WELCOME TO

CHEDDAR STEAM CLUB

We have a private club site on the edge of Cheddar village with the Gorge as a backdrop providing, arguably, one of the prettiest most peaceful model boat and rail clubs in the West Country. This is off Sharpham Road adjacent to the large reservoir and the rugby field. The club facilities are behind the Becatech building, access to our facility is by courtesy of the Directors and routes across their car park. This gives us a delightful site where our pond and railway are available to members at any time.  We have some 80+ members, made up from singles and families with interest in boats, trains, or both.

 

The pond was originally used by Cheddar Models Ltd. to test their steam powered boat engines. Since the company stopped trading the club has been fortunate to be granted a licence to continue using the facility by the owner of the field. The pond is approximately 50M in diameter, and up to 1.5M deep.

 

The club run all types of model boats with the exception of IC powered models or high-speed electric powered racing craft both of these are banned by the club on this pond for safety and noise considerations. Deep-keeled sailing boats may be a problem because the pond shallows down at the sides.

 

We have a layout with two large loops and a central steaming bay. The whole layout runs on both 32mm and 45mm track gauge. The layout is suitable for steam or battery powered units, but is not equipped for electric track pick up models.

 

If you are an existing modeller, or new to the hobby and would like to see the site and perhaps like to join the club please ask, or give either the Secretary or Chairman a ring to make an appointment to come to the site. The facility, being on private ground, is not open to the general public. (Except on open weekends, when entry is free but closely monitored.)

 

Club Members have their own “key” to the gate to allow access out of hours, which is controlled by strict club ruling regarding the operation of the gate.

 

We have three open weekends a year, with many visiting modellers from all over the South of England.  Members have access to the site 363 days of the year.  Our membership is inclusive of Public Liability Insurance and free boiler and gas tank pressure testing as required.

 

We are affiliated to the Northern Association of Model Engineers (NAME)