Chatham & District Model Railway Club

29/08/2026

This weekend we are supporting the .chatham Steam on the square event with a few of our layouts.
Two of our layouts are available for visitors to operate.
We are also being supported by The Gravesend Railway Enthusiast Society, The Faversham Model Railway Club and The Double O Gauge Society.
Find us in the Smithery.

25/08/2026

Sentinel 'Ann' has made it safely to our little line ahead of this weekends Steam on the Square event.

We think she looks quite at home here 😁

Why not come down and see her steaming around site, along with our resident Grafton Crane, and visiting traction engines, lorries and other classic and vintage vehicles this August Bank Holiday weekend only.

22/08/2026

2027 SHOW CONFIRMED! 🤩🥳

We’re delighted to confirm the dates for next year’s 2027 Chatham Show! Same great venue, same great weekend of railway modelling! 🙌

Over 100 exhibitions and model railways to enjoy plus all the major brands and retailers showcasing their latest releases! 😍

Join Us! 17th - 18th July 2027 for Kent’s Largest Model Railway Exhibition at the Historic Dockyard Chatham! 🚂⚓️

Discounted early bird tickets are now available! 🎟️

https://www.ticketsource.com/chatham-mrc

08/08/2026

Steam is coming back to Chatham Dockyard!
We're thrilled to be sponsoring a guest steam engine for the August Bank Holiday weekend's Steam on the Square...
7232 Sentinel 'Ann' is making her inaugural visit to the South and will be steaming into The Historic Dockyard Chatham for one weekend only.
Ordered by British Tar Products Ltd of Cadishead in South Manchester and built by Sentinel of Shrewsbury in 1927 (mostly known for their road-going steam vehicles). 'Ann' features a vertical boiler plus encased engine and cylinders. These locomotives were economical and could be driven by one man with very little maintenance or preparation, making them ideal for small operations. She entered into service in the autumn of 1927 and was the works' sole shunter, moving tar and other related products around the site.
Based at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in West Yorkshire, 'Ann' is visiting Chatham with thanks to her owners Callum Porter and Chris Boocock and sponsors Rapido Trains UK.
Steam on the Square: Dockyard in Motion
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Bank Holiday weekend: 29-31 August 2026

https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/2026-steam-on-the-square-dockyard-in-motion/

Thanks to Martyn Tattam for the photos.

08/08/2026

NEW VIDEO: Ever wondered what it's really like to exhibit your model railway? After seven exhibitions with Addleford Green, I’m sharing what I’ve learned and taking you behind the scenes at the Chatham Show.

Watch the full video now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AO_VR8SecPQ

08/08/2026

We are looking forward to this next weekend.
We have two layouts going.

We are stand 74🙌🏻

1 WEEK TO GO

📢 Open Weekend Visitor Information for 15th & 16th August.
We're looking forward to welcoming you to Hornby Hobbies x The One:One Collection Open Weekend! To help your day run smoothly, here's everything you need to know before you arrive.

🕤 Opening Times
The event is open from 9:30am – 4:00pm.

🎟️ Tickets
• Please check your tickets carefully to ensure you have the correct date and entry time.
• If you haven't booked yet, tickets can be purchased at the main entrance to The One:One Collection. Or book now- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hornby-hobbies-x-oneone-collection-open-weekend-2026-tickets-1985432724726?keep_tld=true

♿ Parking
• Designated accessible parking is available at the front of the building (see image).
• General parking is available at the rear until full (see image).
• Once our car parks are full, please use parking on the surrounding estate or nearby public parking where available. We encourage visitors to use public transport where possible.

🛍️ The WonderWorks Shop
The shop will be closed to the general public during the event and will only be accessible to visitors with a valid Open Weekend ticket.

☕ Food & Drink
Refreshments will be available from outlets within The One:One Collection and at The WonderWorks Café. Please note that queues may be longer than usual during busy periods.

🗺️ Getting Around
Be sure to pick up on arrival or view the wayfinder map to help you locate exhibits, facilities, refreshments and other points of interest throughout the site.

We can't wait to welcome you for a fantastic weekend exploring one of the UK's most unique railway collections. See you soon! 🚂

08/08/2026

Steam 🚂 is coming to the Dockyard.

We're thrilled to announce a very special guest steam engine for the August Bank Holiday weekend's Steam on the Square...

7232 Sentinel ‘Ann’ is making her inaugural visit to the South and will be steaming into The Historic Dockyard Chatham for one weekend only.

Ordered by British Tar Products Ltd of Cadishead in South Manchester and built by Sentinel of Shrewsbury in 1927 (mostly known for their road-going steam vehicles). 'Ann' features a vertical boiler plus encased engine and cylinders. These locomotives were economical and could be driven by one man with very little maintenance or preparation, making them ideal for small operations. She entered into service in the autumn of 1927 and was the works' sole shunter, moving tar and other related products around the site.

Based at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in West Yorkshire, 'Ann' is visiting Chatham thanks to her owners Callum Porter and Chris Boocock, with the visit sponsored by Rapido Trains UK.

🚂 Steam on the Square: Dockyard in Motion
📍 The Historic Dockyard Chatham
📅 Bank Holiday weekend: 29–31 August 2026

About Steam on the Square:
🚋 Watch demonstration trains with 'Ann'
🪝 Learn to operate a steam crane
🚃 Driver for a Tenner on a diesel locomotive
🚂 Enjoy a ride on the Little British miniature railway
🚄 View the Model Railway layouts from Chatham & District Model Railway Club
🚜 Display of vintage steam, tractors, and military vehicles
⛵ Take a leisurely river cruise on Lady Daphne

🔗 thedockyard.co.uk/events/2026-steam-on-the-square-dockyard-in-motion/

20/07/2026

2026 BEST IN SHOW! 🚂🏆

Every year the quality of layouts gets higher and higher and this year was no exception! Our club chairman Dave Holman and fellow judges Luke (The.Work.Bench) and Sam (Emperor's Path) deliberated hard over the 54 fantastic layouts on display over the weekend.

1st🥇- Nant Gwernol by George Williamson
2nd🥈- Japan in Bloom by Tomohiro Oxborrow
3rd 🥉- Hassell Harbour Bridge by Alsager Railway Association

Each of these fantastic layouts, completely unique in their own way, highlight the incredible skill and passion in our hobby! Incredibly well deserved! 👏

19/07/2026

And just like that…❤️ 2026! 👋

What an incredible weekend it has been! From early Thursday morning to Sunday evening, your support has been nothing short of incredible! 👏 A huge thank you to our countless volunteers and supporters, exhibitors, traders and Dockyard Railway for putting on a cracking weekend! ❤️ It’s the unseen days, weeks and months that really go into putting a show like this together! 🙏

And of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the record number of general public we’ve had through the door this weekend, supporting this incredible show and hobby! 🚂

Beating our previous pack-down record by a whole hour we’d also like to thank everyone’s patience in getting everything packed away and out the door! 👏

We look forward to seeing everyone’s photos, videos and posts over the next few days but for now, a well earned rest for a few days and then to start on our 2027 show! 😍😅 It never stops! 🤣

Thank you all! ❤️

The Chatham & District Model Railway Club.

19/07/2026

Ready to Day Two! 🚂

Over 50+ layouts and 40+ Traders, why don’t you come and visit the largest model railway show in Kent! Our Locomotive and Steam Crane Experiences are also in full swing! 😍