Chesterfield Railway Modellers developed from the Wingfield Railway Group, a small group of modellers who in 1981 had the desire to build, operate and exhibit layouts based on modern railway practice. We are based in a unit within the Staveley Workshops complex (which was previously the British Steel offices) situated on Works Road near Staveley, Chesterfield S43 2PE.
Currently there are two large layouts permanently erected -
The main layout is Hasland Loco Shed based on the locomotive shed of that name which was located to the south of Chesterfield although the passing tracks are somewhat reduced due to constraints of space. Originally built in the late1970s/early 1980s in end to end form it has subsequently been remade into a large circular layout. It is operated in the LMS and early British Railways eras.
Stonedale made its first public appearance in June 2006 as Stonedale Quarry. This modern era layout was based on a quarry somewhere in the Peak District of Derbyshire featuring a double track main line together with the quarry sidings and loading facilities. Modifications have now been made to the layout making it end to end (rather than circular) with the provision of terminal stations and the quarry replaced with a steam and diesel heritage centre.
Churchgate is a small portable layout which is occasionally taken to local exhibitions. It is based on a suburban terminus with diesel locomotive servicing facilities at a lower level. The time period is usually the 1960's but as members also have models covering other periods the layout can be adapted to showcase these.
All three layouts are to OO gauge (1/76 scale) and, together with the test tracks for N and O gauges, are capable of being operated traditionally (two rail DC) or using digital control (DCC), often incorporating sound.
Several of the group also have their own layouts which are often exhibited locally.
The highlight of the year is the Peak Exhibition held at the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell, a small town in the heart of the Peak District of Derbyshire. Taking place in early June most years the event brings together a selection of layouts from clubs and individuals. The exhibition that took place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June 2024 was very successful.
The website has been updated with photographs of the exhibition and we have updated the Personal Layouts page with photographs of some more members' layouts that have been built recently.
To keep up to date with our activities please follow us on Facebook
Also follow activities on our layouts on the Brockwell Lane YouTube channel
(Last updated July 2024)