The RCTS is Britain’s leading organisation for people interested in all aspects of railways past, present and future and is highly regarded by both professional railway people and enthusiasts, a position it has held since its formation in 1928.
The Railway Observer - A high quality monthly magazine, available as either a printed version by post or digital only via the Website
Archive access to back issues of the Railway Observer
News and updates from the UK, Ireland, heritage, urban and international railway sectors
Information on Society activities, branch meetings, presentations via Zoom, visits and tours
Visits to Network and Heritage locations that are only available to members
Reviews of the latest railway publications
Member discounts on many RCTS publications
Discounted access to our Locodata.org.uk website
Access to Society information and resources
A network of branches
Comprehensive Archive and Library at Leatherhead
Photography Archive
Plus! Exclusive RCTS-branded merchandise
Click the image to view a sample edition from February 2026
If you are under twenty six years of age you may select the digital membership package at a rate of £10 for the first year. Thereafter the Society will offer you membership at no more than 50% of the standard member’s digital rate until your 26th birthday. You can always opt to transfer to the printed magazine but that will be at the full advertised renewal rate. Proof of age may be requested.
The Railway Observer is published 12 times a year. Online membership provides all member benefits, with the magazine available digitally to read online or download as a PDF for offline viewing.
Prefer a physical copy? Choose a Printed membership option and receive the magazine by post. UK and worldwide rates are available, with full online access included for early access to each issue.
If you prefer to post your application, please download the Application Form. Address details for where to send it are contained therein.
The new joiners’ prices shown here are after an introductory welcome discount has been applied.
Existing members wishing to renew their membership can do so between 1 November – 31 January.
Former members wishing to re-join are very welcome. The introductory prices offered here are only available after a fallow year has passed.
The membership year runs to 31 December. New members joining from September are enrolled into the following year and enjoy up to 16 months membership.
Direct debit (UK bank accounts)
Direct debit has many operational and financial advantages for the Society and we prefer it for membership payments.
The GoCardless service utilises the direct debit network, and can be operated entirely online. No more paper mandates.
Credit and debit cards
Payments are made into the Society’s Paypal account, You do not need your own Paypal account to use this service.
Paypal
Payments from your Paypal account are also welcome.
The Railway Observer is published 12 times a year. Online membership comes with all members’ benefits except that The Railway Observer is available in digital form only. The magazine can be read online using a viewer that mimics page-turning, or downloaded as a PDF file to be enjoyed offline.
If you prefer to read a physical magazine, select a Printed membership option to have copies posted to you. The different prices reflect differing rates for posting in the UK and worldwide. Full online access is still available, and usually gives the earliest access to the magazine.
Your membership number will be allocated and emailed to you, after which you should be able to login to the Members’ Area.
A membership pack containing your membership card will be posted once your payment has been confirmed. Print-your-own membership cards apply to renewals.
Please contact the Membership Officer using the link below for more information on how you can rejoin.
