The Cambridge & District Model Engineering Society welcomes you. The Society enjoys a quiet and
peaceful location bordering fields on the south western edge of the city. The M11 is nearby (but not too
close!) giving easy access from all directions.
We run ground level steam, battery-electric and petrol-hydraulic locomotive hauled trains on 7¼in, 5in and 3½in
tracks. On a nicely sized table top we have a 32mm and 45mm garden railway.
Public Open Days
We look forward to welcoming you for an enjoyable afternoon. A few things to be aware when visting
us:
Refreshments will be provided by Jo's Viva Kitchen - [Facebook Page]. (Inc.
Specialty Coffee, Tea, Cold Drinks, Home baked Treats & Ice Cream.)
We do not allow pets on site. Assistance and Support Animals are permited.
We accept card payments (credit or debit), indeed this is our preferred method of payment.
(Cash & cheque still accepted.)
Please follow the links below for further information.
History Of The Club
For the origins of the Society, we must go back over eighty years as it was formed in 1938 when there
were fifteen people in the Cambridge area that had a common interest in Model Engineering and they
eventually formed the nucleus of the Society.
Meetings in those early days were held in the Old Railway Band Room, off Argyle Street, and the Society
continued in a small but active scale until 1939 when, at the outbreak of World War II, it was disbanded
for the duration. However, Society activities were kept alive by several members who, despite the
troubled times, still managed to run their model locomotives at local events to raise money for
charities.
After the war, there was renewed interest in creative hobbies. The Society gradually expanded in
numbers and the late Alderman H C Banham was elected as the first President in 1948. An exhibition was
organised, and it was such a success that £150 (a lot of money in those days) was added to the Society's
funds.
The Society flourished because of the President's guidance and the original members' experience and
soon the cry went up for a meeting place and workshop facility. Thanks to the generosity of the local
Education Authority, the Headmaster of Chesterton School made available the metal workshop on one or two
evenings a week. This was acceptable but not very convenient and to obtain our own premises was the next
goal. This was not so long in coming and in 1950, the Society acquired premises in Union Road. They were
rather dilapidated but with enthusiasm and vigour, the place was knocked into shape to become the first
Headquarters.
At this time, the President made available, 'rent free' a piece of land on which to build a continuous
track. This was at Cam Road, Chesterton. An immense amount of time and effort was put into building the
original track there. This experience was put to good use when the track at the present site at Newnham
was built eight years later.
In December 1954, it was reluctantly decided the cost of maintaining the workshop, which incidentally
also held a 00 gauge layout, had become prohibitive so the lease was not renewed and once again, the
generosity of the Society's friends came to fore. Mr T B Smith offered, rent free, part of his garage
premises in Herbert Street and these were retained until the business was sold in February 1958.
In January 1958, whilst planning an exhibition to be staged in the University Examination hall, we
started negotiations for the piece of land at Newnham on which our present Headquarters and track are
situated. Immediately the exhibition finished at the end of March 1958, attention was centred on the
development of the site.
A few members designed the clubhouse as a joint effort, planning permission was obtained and work
started on the two-acre site that had been lying uncultivated for several years. By the spring of 1959,
the track was completed, the clubhouse erected and on June 20th that year, Sir Vivian Fuchs officially
opened the site.
Many additional facilities and attractions were added to the site as time, money and materials
permitted. Trees, shrubs and grass provided pleasant surroundings for visitors, not forgetting the
catering facilities for that often much needed cup of tea. The site is private, and the aim has been to
provide a place where the members can enjoy the fruits of our labours and entertain families and
friends.
After more than 20 years of use, the elevated track became due for extensive repair and it was decided
to replace it with a more ambitious ground level track. This multi-gauge (7¼in, 5in and 3½in) ground
level railway track, approximately oval in plan and with a station avoiding loop, gave a continuous run
of about a quarter of a mile. Steaming bays, access to which was gained via branch sections and
turntables, allowed easy preparation and servicing of locomotives. A footbridge, level crossing for
vehicles, station and signals completed the railway scene. A second dual-gauge (5in and 3½in) line was
constructed on raised steel piers and runs along the southern boundary of the site to provide an
out-and-back ride although this was subsequently scaled-back as it was little used, and it blocked the
extension to the south.
In 1995, a new section was opened, this being devoted to 16mm scale, 32mm gauge garden railway. Over
the next two years a railway was built which was laid out in a garden setting on one side of the site.
The engines that run on this track may be steamed using butane gas, meths or coal. Battery powered
locomotives are also used.
