The Chelmsford Society of Model Engineers is over 80 years old. Our members come from all walks of life and do not necessarily have an engineering background. Membership is open to all with an interest in model engineering.
We have a membership of over 80.
Our interests cover all forms of model engineering from steam to horology. Members also operate Chelmsford City Miniature Railway, carrying passengers pulled by steam locomotives on two-scale railway tracks.
Situated in Central Park, in the City of Chelmsford, the railways are used to give rides to members of the public.
Club Site
In common with other Model Engineering Societies we have miniature railway for members to run their locomotives. We also have other specialist groups.
There are two main railway tracks, each approximately 1000 ft in length, one raised and the other at ground level.
Both tracks have a covered canopy for passengers.
Access for locos to either track can normally be made directly from the back of a car.
THE RAISED TRACK
The raised track has three gauges, 3.5", 5" and 7.25" and is controlled by 2-aspect signalling.
THE GROUND LEVEL TRACK
The ground level track has two gauges, 5" and 7.25" Loco movement is controlled by 4-aspect signalling which can operate in
either semi-automatic mode with the aid of a signaller, or in fully automatic mode.
GARDEN RAILWAY GROUP
We have a raised 45mm and 32mm gauge garden railway, with an oval shape with loops and siding for setting up rolling stock and steaming bays, enabling running of G scale and Gauge 1.
Members meet up monthly on Tuesday mornings.
MINIATURE STEAM TRACTION ENGINE GROUP
Members who build or operate miniature steam traction engines meet, monthly, on Saturday mornings
MODEL BOATS GROUP
Although we do not have our own boating lake or flying facilities we do have members who build model boats
and hold bi-monthly sailing reggatas, other members build and fly model aircraft with a local flying club.
MODEL STATIONARY ENGINE GROUP
Some members build model stationary engines,clocks and restore vintage cars
WEDNESDAY MORNING GET-TOGETHERS
CLUB NIGHT LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 7.30pm
On wednesday mornings, throughout the year you will find a group of members on site maintaing the railway or finding something to do, if it's only having a cup of tea and a chat.
If you are interested in joining us please call into our site in Meteor Way on one of our meeting evenings or on a Wednesday morning. Alternatively you may contact by email.
The Club welcomes visits from other societies. Interested parties should contact us initially through this website.
Facilities
Light refreshments are often available during public running in the on-site Clubhouse.
The Clubhouse is also used for monthly meetings when external speakers talk to members on a range of topics.
In the middle of each month, members meet to compare notes on current projects.
A well-equipped hobby shop is used for the maintenance of the infrastructure and rolling stock.
How to find us
Please note that the following is NOT a postal address for the Society. The Pedestrian entrance to miniature railway is first right AFTER the car park
NOT the one in the corner of car park
Meteor Way (Opposite Pitch and Putt, off Waterhouse Lane)
Chelmsford,
CM1 2RL
