SSME incorporating Riverside Park Railway

This site is currently under construction

About us

Accessibility

As well as the typical 'ride on' carriages we also have a carriage on our 7 1/4" track which carries wheelchair using passengers.

How to find us

We are located in Bitterne, Southampton. Postcode SO18 1PQ.

Our Track

In early 1960s, the Southampton council agreed that the Society could build a raised track for rail operations in the area known as Cobden Meadows (or Riverside Park). This track, for 3 1/2” and 5” miniatures was opened in 1962

Our Society

Southampton Society of Model Engineers has been in existence for over 100 years.

Interested in joining SSME ?

SSME is a small Model Engineering society based in Bitterne, Southampton. We welcome members of all ages, interests and ability to join our friendly society.
  • Friendly
  • Youth Section
  • Portable Track
  • 7 1/4" Ground Level Track
  • 3.5" and 5" Raised Track
  • Running all year round
Contact us

What's on at SSME?

courses

Public running days

On these days we run trains for the public to ride.   Summer services (every

courses

Winter running

We run for the public on some Sundays during the Winter.

courses

Special events

Upcoming Special Events Saturday 20th April – Spring Rally @ Riverside Park (Members only) Monday 6th

courses

Portable track events

We take our 5″ portable track to a number of local events throughout the year.

courses

Play days

Play days are members only meetings to enable our members to come to the track

Meet the Engines

1700

1700

5 inch GWR 1500 class
The 1700 is a modified GWR class 1500 engine. The Great Western Railway (GWR) 1500 Class is a class of 0-6-0 pannier tank steam locomotive. Despite being a GWR Hawksworth design, all ten (nos 1500-1509) were completed under the administration of the Western Region of British Railways in 1949, just after nationalisation.

Bunny

Bunny

5 inch Simplex Southern
Bunny is our engine that is primarily used for running on our portable track. She is a 0-6-0 Southern engine. Bunny is a 5 inch gauge Simplex design loco, it is coal fired. It came to us from Winchester club along with the portable track.

Britannia

Britannia

3.5 inch Steam Loco
Britannia was built in 1954 by Mr Kirby. It is well known for doing 5000 actual miles in the 50s and doing 18mph around our track, setting the lap record. It has also pulled a tonne in load. Restored and repaired in the 70s it has been a regular runner on play days - up until its last boiler certificate.

Elf

Elf

5 inch Petrol
5 inch Petrol loco

Vulcan

Vulcan

7.25 inch Electric
Our mainstay for public runnning on the ground level track. Vulcan is a 7.25 inch gauge bogie loco of 2 hp comprising 1 electric Bosch motor per bogie. It is built from a kit from the Phoenix locos company, from the Titan range. Approx 10 years old and comes with a seperate driving trolley also from Phoenix locos.

Paxton

Paxton

7.25 inch Steam Loco

What our customers think

Mr S (Southampton)

Not sure who enjoyed it more, my grandsons, my daughters or ME.  The question I now get asked is 'Can we go again Grandad?'  Which only goes to prove what a great success it was.

Mr S (Southampton)

( Customer )
Mr N (Southampton)

Had a lovely day at the Riverside Park railway, thank you for making us so welcome.  It's a great way to spend some time with the family in a lovely setting by the river.  I'd never been before but will definitely recommend to others.

Mr N (Southampton)

( Customer )
Hexagon Centre

We would definitely be up for doing this session again as the guys who attended loved it and there are lots more people who have heard and expressed an interest.

Hexagon Centre

( Customer )
Testwood Lakes Sailability

A big THANK YOU from the volunteers and sailors at TLS, and when can we come again?

Testwood Lakes Sailability

( Customer )
Mr R (Southampton)

My wife, son and grandson loved the multiple rides, as did I!

Mr R (Southampton)

( Customer )

Contact Us

chair@southamptonsme.co.uk
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