United Kingdom which also has members from many other countries. We are a group of enthusiasts who are devoted to the promotion and construction of precision scale models of all types of horse drawn vehicles: this includes agricultural machinery, carts and wagons, light and heavy commercial vehicles, passenger and road vehicles, gypsy caravans, and many other little known but fascinating vehicles that are of great historical interest.
The picture shown to the right is a 1/8^th scale model of a Lincolnshire Hermaphrodite Farm Wagon, made by Guild member Patrick Hall, from Warwickshire, from a David Wray plan. This type of vehicle was common throughout the East Midlands, and for most of the year the rear part only was used as a tip cart. At harvest time an ingenious conversion provided the wagon with a large carrying platform needed in the corn growing districts. The model here shows the forecarriage and loading platform fitted.

Guild member Frank Rake lives in Venice, Florida, USA, and shown left is his superb 1/8^th scale model of a Dunton Ledge Caravan. On retirement, several years ago, Frank was looking for a challenging hobby to do during the long winter nights and came across John Thompson’s plans in the Hobby’s catalogue. This was Frank’s first model, and what a wonderful job he has done! It can take around 1000 hours to complete a model to this high standard. Many members would of course start with something less challenging – perhaps like the next example.

John Prior, who lives in Wiltshire, is also a Guild member and he has displayed a number of fine models on the Societies Stands. Here to the right is shown a 1/8^th scale Courage Show Dray from John Thompson plans. The actual vehicle was built in the Old Kent Road and can now be seen at the Courage Shire Horse Centre, near Maidenhead. It can be fitted with shafts for a single horse, (as shown) or a central pole for a pair. The fittings are displayed, including one of the barrels. The construction of this model is within the capabilities of the average person, but enthusiasts who wish to make a super-detailed model should note that the scale plans have not been simplified and show every feature of the actual vehicle. Click on each of the above pictures for a bigger view

Reference library of books and plans.

Open only to members; the Guild has built up a reference library of books and plans which amount to a national collection, but our problem is to disseminate its knowledge, since we are a diffuse group that holds no regular meetings. Members have access to the books and plans via the Librarian at exhibitions.
Though not a member of our Guild, we will respond to your enquiries about commercially available plans. Most of our members are willing to share their own research and plans which they, themselves have produced.
The small thumbnail drawing shown on the right is sheet 1 of 6 and is typical of the highly detailed drawings that are available - the majority of them are printed on A2 size paper.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE.

Shows and exhibitions of Guild member’s models.

Usually starting in March through to the end of November the Guild exhibits throughout the UK; attending around 20 various venues at county fairs, agricultural and woodworking shows, museums and stately homes. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has an interest in model making at a very high standard and also the history and diversity of these fascinating vehicles. We love chatting and sharing our knowledge with visitors at these events, and should you wish to do so, we would love to meet you! A list of all Guild events this year appears on the "Guild News" page, so do try and get to some of them – you will be most welcome! FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE.

Perhaps one of the questions that is sometimes asked is, “Why would I want to become a Guild member?” There is no one answer to this question; indeed there are as many reasons as there are Guild members! There are many hobbies and pastimes that are creative and rewarding, that can be very satisfying and give a sense of achievement and personal fulfilment.
Whilst some hobbies may strike many people as trivial or boring, hobbyists have found something compelling and entertaining about them. Gardening and cooking are regarded as hobbies by many people, and testament to this is the huge amount of television programs and publications devoted to these. Others find gardening and cooking a necessary chore.
Scale models or replicas of full size things go all the way back to prehistoric times, as small clay "dolls" and other children's toys have been found near known population areas and scale replicas of enemy fortifications, coastal defence lines, and other geographic fixtures to plan battles were employed by the ancient Greeks, Romans.
Many new members who take up the hobby of making scale model horse drawn vehicles start off with just the basic DIY tools in their garage or shed and use a small table in the kitchen area to work – having to clear up the sawdust each evening to keep their spouse happy! Ideally, if you have space in your garage, shed or spare bedroom you will find your model making more productive, and as time goes on you will hopefully acquire more tools and eventually various machinery perhaps.