Choo choo All aboard for a journey through time. Welcome to the Cambridge Model Engineering Society miniature railway a hidden gem nestled on the southwestern edge of Cambridge.
For over eighty years this haven for model engineering enthusiasts has delighted visitors of all ages. It all began in 1938 with fifteen people sharing a passion. They met in the Old Railway Band Room off Argyle Street. World War II briefly interrupted their hobby. Several members however kept the spirit alive raising money for charity.
After the war the society thrived. Alderman H C Banham became their first president in 1948. A successful exhibition boosted their funds significantly. The need for a permanent home and workshop became clear. Thanks to the local Education Authority and the Headmaster of Chesterton School they initially used a metal workshop. The search for their own space continued.
In 1950 they acquired premises in Union Road. The building was dilapidated but their enthusiasm transformed it into their first headquarters. Their president generously provided land on Cam Road Chesterton for a continuous track. This experience proved invaluable when they built their current track in Newnham eight years later.
The society’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. In December 1954 they had to give up their workshop due to high maintenance costs. Mr T B Smith kindly offered part of his garage rent-free. They remained there until 1958. That same year negotiations began for their current site in Newnham.
By the spring of 1959 the track was complete. The clubhouse was built. Sir Vivian Fuchs officially opened the site. The society’s dedication continued. They added trees shrubs and grass. They created catering facilities for those much-needed cups of tea.
A devastating fire in 1992 destroyed the clubhouse and workshop. The following year was spent raising funds and rebuilding. The new clubhouse is a substantial blockwork building with timber cladding. Additional workshops and storage were added.
In the early 2010s a new loop was added to the track extending it to over a third of a mile. The entire track was re-signalled with microprocessor-controlled LED signals. A second locomotive preparation area was built complete with a traverser and scissor lift. A new dual-gauge tabletop garden railway replaced the worn-out one. This is closer to the public.
The Cambridge Model Engineering Society miniature railway is a testament to perseverance passion and community spirit. It’s a place where miniature trains chug along a delightful track. It’s a place where families gather under apple trees and share the joy of model engineering. So take a ride on this amazing miniature railway. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.