On the 16th May 1992, the original Clubhouse and Workshop, together with their contents, were destroyed
by fire. The whole of the following year was filled with raising funds and reconstruction work. The Club
now owns a substantial Clubhouse made of blockwork with timber cladding and was re-roofed after about
25-years. This provides a better and much more comfortable accommodation than previously. The secondary
timber building, which was formerly a store and was used as a temporary Clubhouse during the
reconstruction, had now become the new workshop and was fitted out as time and funds permitted. Further
workshops and storage space were added as suitable buildings became available.
In the early 2010s the Society was offered the land to the north of the Fulbrooke Road site on which
was constructed a loop turning the track into a figure 8 and extending it by approximately 1000 feet to
over a third of a mile. The new loop included a flat-crossing and the opportunity was taken to re-signal
the entire track with fully interlocked, microprocessor-controlled LED signals. A second locomotive
preparation area was built with locomotive handling facilities included a traverser with a scissor lift
to help in transferring locomotives into and out of trailers.
With the conclusion of work on the northern loop interest turned to replacing the worn-out garden
railway. A new site was chosen which allowed for a bigger dual gauge (32mm and 45mm) table top layout
which was closer to the public and generates a lot of interest during the public running days when Gauge
1, 16mm scale and, occasionally 7/8” scale live steam, battery electric and coal-fired are run.
In the mid-2010s the field to the south of the site was bought by the University tennis club who
relocated to it. Fortunately, a 15m wide strip adjacent to the site was added to the Society’s lease
with the intention of constructing a paralleling line along the southern boundary. While drawing up the
planning application for this extension a coach storage shed was added to the planning application. This
allowed for the ground level storage of coupled rakes of coaches reducing the time and physical work
required to prepare for and tidy up after a public running session.The so-called Southern Loop and the
new carriage shed were completed in the early 2020s - delayed due to the pandemic.
In 2022, the steaming-up bays, which had been in place since the early days of the ground level track,
were deemed to be time expired. The steaming-up bay was extensively remodelled including replacing the
turntable with a traverser to provide both access to the ‘bays’ and also a loading/unloading facility of
variable height.
Using a repurposed point, the departure platform area was changed providing a dual purpose ‘refuge’ for
locomotives on public running days and second departure platform used for Club running.
As part of the ongoing management and development of the Newnham site, approximately 1000 trees were
planted both individually and to form a hedge along the new southern boundary. One feature of the site
are the apple trees and additional fruit trees have been planted around parts of the Southern Loop.
The Present Day...
On the second Sunday of each summer month, April to October, the track is open to the public to inspect
and ride upon these miniature trains. Car parking facilities are signposted nearby, and light
refreshments are obtainable.
Steam railway locomotives and train rides are perhaps the active aspects of our work that people most
often see, but the interests of our members cover the whole range of Model Engineering - traction
engines, clocks, marine engines, mill engines - in fact whatever can be modelled in working or static
form.
Regular, informal, meetings are held on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the year at the Newnham site
although it is not a surprise to find members working to improve the site on other days of the week. Not
only are track facilities available to members but there is also a wealth of good advice for the novice
which may be readily obtained from the membership.
On 31st December 2016 all the activities of CMES were novated to Cambridge & District Model Engineering
Society Ltd. (No. 10504908)
Located on the southern edge of Cambridge, we enjoy a beautiful park location where miniature trains of
varying scales and methods of propulsion meander between trees and through grassy areas with a welcome
stop for tea and cakes in the club house.
Yes, it really is as idyllic as it sounds. Some members particularly enjoy the pleasant surroundings as
one way to switch off from the stress of their working lives. (No, we didn't say 'and to get away from
their families'! In fact family members of all ages join in with the work or just enjoy the atmosphere.)
Activities include, but not limited to:-
Public running days
Talking and drinking tea
Club running days (Not open to the public)
Drinking tea and talking
Special days and weekends where other clubs visit to run, chat and relax
Drinking coffee and talking
Model steam running days
Working days (yes, there are always maintenance tasks and improvements to do)
Winter weekly meetings (in Cambridge)
Weekday evening work sessions
Visits (informal and by invitation) to other societies and clubs for special events, running (trains
not a marathon!) etc.
Special running for Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year
Why join?
Somewhere to:-
Unwind
Switch off from work
Recharge the batteries
Enjoy the fresh air of outdoor activities (rain or shine)
Do some practical work different to the daily round
Learn new skills such as driving a real steam locomotive, passenger guarding, ticket office, track
maintenance
Use and share your current skills and experience in a new environment
Share knowledge and experience
Relax
Chat
Rekindle your enthusiasm for past hobbies
Give younger family members an alternative to computer games
Meet the public as a driver, guard, serving refreshments and more
But I'm not an engineer...
Who is today?
Most members do not have a professional engineering background and in many cases do not not pursue
'engineering' as a hobby. What they do have is a shared interest (sometimes a passion) for all things in
miniature.
