running The Bath & West Steam Railway
Driver Experience Days - a great idea for a Christmas Present! See article under Events for more details.
Track open on Saturdays. Access at present is limited due to tunnel build. Contact info@essmee.org.uk for more information.
Formed in 2005 the East Somerset Society of Model & Experimental Engineers (ESSMEE) created The Bath and West Steam Railway at the Bath and West Showground near Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
The members come from all walks of life, some with the traditional engineering skills. Some pursue their own interests using a wide range skills and knowledge, and many have created their own models including locomotives, coaches and wagons, traction engines, aircraft engine models and clocks taking advice from others when needed. Particular efforts are taken with younger members to encourage them to develop their interests and skills with smaller projects as well as helping at our public events.
We look forward to the public joining us at shows where they can have fun on our railway and its ½ mile track. (at the showground). During the Royal Bath & West Show four trains are run to satisfy the number of visitors. The club’s locos and privately owned ones include steam, diesel and electric driven models of diesel locomotives. All members are encouraged to learn to drive.
Naturally there is more, much more...
The society is a friendly place and guidance and help are always available to members. You might want to read our Mission Statement on the About page. We are always looking for new members so if you wish to join a friendly, helpful bunch whose primary love is having fun with their hobby contact us!
Volunteers! It's great to see so many members joining in the last year. We're looking for some help in running the railway on key events such as the Bath and West Show. Places are limited and if you are interested please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details. Look forward to hearing from you.
My Stafford, ‘Ifor’ was first steamed on Wednesday 31 July when it passed hydraulic & steam tests OK; I only managed a couple of circuits round the club house before loosing fire and steam etc. and packing up.
On Saturday ‘Ifor' was steamed again much more successfully and several circuits of the clubhouse were made by David Hale, Roger H-C and me. I am very pleased with the result as he runs very nicely when one gets the fire and pressure better organised! The injectors are a bit tricky to get working, but no doubt this is a matter of practice with these particular ones. Steam blew back into the lubricator which made an oily, watery mess.
We are pleased to announce we can offer rides to wheelchair users. Go to the news.
Please join our mailing list to keep up to date with events or contact us about joining.