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.
Upcoming Running Days
2012
25th March (Sunday)
Public Running
8th & 9th April (Sunday & Monday)
Public Running
22nd April (Sunday)
Public Running
Summerfields Miniature Railway
Summerfields Miniature Railway was built by the members of Bedford Model Engineering Society so they could run their locos. Summerfields Railway is only one part of three. We also have two other railways. Winterfield and Springfield. Winterfield is a raised track in the centre of the other two railways. Springfield runs around the outside of Winterfield and shares the track with Summerfields. We are able to cater for 2½”, 3½”, 5” and 7¼” on our various railways.
Summerfields Railway
As you arrive into the club site you may see our station straight ahead on the far side of the field. Once you have parked your vehicle in our spacious car park and have wandered up towards the top of the field you will see to your left our station area, straight ahead of you, our unmissable clubroom serving hot and cold drinks as well as snacks such as cakes and biscuits which are occasionally made by one of our members.
The start of your journey is at our main station, Haynes End.By purchasing your ticket at the ticket office and making your way through the crowd barriers you will be invited to board your awaiting train.
After the green light appearing and the guard giving the whistle your train will depart one of three platforms. The section of track to the top of the hill is all single 7¼ inch. Remnants of the 5 inch track are still visible;take a look at the points and crossings as well as some sleepers. After passing the signal box and over the diamond crossing you hit the hill. This hill makes steam locomotives work hard. You may notice a change in exhaust beat, electric and diesel locomotives will still work hard but the passenger may not notice any change. After passing the level crossing you will pass through Badgers Holt, There is no reason for anybody to alight at this station so we pass straight through and immediately turn left to cross a bridge and then turn right to run parallel to the tree line.
After a short straight section we turn through 90 degrees to pass the coach shed on our right, you will then be able to see our raised track to the right. As you run around the perimeter of Winterfield and Springfield lines you will perform a 180 degree turn clockwise and pass through some more trees and over a small level crossing. Your driver will start to slow soon after this and after turning right you will stop in the station where you will get a chance to view the other railways and take a ride after purchasing tickets from the Hammer Hill ticket office
Once you are satisfied with your stay you may return by train to Haynes using your first ticket. After leaving the station you will perform a loop of the track and then pass the station and start descending crossing another bridge and passing Badgers Holt travelling down hill you will then cross the level crossing and your driver will shortly start to brake to slow for the points back into Haynes End.
Special Events
Every so often Bedford Model Engineering Society runs special events, from Traction Engine Rallies to Santa Specials. These special events may require pre-booking or extra information about the event will have to be published. This information will be published below this message.
The space below is reserved for special running notes and is updated when needed.
Thank You
To everyone who supported us in the 2011 season! We hope the 2012 Running Season will be just as brilliant!
The YouTube video below gives you half of the trip from Haynes End to Hammer Hill and an insight into general going’s on
The diagram below is called schematic; it is purely representative and is also what the signal man will use to see where trains are,the signals and also the points. The diagram is of Haynes End.