• Live steaming
    Live steaming

    3 1/2" Gauge loco with wagons

  • Electric loco rides
    Electric loco rides

    Powerful 7 1/4" Union Pacific

  • Modelling
    Modelling

    Wide variety of 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.

Explore the club

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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Great Bentley 2026

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Once again the club had a stand including Train and jeep rides at the Great Bentley show at the beginning of September. As usual the rides were very popular. Thanks to all club members who supported the event

PROBUS Visit July 2026

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Colne PROBUS Group were treated to a memorable visit to the Colchester Society of Model and Experimental Engineers site in Lexden. Our hosts briefed the team on the society, it’s expansion and development of the site and how it is reaching out to groups such as ours to raise awareness – and who knows, even…

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Members event 27th September

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Over 40 members with their families attended an event to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington railway. A presentation with video clips was held on the evening of the 26th. A cavalcade was held on 27th with 11 locomotives attending. By all accounts it was a very successful event.

Great Bentley show 2025

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As usual the CSMEE had a stand at the Great Bentley show in August. Younger and some not so younger visitors enjoyed viewing our model displays as well as Steam train rides, Traction engine and jeep rides. Thanks to all club members who helped.

Just getting started?

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

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