Membership:-
We run a ground level continuous multi-gauge track for 7¼”, 5” and 3½” locomotives
The main station has an adjoining steam up area with turntable, pit and loading ramp
There is also a raised steaming area with turntable and electrical supply for steam raising fans
The main circuit is fully signalled with track circuiting, allowing several trains to run together
(but apart of course)
An end-to-end raised track for 5” and 3½” locomotives runs along one side of the site
Other member interests include horology (clock making but you knew that), buses, traction engines,
windmills, canals, boats and planes
We had a well established 16mm scale garden railway for 32mm gauge rolling stock which after years
of good service is being rebuilt and extended to include 45mm gauge track, can you help?
Most Sundays see running or other activities (particularly in the summer)
Special running days are arranged
A newsletter keeps members in touch with the latest work and improvements to the club site
Articles on engineering, hobbies and places to visit allow knowledge and experience to be shared
There is lots to do so why not join the Society? Please contact us via the Membership Enquiry Form.
Where Are We?
Our miniature railway can be found on the western side of Cambridge in the Newnham district. We are
behind Cambridge Rugby Club's ground and access is via Fulbrooke Road. When we are open to the public
the site is signposted from Barton Road. At the end of Fulbrooke Road there will be yellow sign pointing
you in the correct direction.
Our address is:-
Fulbrooke Road Cambridge CB3 9EE
Where and when possible we will display signs showing where parking is available. Please note Fulbrooke
Road is Residents Only Parking which is enforced by traffic wardens who patrol the area each day
of the week.
Events
We are planning some special events during the year. When the details are finalised we will update
this page with more information.
A collection of both recent and not so recent images can be found on Flickr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regrettably pets are not allowed on our site. This is due to the large number of people who visit us,
particularly excitable youngsters (and not quite youngsters!). We make exception for Assistance and
Support Animals which are allowed.
As you travel around the track on your train you will notice that there are improvements taking place
and where we have not quite finished things off. We are all volunteers and no-one gets paid for the
work that gets done around the site. Work gets done as we have both the 'manpower' and the money to
afford it. We have a rolling program of replacing 'worn out' parts of our track as well as maintaining
the buildings onsite. In the early 2020's we replaced the roof and windows of the clubhouse and built the
new track that we call the Southern Loop.
On Public Running days we get a number of non-human visitors. You might see a teddy bears' picnic
taking place, a monster trying to climb a tree, cuddly toys watching you or, perhaps most surreal, a
dolphin in a tree. Don't worry, they all go home when the trains stop running where they remain warm
and dry until the next Public Running day.
Our members have a variety of engines that they bring down to our open days. Some of these are
electrically powered (typically 'car' batteries hidden underneath the body), a couple are powered by
petrol engines but the majority of them are real steam engines. They have a coal fire that is used to
turn water into steam which is used to drive pistons which in turn are used to turn the wheels. They
do not have batteries but have a very hot coal fire so please mind little hands! Our engines may be
small but they use the same principles that the 'big' trains do and are just as hot. They are most
definitely not toys!
Our members have a variety of engines that they bring down to our open days. Some of these are
electrically powered (typically 'car' batteries hidden underneath the body), a couple are powered by
petrol engines but the majority of them are real steam engines. They are most definitely not toys!
The garden railway is located next to the departure area at the far end of the sight. It is operated
by some of the Society's members. There are two gauges (sizes) of track 32mm and 45mm that are laid
out as a pair of concentric lozenges. You might see several different scales of trains running e.g.
Gauge 1, 16mm scale and 7/8” scale. Some of the trains are 'standard' gauge while others are 'narrow'
gauge. Just like the bigger trains, the engines might be battery powered or steam powered (using
either gas or coal to heat the water to make the steam). Very occasionally, you might even see a
clockwork locomotive.
Refreshments on Open Days provided by Jo's Viva Kitchen - [Facebook Page]. (Inc.
Specialty Coffee, Tea, Cold Drinks, Home baked Treats & Ice Cream.)
Unfortunately, Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Commercial Service regard us as a commercial user and
charge us to dispose of rubbish. We respectfully ask visitors to take their rubbish (including
nappies) home with them and dispose of it then their domestic waste. We would rather use our money to
extend and enhance our site rather than paying waste disposal charges.
Many of our visitors use bicycles to travel to our site (we have some cycle racks on site). However,
we have secured a number of parking places at the neighbouring Cambridge Rugby Club (follow the signs
on Grantchester Road) and there's a bridge across the brook between our sites. Please do not try to
park in Fulbrooke Road.
Children of all ages are welcome on our trains but if they are under 5 and adult needs to accompany
them. We believe that a single adult can sensibly manage up to two children at once.
