The trust was set up in the late seventies with an aim to bring to life model making and to bring it to a wider public. This to be achieved through the setting up of a 'chain ' of museums which would in turn gather and exhibit models of various types in various locations.

Model making has been an important part of life throughout mans existance. Many models from pre-history have helped us to understand the past much better.

The Trust's museum on Poole Quay, Dorset, exhibiting a whole assortment of tin plate models, ships, displays and a very large and railway system has now unfourtunatley had to close due to the re-development of the building the display was housed in. Thanks to Jackson Leisure at The Aquarium Complex for the kind assistance and help during the past few years.

The model railway can now be seen at Compton Acres, Poole, where the Trust now has some items on display. The trust also will be displaying various items from it's New Barn bygones exhibition during themed weeks at Compton Acres. The trustees are very excited about being involved with these changing exhibitions concentrated on hands on education at this historic garden location.

The Trust is based at the New Barn Field Centre near Dorchester, Dorset, where it has built up a substantial collection of 'bygones' and agricultural models. Through education the Trust has a huge audience at New Barn and is developing the model making principles through large and small scale models. An 'Iron Age' village has been built, Forest garden ( modelled on life 5,000 years ago ) Alternative energy ( the future ? ) A coppice has been planted to create an excellent woodland crafts & technologies area. The now re-furbished Pottery class room is ideal for creating that work of art ! and has a new glass fronted display area for the more tender models to be shown. The newly built 'Town Hall' offers visiting groups a large indoor area with w/c facillities for the disabled and has been designed to be easily cleaned ! very usefull when large groups of children are house building with willow, straw and clay. This also houses a substantial display of the 'bygones' collection.

Special thanks to all who help the Trust; Especially all those who give time or loan / give items to us, New Barn Field Centre Ltd, Poole Aquarium Complex, Dorset V Project, Southampton City Council ( Cultural services ) , The Dorset Learning Centres, Dorset County Council, to name just a few.