Welcome to the website of the Sheffield Model Railway Society.
The Sheffield Model Railway Society was founded in 1963 and for many years was based in Dore, south of Sheffield. A couple of years ago it relocated to new premises based in Hillsborough, Sheffield. The society meets regularly to discuss all aspects of railways and modelling, meet new friends and build layouts for exhibition. There are currently approximately 20 members. Our annual exhibition is usually held on the second Saturday of October - further details can be found here.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
DCC stands for Digital Command Control, where locomotives receive commands, such as direction of running, speed and lights on/off through the track. The systems we use are; Lenz, NCE and Bachmann E-Z command.
Best system - NCE Power Cab. Fully featured start set available for under £150. Downsides are; limited power for large layouts (it is upgradeable if you want more), and the NCE system DOES NOT support non-DCC fitted locos (see below). Other systems can have compatibility issues, but NCE is compatible with everything!
Best decoder - NCE D13. Motor control is superb, it can supply up to 2 amps and is available for around £12. Only downside is that it is single-sided and therefore larger than some decoders which may be an issue if space is at a premium. Not suitable for N gauge.
DC on DCC - some systems support operating non-DCC fitted locos on DCC (Loco 0). This can be dangerous to the well being of your motors! - some older/less robust motors such as Lima/'old' Hornby/ Dapol can experience severe arcing between the commutator plates which can cause terminal damage.
NMRA
Some society members are also members of the NMRA. If you have an interest in the railroads of North America, this society is worth joining to put you in touch with others of a like-mind. On the last Sunday of each month there is the Sheaf Valley sub-division 'meet'. This is held at the church hall, Ryton Road between 10am & 4pm. 'Members' bring modules in N and HO scales which (in the case of HO) are joined to make larger layouts that can reach around 80' of end to end running line. New members are very welcome - the only running restriction is that HO locos must be DCC fitted (due to the modular approach to construction).
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Howbrook OO (12'x6')
Description:
What the GC Sheffield - Barnsley Line could have been had it run along the opposite side of the valley to the north of Chapeltown, and if a junction had been made to form a link line to the GC's Woodhead line near Wortley. This proposed line appears to have previously been a double track line that has now been singled. Stopping services operate between Sheffield & Barnsley, but for exhibition purposes it is assumed that the main GC Woodhead line is still open, and due to engineering work some trains are diverted through Howbrook to/from Sheffield.
Time period:
1970's BR Blue through to Sectorisation.
Exhibitions:
2006 - Pontefract and Sheffield (Birkdale).
Current status:
In storage in society clubrooms.
Other info:
Capable of operating on either DC or DCC. Has working colour light signals interlocked with point setting. Track is SMP with hand-built points operated by SEEP motors.
Tinsley South OO (16'x6')
Description:
A suburban station on the GC Sheffield - Rotherham line on what is now the Sheffield Supertram line near Meadowhall. Assumes that this line was developed and retains a passenger service. For exhibitions/added operating interest, assumes trains are diverted from the Midland Line due to engineering works.
Time period:
1970's blue with EM1's.
Exhibitions:
2004 - Derby & Leeds
2005 - Pontefract, Doncaster, Sheffield (Birkdale), York & Holmfirth
2006 - Chesterfield & Retford
2007 - Sheffield (Davy United)
Description:
What the GC Sheffield - Barnsley Line could have been had it run along the opposite side of the valley to the north of Chapeltown, and if a junction had been made to form a link line to the GC's Woodhead line near Wortley. This proposed line appears to have previously been a double track line that has now been singled. Stopping services operate between Sheffield & Barnsley, but for exhibition purposes it is assumed that the main GC Woodhead line is still open, and due to engineering work some trains are diverted through Howbrook to/from Sheffield.
Time period:
1970's BR Blue through to Sectorisation.
Exhibitions:
2006 - Pontefract and Sheffield (Birkdale).
Current status:
In storage in society clubrooms.
Other info:
Capable of operating on either DC or DCC. Has working colour light signals interlocked with point setting. Track is SMP with hand-built points operated by SEEP motors.
Tinsley South OO (16'x6')
Description:
A suburban station on the GC Sheffield - Rotherham line on what is now the Sheffield Supertram line near Meadowhall. Assumes that this line was developed and retains a passenger service. For exhibitions/added operating interest, assumes trains are diverted from the Midland Line due to engineering works.
