Grimsby and Cleethorpes Model Engineering Society

Overview

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The Grimsby and Cleethorpes Model Engineering Society (GCMES) is a charitable incorporated organisation dedicated to promoting public education in engineering through the construction and operation of model engineering projects. It is registered under Charity Number 1179899 and affiliated with the Northern Association of Model Engineers (N.A.M.E.)

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History

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• Founded: 1935 by Henry Hartley, Sidney Well, and Mr. Scrimshaw.

• Initially a small group of enthusiasts, the society has grown significantly over the decades and currently has around 70 members

• Since 1987, its headquarters have been at Waltham Windmill, near Grimsby, where members transformed overgrown scrubland into a thriving miniature railway site.

• In 2025, the society celebrated its 90th anniversary with a major community event, offering free rides and aiming to inspire future engineers.

 

Mission and Activities

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The society’s core mission is:

“The advancement of public education in engineering through the construction and operation of models of engineering, the provision of talks, public exhibitions, demonstrations, and by providing facilities for construction, development, and running engineering models.”

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Key Activities:

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• Operating the Waltham Miniature Railway, a fully signalled multi-gauge ground-level track accommodating 5", and 7¼" gauges, with a shorter inner loop incorporating 3½” gauge.

• Public running sessions on Sundays (March–September), selected Bank Holidays, and special days like Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Last year (2025) we gave over 10,000 rides.

• Building Engineering projects, 5 Guards Wagons were recently constructed for the railway by members.

• Hosting general meetings on the third Tuesday evening of each month and maintenance sessions every Thursday morning.

• Organising community events, exhibitions, and educational demonstrations.

 

Facilities

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• A brick clubhouse with a small workshop.

• Carriage shed (extended in 2022/23).

• External workshop, multi track steaming bays with turntable, working signal box, (currently being enlarged) and a 72ft tunnel.

• Height adjustable traverser capable of taking locos up to 500kg and 2 metres long. Larger locos up to 1 tonne can be off-loaded at ground level.

• The recent track extension of 300 metres, opened in 2022, has extended the total main line circuit to over 840 metres (half a mile).

 

Membership

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• Offers Full Membership, Associate Membership and Junior Membership options.

• Full members enjoy full privileges, including operating models at the club site.

• Associate members can attend meetings and participate in activities but cannot vote or operate their own models.

• Membership fees: Full – £40/year; Associate – £5/year. Junior £20/year

 

Charitable Status and Governance

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• Registered charity, (Number 1179899) with 10 trustees and around 70 volunteers.

• No paid employees; all work is volunteer-driven.

 

Location and Contact

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• Address: Waltham Windmill, Brigsley Road, Waltham, Grimsby, NE Lincolnshire, DN37 0JZ.

• Website: www.gcmes.com

• Contact: gcmessecretary1@gmail.com

 

Why It’s Special

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GCMES is more than a hobby club—it’s a community hub fostering engineering skills, creativity, and camaraderie. Its miniature railway and hands-on projects make it a unique attraction for enthusiasts and families alike.

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