• Live steaming
  • Electric loco rides
  • Modelling

Welcome to the CSMEE - the hidden gem of miniature railways and model engineering in Colchester.

The club has a diverse interest in all areas of Model Engineering. Our members principle interest is in running and building miniature railway locomotives and stock. We are a member’s only club but welcome contact from anyone interested in joining whatever your age, experience or skills.

Running model locomotives and other vehicles.

Running model locomotives and other vehicles.

The club has extensive grounds where members regularly run locos of all types as well as other vehicles. We have running tracks for gauge 0, 1, 3.5", 5", 7.25" miniature live steam and electric trains as well as space for model traction engines and road vehicles.

Celebrate a family event with friends and loved ones.

Celebrate a family event with friends and loved ones.

We offer party-venue hire, with a difference! Hire our secure site for your exclusive use, and enjoy a Saturday afternoon of limitless scale-model train rides for all your guests (maximum 50). We also have junior open days, whereby children can become involved in driving scale models. (by invitation only)

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Model Making

Model Making

Members manufacture and build a wide variety of models from just drawings or from kits, whilst others purchase new or second-hand items to renovate or just enjoy. Model types include boats, cars, tanks, traction engines, stationary engines, clocks, and of course railway locomotives and rolling stock. The scales modelled are as varied as our members, but typically range between 1:16 scale, to 1:2 scale.

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New year steam up 2024

Members enjoyed themselves at the 2024 new years day steam-up – Getting started – gauge 1 steam locomotive and coaches – Something a bit different – Young member taking an electric loco for a run – Royal Scott Locomotive BR 9F Locomotive

Great Bently Show 2023

Once again CSMEE had a stand at the Great Bentley show in September. Younger and some not so younger visitors enjoyed Steam train rides, Jeep rides and Traction engine rides. Thanks to all club members who helped.

Visit by Lexden Springs School

The club was pleased to hold a private visit by nine pupils and six supervisors from the Lexden Springs school on Monday 22nd May 2023. Royal Scott provided steam train rides on the raised track and Trundle did duty on the ground level track. The visitors had a very enjoyable time with lots of trains…

Celebration event

On the 2nd April the club held a event to celebrate one long standing member’s as well as one previous member’s 90th Birthday. The event was organised by the club Treasurer and included a cavalcade of 11 locomotives a buffet lunch and specially made birthday cakes. A video of the cavalcade is available to members…

Just getting started?

How to to get started in model engineering with some hints and tips