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

	How to become a Guild member	è APPLICATION FORM
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. The model shown left is a 1/8th scale East-Anglian Wagon, and was made in 1978 with the minimum of tools. The wheel fellies were turned on a “Picador Pup”, which was powered by an old washing machine motor mounted under the work-bench; the cost of this was very little. Those who have a desire and passion to create a model like this will always find a way to do it! The making of these models that you see on this website is amongst one of the highest forms of model making there is; often referred to as “scratch-building”. Every part of these models is made from raw materials, as apposed to building from a commercial kit – indeed, there are no kits available that can come anywhere near the authenticity and detail of a scratch-built model! If you are considering becoming a member of the Guild of Model Wheelwrights at this point, there is an APPLICATION FORM at the top right of this section - but if you would first like a little more information on the benefits of becoming a member and where you can see details of some of the many plans and books that are available, and other interesting links; then CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Click on the two links below to see a wealth of information on all things to do with the making of Scale Model Horse Drawn Vehicles.