Tw st
Enthusiasts from Chesterfield Model Engineering Society are already working up a full head of steam for their spring open weekend in May. Twist’s Andrew Eyley meets them
Town’s steamy affair S
HAFTS of winter sunlight highlight the numerous trails of steam drifting skyward through open branches of mature woodland trees. Pristine paintwork and highly-polished copper and chrome just beg to be admired. And the afternoon air is full of the sounds of a bygone age, as Chesterfield model engineers take to the tracks for their first meet of the year.
Records show there was a model engineering society in Chesterfield as long ago as 1932. But it was not until the late 40s that a small band of enthusiasts formed a proactive club and went on to find a long term venue for a track on which models could actually run. Two sites were initially considered, one in the town centre - which was soon rejected due to potential development being just a few years away - and one at Old Whittington, but the steeply sloping ground was unsuitable. Undeterred, the society’s chairman and local headmaster Percy Pearson and secretary Ken Lane approached Chesterfield Borough Education Committee armed with a half-built model loco and a handful of photographs, hoping for suitable track space in the grounds of a local school. The overgrown woodland area behind Brambling House School was suggested as a promising site; as long as the then head Mr McAllister agreed. Fortunately he did, after it was pointed out that the society would support the school’s activities and wouldn’t upset the moody caretaker. On May 8th, 1965, the first spade was dug into the present Hady Hill track site and enthusiastic members have not stopped wheeling barrows and wielding pick axes since. Today, the idyllic setting boasts more than 600 mature trees, abundant squirrels, birds and toads. And an unmatched carpet of daffodils and bluebells each spring. Membership secretary Pete Nash, who spent nine years building a traction engine, says: “I’ve been a member for 27 years now and love every minute. When I first joined there was just 435ft of basic track and now there’s over 11,000ft on two loops, plus station areas, viaducts, carriage sheds, a turntable, steam bay and two impressive tunnels, one being over 65ft long. “There’s always so much going on, whether it’s watching the progress of someone building an engine from scratch meticulously following incredibly detailed plans, maintaining the turntable, or simply clearing leaves from the track. Everyone helps out. Derbyshire County Council have been great over the years, donating building materials. “We’ve now got more than 230 members, ranging from just eight months old to nearly 90 and from all walks of life. We’ve a semi-retired pilot, teachers, a fireman, company directors and obviously people from an engineering background. There’s a wealth of engineering experience here, and I’m proud to say that the club has won several prestigious international competitions. Members also use their skills to produce clocks, repair and restore vintage cars and motorcycles, fairground and old farm engines. But many just come to relax, enjoy a chat with like minded enthusiasts, and ride on a train. “The society welcomes new members, with or without locomotives. And I can recommend the sandwiches, cakes and tea in the on-site club canteen.” Semi-retired pilot Alan Cooper is the proud owner of an incredible 4.5in scale model of a 1903 Burrell general purpose traction which took him 25 years to complete and is capable of pulling five cars. It can often be admired in full steam at many of the UK’s events and rallies. The talented engineer also designs and builds gliders and is a former national flying champion. Another member, Dave Penney, built his unique model from scratch using photographs and specifications of an engine now in Tasmania. He smiles with pride when he tells of the first time he brought it to life around the north Derbyshire track. Club chairman Jack Phillips, who joined in 1973 after visiting a club exhibition, says: “Throughout the year, as well as monthly meetings for club members and private running days to enable engine builders to test their creations, members of the public are invited to visit. We need to raise around £6,000 each year and are funded through subscription, donations and events. “This year, the society open weekends are May 14th and 15th and September 3rd and 4th. Our last open weekend saw over 2,500 people come to see what we have achieved and enjoying a ride around the beautiful grounds.
Pete Nash (left) chats to Alan Cooper beside the stunning ‘Burrell’ engine
“Local photographic societies often train their lenses on the pristine paintwork, highly polished chrome and intricate detailing of our members’ handy work. And with an average build taking around five years, it’s great that individual’s skills are appreciated. One chap spent 37 years on his masterpiece. “We are often accused of just playing trains, and my standard reply is that growing old is compulsory where as growing up is not…” You can discover more about the group at
www.cdmes.co.uk
Smiles in the steaming bay from Chesterfield Model Engineering Society members
12 Tw st magazine
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