www.kilmarnockmrc.com

History of K & D MRC:

 

Kilmarnock & District MRC is the oldest surviving Club in Ayrshire. It was founded in 1971 and had a small exhibit at Model Rail '72.

 

The original premises were in the Drill Hall, Titchfield Street in Kilmarnock : the club had to move to Riccarton Community Centre and then Kilmarnock Station. In the mid-1990's a decision was taken to buy and refurbish a derelict bakery in Kilmarnock over a ten year period . This would leave the Club as owners of their Clubrooms - a good position to be in ! That project has now been successfully completed !

 

From the start Layouts were constructed in 'OO' gauge moving on to both 'N' and '009'; at present the Club has two 'N' gauge and two 'OO' layouts on the circuit, along with a vintage Hornby Dublo 3 Rail.. We also have a new  'OO'  at the planning stage and an '0' gauge being worked on.

 

The Club has had success in exhibitions, winning two cups at Model Rail 1990 in Glasgow and the most entertaining layout in show at Spennymoor in 1996. In addition we have picked up commendations at other shows.

 

Kilmarnock & District MRC runs its own Exhibition in January each year,  at the Volunteer Rooms in Irvine, having moved from Saltcoats in 2009.   They also have standing arrangements to show at Dumfries, Dundee,and Falkirk,  We have also shown in recent years at Ayr  and Bonnybridge.

 

The Club has an open membership policy , we take in younger members - indeed the Club now largely relies on previous younger members to keep things going. Again we are unusual in that we have female members - our only Hon. Sec. in 39 years is a woman !

 

The atmosphere in the Club is fairly relaxed, each year we run a Quiz Night at Christmas - competition for the Smart Arse Trophy and the Chumpions is fierce. we also arrange visits to attractions such as the Pantomime in Glasgow, and bus trips to the Metro Centre, the Lake District and Beamish Open Air Museum.