Club History
Originally the Society met in a cafe in the town, and had no permanent premises. Early members constructed a portable railway track for 5 and 3.1/2” gauges, and this was used along with member's locomotives at fetes, etc in order to raise some much-needed cash.
Eventually a site was found in Wilstead, on land at the rear of what was then The Rose public house. On this site an extensive track was built, elevated for 3.1/2 and 5” gauges, and latterly feasibility studies were carried out for the construction of a ground level 7.1/4” gauge line.
Major events on this site included the hosting of the prestigious IMLEC competition in 1980. Other important events included an annual exhibition of members' work and the annual traction engine rally. During their stay on this site members built a superb brick built clubhouse/workshop/library.
Sadly, the public house became an unviable proposition for the landlords and a decision was taken to close it. As we shared access to the land at the rear, there was no way in which the tenancy could continue unless alternative access could be found. Unfortunately the landowners on either side felt unable to grant us any small strip of land to make our own access, so the decision was regretfully taken to vacate the site. This involved members in considerable work, as a term of the lease was that it be restored to the virgin field that we had taken over.
Meanwhile the hunt was on for a new site. Eventually this was found about a mile further south the A600 Bedford – Shefford road, in what was then a “pick your own” fruit farm.
Originally it was planned that the railway would open during the picking season, to take passengers to the top of the fields, and for a few seasons this strategy prevailed until falling revenue forced the return of the farmland to normal arable growing.
However our landlords were extremely sympathetic to our plight and invited us to remain, even including an extra field at the top for use as eventual development of the railway.
Part of a disused barn was pressed into service as a clubroom/workshop/library. After fairly extensive refurbishment to make it habitable we were able to move in with some degree of comfort.
Meanwhile development of the railway continued apace, to meet the needs of enthusiasts for the smaller traditional model engineering gauges. An elevated track made from the remains of the track removed from Wilstead was established on the vacant field and named Winterfield.
The ground level line was initially laid for dual 5” and 71/4” gauges, but after several years of use it was found that even the largest 5” gauge engines were not suited to the extreme gradient, and a decision was taken to remove the 5” gauge rail, and use the rail section thus recovered to build a new ground level dual gauge track surrounding and connected to the main line at the top of the site. This new line runs around the outside of the elevated track.
A chance jest at a club meeting resulted in this new line being named Springfield.
Over the years several developments have taken place. We were among the first to install computer controlled signalling on the main line; sadly the designer of this system passed away before it was perfected, and another computer controlled system was devised. This proved less than reliable, and latterly it was decided to run fully interlocked signals and points in the main station area, with the other points outside the control of the box being operated by train crews or being trailing points which operated by the passage of a train, returning to the ready position once the train had passed.
The railway is the public face of the hobby, and operates many times a year, in fine weather to the immense satisfaction of lots of children, (and say it not to a lot of dads and grandfathers who can’t resist taking a ride).
Over the years a series of semi portable buildings have been acquired, refurbished and pressed into service as station buffets on running days and clubrooms for our evening meetings.
In brief that tells the story of the railways, much has been left out, but what you see on the site is largely the work of a band of members who as well as their main interest in model engineering seem to enjoy small scale civil engineering challenges as well.
We still run a miniature traction engine rally each year, and this is normally well attended by members and visitors alike.
Meanwhile others in the Society are proud to keep the traditions of model engineering alive.
The hobby embraces more than the steam locomotives and traction engines so often seen. If it can be modelled you can be sure that a model engineer somewhere is beavering away in his home workshop, doing just that. Of course to progress many models one requires special tools in order to carry out some particular operation, and to many making this tooling is as satisfying as making the model.
As well as this we have a regular series of meetings, a more formal meeting on the second Monday evening each month when speakers and demonstrations are arranged. These may take the form of a discussion on a particular topic of interest, or a help session when all sorts of advice is offered to get round a problem.
About Us
Bedford Model Engineering Society was formed in 1948 to promote interest in model engineering of all kinds, be it on rail, road or water.
For many, model engineering is about building and driving steam locomotives. However interests in the Society range from clock making to building half size steam lorries. Many of the members have no training in engineering, they are just a group of like minded people who love to build things, usually out of metal. One of the best things about the Society is the depth of knowledge that many members have and their enthusiasm for sharing it. So if you’re starting out on something small or want to get a 7¼” Mallet up and running you can be assured of lots of help and advice.
Where Are We
We are located on the A600 between Haynes and Bedford, approximately half way between Bedford and Hitchin. Please see the map below for our exact location.
The image to the right is our secretary, Alan Beard driving a 7 1/4” Mallet locomotive.
Latest Steamings
Last Updated 30/1/11
Current Construction News
Currently the new clubroom is complete. However much is yet to be done in the way of lighting and heating, electrics and plumbing, then the final fittings such as the kitchen area need to be fitted.
Press Release
Our society’s treasurer has asked us to add this file to the website so that you may read about our grant from Greensand Ridge. Please Click Here for a link to a PDF file
Clubroom
One of the current projects of Bedford MES is the construction of a new clubroom cum buffet. Larger than the existing building and nicer too look at. The money was not available straight from club funds so a grant was needed. We have successfully been granted the money needed and with planning permission already given and new building selected we should hopefully have a new clubroom/buffet for the 2012 running season. Why not pop down and have a look!
The picture to the right was taken during the Santa Specials of our three Santa's helpers.
