Chesapeake Bay & Western Model Railroad Club

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.