Established in 1936, Carlisle & District Model Engineering Society are a small group of enthusiastic model engineers, with a focus on the building and running of electric and live steam model locomotives, although many members have interests in Steam Traction Engines, Staionary Steam Engines and other areas of Model Engineering.
The records of the society go back to an AGM held in 1936, however it is believed that it was operating in a less formal way much earlier than this. The society was changed in 1990 to a limited company as most other clubs have done and has occupied the present site since 1936.
The Model railway track, as it is now, was first constructed in around 1947 by Bill Neish – Woodwork & Metalwork Master at The Creighton School in Carlisle and members of the Society. The wooden moulds to form the concrete track support structure were made in the Creighton’s woodwork section, helped by some of his pupil's at the time. Bill Neish also made many of the Steam Loco’s in the Metal workshop. This was in the 1940’s. It is understood that Bill and his brother constructed around 8 live steam locomotives and were in use at the current site between 1948 and 1955.
In October 2009, work started on replacing the tracks. Our original plan was to remove only the 5" and 3 1/2" gauge aluminium track, however, as is often the case with this type of project, after lifting the one section it was found the steel sleepers and the securing bolts were badly corroded and so the job became a total replacement project. This work was completed by April 2010.
The Society's Club House
Our raised ‘ride-on’ track, approximately 550' in length, can accommodate models in 3½", 5" and 7¼" gauges. The landscaped circuit at the park and our clubhouse and storage facilities, have all been constructed with our own resources and with the help of the donations of many local people and organistions and members of the public who have enjoyed a ride on our trains.
The society owns a total of 4 locomotives, 2 electric and 2 live steam. The largest of our models is a 7¼" gauge model of an American style diesel locomotive 'Santa Fe' which is battery powered.
'Santa Fe'
Our other battery powered locomotive is a model of 'Thomas the Tank Engine'.
'Thomas the Tank Engine'
Our two steam locomotives are a model of a 4-4-2 Atlantic locomotive, constructed around 50 years ago, which were once a familiar sight on the rail network in the UK.
The Society's 5" Gauge'Atlantic' 4-4-2
Our final model is a model of a Great Western Railway 2-6-2 Large Tank Prairie locomotive number '4154'.
The Society's 5" Gauge Large Prairie Tank
As a member of the Northern Association of Model Engineers the society also is an active participant in the Stephensons Trials, which are held annually at different clubs.
Apart from the railway, the society is also keen to promote any form of model engineering including I.C. engines, Stationary steam engines, Clocks, tools and equipment etc.
If you have any interest in model engineering or electrics why not come along and say hello, new members are always welcome, even if you are just a visitor to the area.
The clubhouse offers us facilities for holding meetings, which are usually held on Thursdays when members meet and discuss all things model engineering and, if needed, carry out essential maintenance tasks. During the summer from April to October we operate the railway for the general public on every Sunday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. The monies raised help pay for the railway and club facilities which are also supported by Carlisle Council. In addition to the above we also hold an annual open day where other clubs are invited to bring their engines along and enjoy the clubs hospitality.
We are located at Hammonds Pond in Upperby Park, Carlisle (See map below) where our facilities include a club house where members meet, a secure storage facility where the societies models and rolling stock and some members models are stored; and a raised track of approximately 550' length, with tracks for 3½", 5" and 7¼" gauge locomotives. We are open to the public on Sundays between April and October (weather and member attendance permitting), when trains run for passengers for a small fee.
The society is funded entirely by donations, members’ subscriptions and money raised during our track running days. Our members take great pleasure in giving enjoyment to our many visitors both young and old and we rely on them to keep the railway running.
Come along and visit us, take a ride on our miniature railway and enjoy the picturesque surroundings and other facilities at Hammonds Pond and Upperby Park!
We are open on Sundays from April until October from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, when members of the public can take a ride aboard one of our trains for a small fee, weather and staff permitting.