This knowledge has enabled the Society to publish a series of widely acclaimed detailed locomotive histories , which are regarded as definitive reference books for researchers and modellers alike. Members enjoy personal contact with one another, exchanging observations and experiences at friendly meetings held at 25 locations around the UK and plans are in hand to establish even more branches. At branch meetings everyone gets a very warm welcome. Each meeting usually features a speaker who is an acknowledged expert in his railway field. In addition society publications, photographs, and slides are offered for sale.
Some branches offer library facilities and a loan service for videos.
All members receive the monthly Railway Observer which has been in continuous publication since 1928. This 48 page monthly magazine carries news from all over the British rail system and overseas. The magazine is illustrated with colour and black and white photographs many of which are members own work, not featured in the regular monthly magazines. Sections are devoted to traction, rolling stock and infrastructure changes, future meetings and outdoor fixtures together with members personal observations of the current railway scene. Reports on railtours both public and private are also regularly featured.