Time period:
1970's blue with EM1's.
Exhibitions:
2004 - Derby & Leeds
2005 - Pontefract, Doncaster, Sheffield (Birkdale), York & Holmfirth
2006 - Chesterfield & Retford
2007 - Sheffield (Davy United)
Due to be at Rochdale in September 2012.
Current status:
Undergoing restoration/updating off-site.
Other info:
Features 1500v 'Woodhead' style overhead line electrification. Featured in Modern Railway Modelling Issue 2. Capable of operating on either DC or DCC. Has working colour light signals interlocked with point setting. Track is SMP with hand-built points operated by SEEP motors.
Westwood Road OO (10'x2')
Description:
A small diesel servicing depot/stabling point with a connection to a minor, and very run down branch line. The depot has a small halt nearby that sees a regular DMU service.
Time period:
Late 70's/early 80's BR Blue period.
Current status:
Undergoing restoration/updating off-site.
Other info:
Features 1500v 'Woodhead' style overhead line electrification. Featured in Modern Railway Modelling Issue 2. Capable of operating on either DC or DCC. Has working colour light signals interlocked with point setting. Track is SMP with hand-built points operated by SEEP motors.
Westwood Road OO (10'x2')
Description:
A small diesel servicing depot/stabling point with a connection to a minor, and very run down branch line. The depot has a small halt nearby that sees a regular DMU service.
Time period:
Late 70's/early 80's BR Blue period.
Exhibitions:
2008 - Pontefract, Sheffield (Birkdale), Sheffield (Davy United) & Retford.
Due to appear at Leeds in October 2011.
Current status:
In use off-site.
Other info:
Capable of operating on either DC or DCC. Track is SMP with hand-built points operated by SEEP motors. Fully self-contained legs and lighting. Capable of being up and running in 15 minutes from unloading.
Ash Wood OO (14'x1')
Description:
Ash Wood started life as a north of England 1960's branch line. Uncompleted, it developed into a 1970's run-down branch in the North London commuter belt. Adding 3rd rail (a feature not often seen on models) moved it south of the river.
Time period:
1980's NSE, but later privatisation liveries also make an appearance.
Exhibitions:
2009 - Pontefract, Sheffield (Davy United), Retford.
2010 - Sheffield (Birkdale)
Current status:
In use off-site.
Other info:
Capable of operating on either DC or DCC. Track is SMP with hand-built points operated by SEEP motors.
Manygates OO (10' x 12")
Description:
A Small freight terminal based in East London with a suburban BR/ London Underground joint line with a peak-hour BR passenger service.
Time Period:
Early to Late 1970's.
Exhibitions:
Halifax in September 2010, Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2010 and Rochdale in February 2011, Booked to appear at Manchester in October and Retford in November 2011.
Current Status:
In use off-site.
Other Info:
Has 4th rail London Underground with working 3/4 car trains of 1938 tube stock running alongside a range of conventional BR stock including 3rd rail electrics and DCC Sound fitted locos. Able to operate on both DC and DCC. Track is Peco code 75. Fully contained legs and lighting, and capable of being up and running in 15 minutes from unloading.
Axmouth Bridge (12' x 18")
Description:
2008 - Pontefract, Sheffield (Birkdale), Sheffield (Davy United) & Retford.
Due to appear at Leeds in October 2011.
Current status:
In use off-site.
Other info:
Capable of operating on either DC or DCC. Track is SMP with hand-built points operated by SEEP motors. Fully self-contained legs and lighting. Capable of being up and running in 15 minutes from unloading.
Ash Wood OO (14'x1')
Description:
Ash Wood started life as a north of England 1960's branch line. Uncompleted, it developed into a 1970's run-down branch in the North London commuter belt. Adding 3rd rail (a feature not often seen on models) moved it south of the river.
Time period:
1980's NSE, but later privatisation liveries also make an appearance.
Exhibitions:
2009 - Pontefract, Sheffield (Davy United), Retford.
2010 - Sheffield (Birkdale)
Current status:
In use off-site.
Other info:
Capable of operating on either DC or DCC. Track is SMP with hand-built points operated by SEEP motors.
Manygates OO (10' x 12")
Description:
A Small freight terminal based in East London with a suburban BR/ London Underground joint line with a peak-hour BR passenger service.
Time Period:
Early to Late 1970's.
Exhibitions:
Halifax in September 2010, Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2010 and Rochdale in February 2011, Booked to appear at Manchester in October and Retford in November 2011.
