WDSME Online
Established 1972
Wimborne District Society of Model Engineers
LOCATION
We are situated between Wimborne and Poole at Cobham's Sports and Social Ground.
Walking / Cycling
Car
Bus
Our miniature railway is served by a cycle route called the 'Castleman Trailway'. This follows the old railway line which runs between Poole and Wimborne and can be accessed from Broadstone. We are approx 15 mins from Broadstone, 40 minutes from Poole and 15 mins from Wimborne on a bike.
Next to our site is a large old railway over bridge, if coming from Broadstone there are some steps up just before the bridge on your left, if from Wimborne pass under the bridge and steps are on your right. As you exit from the top of the steps our entrance is via the blue gates on your left.
Train
The nearest mainline station is Poole.
This is served by South Western Railway which runs services between Waterloo and Weymouth. Once at Poole railway station you will need to get a bus from the Dolphin Center bus station. (See bus heading) or a taxi. Have a pleasant journey.
Local Fact
We are located just off the A349. 10 minutes from Poole and 5 minutes from Wimborne,
with easy access from the
A31 Wimborne by-pass, Dorchester/Ringwood and A35 London road.
Our postcode is BH21 3DA
Free parking is available with footbridge or level crossing access to the site.
These run from Poole & Wimborne, catch the number 4 via Merley to Oakley Road, close to the Willet Arms pub. Then take a short walk from the pub along the main footpath heading in the Poole direction. You will see a pedestrian crossing, cross the road safely here. We are situated behind the white solicitors building on the corner. turn right and you will see the entrance to Cobham Sports Ground, go through the gates up the road and you will see us on the left-hand side. Approx bus journey time 36 mins.
Please refer to our map below for more detailed information.
The Trailway is named after Charles Castleman, a Wimborne Solicitor, who was responsible for building the original railway line and the first to connect Dorset to the wider rail network. The Southampton to Dorchester railway line was nicknamed the Castleman Corkscrew, after its founder and the meandering route it took. It was closed by Dr. Beeching in 1964. However it had been a secondary route once a coastal main line had been established between Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole.