JOIN US ON NOVEMBER 23-24, 2024 FOR AN OPEN HOUSE & WHITE ELEPHANT TABLE. Also, check out the new circus exhibit (see slide show below) and rebuilt steam facility on the 2nd floor.
Welcome to Virginia's largest HO Scale model railroad club. Our layout features 16 scale miles of double-track mainline, multiple sidings, marshalling yards and 247 turnouts. We use DCC controls, so take the adventure of a lifetime and view various industrial complexes, picturesque scenery and the chance to be a part of a phenomenon which served as the backbone in the growth and expansion of this country.
"Our passion for creating a realistic microcosm of the world of trains and providing engaging experiences for our members and visitors is the fuel behind what we have done at the Chesapeake Bay & Western Model Railroad Club."
Club Tour – Member Video – WAVY-TV 10 Promotion
WELCOME AND ALL ABOARD!
Welcome to the Chesapeake Bay & Western Model Railroad Club website. The Chesapeake Bay Railroaders began in July 1973 with their first layout in the Grafton Hobby Center. Club members in 1975 decided to dismantle the layout and move it to a farmhouse at 246 Railway Road in Grafton, Virginia. Seven years later, in April 1982, the club rented the east half of the present building and began construction on what is now the current layout. As quickly as the layout was completed, the club outgrew the space. Finally, in February 1995, additional space in the existing building became available, and the club rented the entire building and began expanding the layout to utilize the additional space.
During the summer of 1996, trains began limited operations in the new western end of the railroad, and most of the heavy construction was now complete. A great deal of track laying, scenery, and electrical wiring remained to be done. However, the layout is fully functional today and spans the entire length and width of the building covering seven levels over two stories. Mainline runs from one end (Langley Yard) to the other require 35-45 minutes, dependent upon traffic and overall operating speeds. From the main level (on the first floor) to the seventh (on the second floor) level, a standard train rises nearly seven feet using two helixes. During their building, both the primary and secondary helix was created through the efforts of several club members, whose day job was assisting NASA with the U.S Space Program
The CB&W is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Service code, we are qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers, and gifts. Member dues and donations fund the club. We run 4-5 public open house events yearly and are available for private events by appointment. Visitors are welcome any time there are members of the club in attendance.
Current membership includes those residing in York County, Hampton, Newport News, James City County, Williamsburg, Gloucester, Isle of Wight County, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.