Current Status:
In use off-site.
Other Info:
Has 4th rail London Underground with working 3/4 car trains of 1938 tube stock running alongside a range of conventional BR stock including 3rd rail electrics and DCC Sound fitted locos. Able to operate on both DC and DCC. Track is Peco code 75. Fully contained legs and lighting, and capable of being up and running in 15 minutes from unloading.
Axmouth Bridge (12' x 18")
Description:
Southern Railway branch-line terminus based on Seaton, East Devon.
Time Period:
1920s-1930s
Exhibitions:
Possibly Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2012.
Current Status:
Under construction off-site.
Wickersley
Description:
http://wickersleylayout.blogspot.com/
Time Period:
1960's South Yorkshire BR.
Exhibitions:
Sheffield (Davy United) 2009, Sheffield (Birkdale) 2010, and Sheffield (Davy United) 2010.
Current Status:
Currently being updated off-site.
Wickersley
Description:
http://wickersleylayout.blogspot.com/
Time Period:
1960's South Yorkshire BR.
Exhibitions:
Sheffield (Davy United) 2009, Sheffield (Birkdale) 2010, and Sheffield (Davy United) 2010.
Current Status:
Currently being updated off-site.
Club Layouts
Penruan (OO Gauge 7'x7')
Description:
'U-shaped' Cornish sea-side branch-line terminus.
Time period:
1970's/1980's BR Blue, early sectorisation.
Exhibitions:
Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2011.
Current status:
Under construction.
The real Blue Island is an area of Chicago near the shore of Lake Michigan that is criss-crossed by a number of Class One railroads together with a number of lesser and feeder roads. The high
Time period:
Unspecific so a variety of stock can be operated and displayed, but the main phase is probably the late 1970's/early 1980's era when a great variety of stock and liveries could be seen prior to the large mergers and acquisitions of more recent times. However stock from the later, more consolidated, era may also be seen from time to time.
Penruan (OO Gauge 7'x7')Description:
'U-shaped' Cornish sea-side branch-line terminus.
Time period:
1970's/1980's BR Blue, early sectorisation.
Exhibitions:
Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2011.
Current status:
Under construction.
Other info:
DCC or DC. Peco code 75 track. Points operated by Peco motors.
Blue Island (HO Gauge 16'x2')
DCC or DC. Peco code 75 track. Points operated by Peco motors.
Blue Island (HO Gauge 16'x2')
The real Blue Island is an area of Chicago near the shore of Lake Michigan that is criss-crossed by a number of Class One railroads together with a number of lesser and feeder roads. The high
level line on "Blue Island" seen here represents a link line busy with exchange traffic between some of these roads. This line passes through an industrial area on an embankment to
clear other lines and inlets and a small run-down quayside to which there is a steeply graded link line. This quayside has a feature once common in the US of a barge equipped to carry rail vehicles. A number of trains using the high level link line stop to attach/detach freight cars in the siding, and these are switched to and from the industries around the quayside and to/from the barge.
Time period:
Unspecific so a variety of stock can be operated and displayed, but the main phase is probably the late 1970's/early 1980's era when a great variety of stock and liveries could be seen prior to the large mergers and acquisitions of more recent times. However stock from the later, more consolidated, era may also be seen from time to time.
Exhibitions:
2008 - Sheffield (Davy United).
May be shown at Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2012.
Current status:
On display in society clubrooms.
Other info:
DCC only. Peco code 75 track. Points operated by Peco motors.
2008 - Sheffield (Davy United).
May be shown at Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2012.
Current status:
On display in society clubrooms.
Other info:
DCC only. Peco code 75 track. Points operated by Peco motors.
Jumble Lane (O Gauge 16'x2')
Description:
A representation of the steam shed formerly opposite Barnsley Exchange.
Time period:
1950's/60s
Exhibitions:
Appeared at Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2009. Due to appear at Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2011.
Note: No models or electrical equipment are stored on the club premises.
A representation of the steam shed formerly opposite Barnsley Exchange.
Time period:
1950's/60s
Exhibitions:
Appeared at Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2009. Due to appear at Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2011.
Current status:
On display in society clubrooms.
Benden Valley (N Gauge 8'x2')
Description:
Somewhere in the arid west of the USA.
Time period:
1980's
Exhibitions:
2008 - Sheffield (Davy United).
