Tonbridge Model Engineering Society

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Tonbridge Model Engineering Society

Founded in 1944 with 7 members, the TMES has developed into an enthusiast and volunteer run club, th Background to the Society. This provided 480ft of 3 1/2in.

The Society was formed in 1944 following a chance meeting of a number of fellow travellers commuting to London, and seven members attended its first meeting held in the Technical Institute and Library, Tonbridge. Further meetings were held and, as membership expanded, a Chairman, Officers and Committee were elected. A start was made on a multi-gauge track in the grounds of E.D.C. Ltd (now Wallace

& Tiernan) but this was abandoned when the Tonbridge Urban District Council offered us our present site. The first track at our present site was built in 1951 in the form of an oval. and 5in. track and its outline is still discernible. Subsequent extensions have resulted in the track we have today - about one third of a mile long complete with signalling and safety rail and containing some 2,000 sleepers and over 200 rail joints. Membership has risen to well over 100 with about 40 locomotives. The Society's facilities now include a steaming bay and turntable, passenger trollies, refreshment facilities and meeting room, store, and a well appointed workshop. The carriage, which is used as a refreshment area and meeting room, is an ex-BR General Delivery Van dating back to 1939 and is in the process of being restored. The carriage is situated on 60ft of full size track and is equipped with both water and electricity. These facilities, together with the increasing age of the track, present a considerable maintenance problem. A programme of winter maintenance takes place most years and all members are expected to do their part. Regular meetings are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout the summer for running on the track and the close season allows for evening meetings, usually on a monthly basis, for film shows, talks etc. Occasional club outings take place most years to sites of mutual interest, and barbeques and competitions are arranged for most years. The Society is now registered as a non profit-making co-operative under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. A member’s liability is limited by Section 57(d) of this Act to his shareholding which, under the Society’s rules, is limited to a maximum of £1 share per member. The Society operates in a public park and takes safety very seriously. It has a well developed Health and Safety strategy and, in view of the popularity of its track amongst the young, is very aware of its obligations under the Child Protection Act.

22/08/2026

21/08/2026

🚂💚 All aboard for a great cause! 💚🚂

Join us on Sunday, 30th August at Tonbridge Model Engineering Society for another special fundraising day, this time in support of Friends of Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

The charity works to support patients, their families and our local hospital, and we're delighted to be helping them raise funds.

🚂 Enjoy rides on our miniature railway – with donations from the day supporting Friends of Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for the whole family – rides for all ages

🕛 Open from 12:00pm – 4:30pm

📍 Find us at The Slade, between the Slade Car Park and the swimming pool in Tonbridge

👉 No need to book – simply turn up and enjoy the railway while supporting a fantastic local cause.

💚 Every donation helps make a difference.

We look forward to welcoming you! 🚂

22/07/2026

🚂💛 Join us on Sunday 2 August at Tonbridge Model Engineering Society, where all donations from train rides will go to the Mayor's Charity Fund. 💛🚂

This year, the fund is proudly supporting two fantastic charities:

🚁 Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance – providing life-saving emergency care across the region.

🎗️ Scott's Project Trust – Supporting adults with learning disabilities to live fulfilling, independent and happy lives

🚂 Train rides available throughout the afternoon – with all ride donations going directly to these wonderful causes.

🕚 Open from 11:00am – 4:30pm

📍 Find us between the Slade Car Park and the swimming pool in Tonbridge

👉 No need to book – simply turn up and enjoy a great family day out while supporting two amazing charities.

We look forward to welcoming you! 🚂💛

05/07/2026

Join us on Saturday 11 July for one of the biggest events in the Tonbridge Model Engineering Society calendar!

With visiting locomotives from other clubs, steam and electric trains running throughout the day, and plenty to see for all ages, it's the perfect family day out.

🚂 Train rides available throughout the day
🚂 Visiting locomotives and displays
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A great day out for the whole family

🕙 Open from 10:00am – 5:00pm

📍 Find us between the Slade Car Park and the swimming pool in Tonbridge

🎟️ No tickets required – simply turn up and enjoy the day!
💛 Train rides are available on a donation basis.

Whether you're a lifelong railway enthusiast or just looking for something different to do with the family, we'd love to welcome you.

We look forward to seeing you there! 🚂

28/05/2026

We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along to our Bank Holiday fundraising event in support of Demelza House Children's Hospice.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we are proud to say we raised an amazing £800 for Demelza! 👏💛

It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the railway, and every ride helped support a truly wonderful cause.

A huge thank you also goes to all of our volunteers and supporters who helped make the day possible.

We really appreciate everyone who came along, donated, and supported the event — you helped make a real difference 💛

19/05/2026

Don’t forget to join us this Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May, for our special fundraising event in support of Demelza House Children's Hospice.

⚠️ Please note our new earlier start time! 11:00am

🚂 Take a ride on our miniature railway – with rides available on a donation basis
💛 All proceeds go towards supporting Demelza

🕐 NEW Times:
11:00am – 4:30pm

📍 Find us between the Slade Car Park and the swimming pool in Tonbridge

👉 No need to book – just turn up!

Come along, enjoy the railway, and help support a fantastic local charity 💛

26/04/2026

🚂💛 Bank Holiday Fundraiser at Tonbridge Model Engineering Society 💛🚂

Join us this Monday 25th May for a special fundraising event in support of Demelza House Children's Hospice.

Come along, enjoy the railway, and help support a fantastic local charity 💛

🚂 Take a ride on our miniature railway – with rides available on a donation basis
💛 All proceeds go towards supporting Demelza House

🕜 Time:
1:30pm – 4:30pm

📍 Find us between the Slade Car Park and the swimming pool in Tonbridge

👉 No need to book – just turn up!

Your support makes a real difference — we hope to see you there!

Demelza Charity

30/03/2026

🐰🌼 Easter Weekend Special at Tonbridge Model Engineering Society! 🌼🐰

Join us this Saturday & Sunday for a fun-filled Easter event the whole family will enjoy!

🔍 “Count the Bunnies” Challenge
Can you spot them all around the track? Keep your eyes peeled!

🍫 Small Easter Eggs for Children
A little treat for our younger visitors 🐣

🚂 Take a ride on our miniature railway – with rides available on a donation basis

🕜 Times:
Saturday & Sunday
1:30pm – 4:30pm

📍 Find us between the Slade Car Park and the swimming pool in Tonbridge

👉 No need to book – just turn up!

Bring the family along, enjoy the trains, and take part in some Easter fun!

Address

The Slade
Tonbridge
TN91HR

Website

http://www.tonbridgemes.com/

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