Club History
Urmston and District Model Engineering Society was formed November 25th 1948 holding its' first meeting at the Delamere Road School on February 24th 1949. The first aim of the Society was to build an oval track for 5" and 3 ½" steam locomotives providing rides for local children and indeed adults. The first track was completed in 1950 but was relocated at the request of the local council, the owners of the site, to a new oval of 489ft by mid 1951. A three aspect signaling system was installed in 1955. The track was rebuilt using aluminium rail in 1959 and in 1964 a second track of 550ft outside the existing track was added. In 1969 new steaming bays were completed which with the double track were officially opened mid 1970. The various wooden pavilions that served as the clubhouse were replaced by a purpose built brick clubhouse officially opened in March 1974. The present track of 2300ft was completed in 1982 for which 2000 metres of aluminium was purchased, 5000 wooden sleepers were cut and pilot holes drilled and more than 45000 pan head screws were used to attach the rail. The Clubs' first and renowned 'May Day Steam' was held on May 1st 1982 in conjunction with the Lancashire Traction Engine Club and this event has been held every year since. The Club celebrated its' 50th Anniversary in September 1998 and it's 'Track Talk' club quarterly magazine was published in 1989. There have been numerous improvements to the track and its' facilities to the present date and these continue with little lessening of enthusiasm. The reputation of the Clubs' status as one of the premier Model Engineering Societies in the UK is well deserved and hard won.
The UDMES track circumnavigates Abbotsfield Park, Chassen Road, Flixton, Manchester. Both Flixton and Urmston are to the West of the M60 Manchester ringroad. The Park is actually in Flixton adjacent to Urmston on the map. For newcomers to the area the most straightforward approach is from traffic lights on the Carrington Road accessed from Junction 8 M60 or from Sale. Junction 8 is the junction before or after the Trafford Centre which is the perfect place to drop the family off if they are not interested in the hobby. Turn right at the lights, signposted Flixton, and proceed approximately 2 miles through Flixton village turning right at the next set of lights and right again at the mini traffic island and the Flixton Conservative Club. The track is on the left, Chassen Road Miniature 5" and 3 ½ " gauge steam and 'electric' engines run most Sundays throughout the year 12.00 noon to 17.00 pm.