Current status:
Stored in society clubrooms.
Fox River - Mid-West USA (N gauge, 9'x3')
Description:
Somewhere in the Chicago area.
Time period:
1980's.
Exhibitions:
Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2009.
Sheffield (Davy United) 2010.
Current status:
On display in society clubrooms.
Aysgarthclough (OO Gauge 9' x 12")
Description:
Branch-line terminus with small goods yard and narrow guage railway.
Time Period:
1920s - 1960s.
Current Status:
Undergoing restoration in society clubrooms.
Exhibitions:
Sheffield (Davy United) in 2004 & 2006.
(New) (OO Gauge 12'x 6')
Description:
TBD
Time period:
1960's - 1980's.
Current status:
Under construction.
On display in society clubrooms.
Benden Valley (N Gauge 8'x2')Description:
Somewhere in the arid west of the USA.
Time period:
1980's
Exhibitions:
2008 - Sheffield (Davy United).
Current status:
Stored in society clubrooms.
Fox River - Mid-West USA (N gauge, 9'x3')
Description:
Somewhere in the Chicago area.
Time period:
1980's.
Exhibitions:
Sheffield (Davy United) in October 2009.
Sheffield (Davy United) 2010.
Current status:
On display in society clubrooms.
Aysgarthclough (OO Gauge 9' x 12")
Description:
Branch-line terminus with small goods yard and narrow guage railway.
Time Period:
1920s - 1960s.
Current Status:
Undergoing restoration in society clubrooms.
Exhibitions:
Sheffield (Davy United) in 2004 & 2006.
(New) (OO Gauge 12'x 6')
Description:
TBD
Time period:
1960's - 1980's.
Current status:
Under construction.
Shunting Puzzle (OO Gauge 6'x 12")
Description:
A small freight depot based on the 'Inglenook' principle.
Time period:
1960's.
Current status:
Under construction.
Description:
A small freight depot based on the 'Inglenook' principle.
Time period:
1960's.
Current status:
Under construction.
Note: No models or electrical equipment are stored on the club premises.
Monday, 26 January 2009
The Sheffield MRS has for the last seven years held a 1-day model railway exhibition with many layouts from across the country to view ad lots of trade support and this year was no exception.
Our next show will provisionally be held:
Date: Saturday October 8th 2011, 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: Davy United Social Club
Also...
Venue situated on Prince of Wales Road between Darnall and the Parkway:
View Larger Map
How to get there:
Bus services: 1 and 7 from Meadowhall Interchange, 4 and 6 from Sheffield City Centre (Arundel Gate interchange) and 7 from Sheffield City Centre (Pond Street Interchange) pass the venue; or a 10 minute walk from Darnall railway station up the hill in the direction of the Sheffield Parkway (A57/A630). For further information about public transport to the venue, the Travel South Yorkshire website can be found at www.travelsouthyorkshire.com.
Our next show will provisionally be held:
Date: Saturday October 8th 2011, 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: Davy United Social Club
The list of layouts attending is as follows:
Jumble Lane, Barnsley "O" – 1950's BR Steam
Iota "HO" – Modern US (DCC)
Piedmont Industrial "HO" – US
Chicago Ridge "O" – US
Whitham Creek "ON30" – US (DCC)
Stellabeck "HO" – Modern Belgian
Gamesley (Staff Halt) "N" – 1970's BR (Woodhead Electrics)
Penruan "OO" – 1970s/80s BR (DCC)
Aisgarhclough "OO" – LNER Steam
Outon Road "OO" – Sectorisation Diesel
TT gauge exhibition
A list of traders will be provided shortly.
All other details are provisional and may change before the date of the exhibition.
Also...
- Adults - £3
- Children (5-16) - £1; under 5's free
- Free car parking
- Refreshments, Bar and Lounge
- Disabled access via lift, help always available
- Let us help you with your layout. Advice always on hand
Venue situated on Prince of Wales Road between Darnall and the Parkway:
View Larger Map
How to get there:
Bus services: 1 and 7 from Meadowhall Interchange, 4 and 6 from Sheffield City Centre (Arundel Gate interchange) and 7 from Sheffield City Centre (Pond Street Interchange) pass the venue; or a 10 minute walk from Darnall railway station up the hill in the direction of the Sheffield Parkway (A57/A630). For further information about public transport to the venue, the Travel South Yorkshire website can be found at www.travelsouthyorkshire.com.
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