In principle, under 5s can travel when accompanied by an adult. Babies and toddlers must travel in
the arms of a parent. Please note that some of the carriages we use are more suitable for passengers
who are carrying babies or young children so please don't be offended if you are asked to wait for a
suitable train.
We are, at heart, an engineering society and as such we do not have extensive facilities especially
when the weather is not too good. Generally speaking, if we have advertised an open day then we will
run the trains although we may stop if the weather becomes too wet - it's no fun for anyone. If you
have tickets that you have not used then don't worry since you can use them at subsequent public
running days.
Of course! See the section on membership in this website for more information.
We accept cash and cards (Including contactless). Tickets are sold only from the ticket office onsite
and must be bought before attempting to board a train.
Tickets are valid for any of our future public running days even if that's next year (unless
otherwise announced). Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds on unused tickets but bring them to the
next public running day and ride again!
Although our site covers several acres it can become quite busy on public running days so we would
respectfully ask that you refrain from playing balls games or other games that involve objects flying
around such as frisbees. There is a further issue which is that objects can land on the track and
while our drivers pay the greatest attention to the track ahead of them an object landing on the track
will cause a train to stop until it is cleared (by a Society member) and delay everyone's journeys.
Yes. The drivers of the trains have to obey the signals which are modelled on the same principle as
the 'big' railway. They are an essential part of the safety systems that we use to ensure that your
ride is safe.
We are a model engineering society at heart and we open to the public on, usually, 7 times year. The
money that we raise from providing rides is ploughed back into our site to improve and extend the
track. Currently we are offering up to six 'private party' bookings per year. See the Private Parties
section.
Our railway supports 3 different gauges of track (the gauge is the spacing between the rails). Our
track works with engines that have wheels that are spaced at either 3½", 5" or 7¼". The recently added
extension only supports the larger two gauges.
During the months from the end of October until the beginning of April we are busy carrying out
essential maintenance on the track, improving the facilities, extending the track, tidying up,
gardening, painting and many other activities.
Public Open Days
Traditionally, we open to the public for Running Days on the second Sunday of the month from April to
October inclusive. The gates to the site are open from 12.30pm and trains run from 1.30pm until 5.30pm.
The dates for 2025 are:
☛ 13th April ☚
☛ 11th May ☚
☛ 8th June ☚
☛ 13th July ☚
☛ 27th July ☚
☛ 10th August ☚
☛ 14th September ☚
☛ 28th September ☚
☛ 12th October ☚
☛ 26th October ☚
☛ 13th April ☚
☛ 11th May ☚
☛ 8th June ☚
☛ 13th July ☚
☛ 27th July ☚
☛ 10th August ☚
☛ 14th September ☚
☛ 28th September ☚
☛ 12th October ☚
☛ 26th October ☚
Please note that the dates in italics are 'special' dates - details will follow
We are unable to facilitate public parking on our site and are very grateful to Cambridge Rugby Club
for allowing us to make occasional, where possible, use of their car park which adjoins our site.
Fulbrooke Road is Residents Only Parking which is enforced by traffic wardens who patrol the
area each day of the week.
Many of our visitors cycle or walk where possible.
Refreshments will be provided by Jo's Viva Kitchen - [Facebook Page]. (Inc.
Specialty Coffee, Tea, Cold Drinks, Home baked Treats & Ice Cream.)
Ticket Prices
Each train ride requires a ticket although under-3s are free. Under-5s require an adult to accompany
them.
£2.50 per Ticket
☒
£10 for 5 Tickets
☒ ☒ ☒ ☒ ☒
There is no expiry for unused tickets; Tickets can be used at any of our future Open Days.
Tickets can be purchased from the station Ticket Office during our Open Days.
We accept payments by Card, Contactless, Cash or Cheque.
Holding Parties
A question that we are frequently asked is 'can I hold my son or daughter's birthday party at your
ground?'. We welcome people to hold their parties at our site during our Public Running Days but would
respectfully remind your that we are a model engineering society and do not have facilities to entertain
children nor to provide cover in the event of rain. People who have held parties in the past have
generally brought 'patio marquees' with them to protect against the rain.
If you would like to hold your party then please note that while the trains will not start until 1.30pm
the gates are open at 12.30pm. If you wish to unload your party equipment from a car we ask that the
central part of our ground be kept free of cars between 1.30pm and 5.30pm.
One of the joys of our site is that it is tucked away in a fairly quiet (except for the sound of steam
whistles!) corner of Cambridge.
We do not have a rubbish/refuse collection so we ask that you take any rubbish home with you and
dispose of it there.
Private Parties
For the days which need to be extra special, we offer our site and trains for your exlusive use.
All dates for 2024 have been booked (25/26 May, 22/23 June, 27/28 July). Please enquire if you wish to
be put on reserve list.
For more information, including pricing and booking, please email: parties@cdmes.uk
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