The Club builds and operates layouts in a variety of scales.
Orchard Wharf July 2019 update
It’s been a year since news of Orchard Wharf last appeared on here. While we were not updating the blog, we have been busy in the club. We’ve become a team of around half a dozen or so meeting regularly on Friday evenings. We designed and build transport storage boxes that double up as supports …read more.
Jul 30, 2019Orchard Wharf July 2018 update
In June Empire Mills was sold. Following its departure the space it occupied was cleared out and the baseboards for Orchard Wharf moved in. Thanks to the Lacey Dale team we now have a space for both groups to work in. NB look out for the writeup of Empire Mills in the August 2018 BRM …read more.
Jul 23, 2018Orchard Wharf May/June 2018 update
In the last month we’ve had several good meetings, including a ‘kick-off’ to refresh everyone’s acquaintance with the project, two meetings focused on aspects of the design, a site visit to Poplar, Canning Town and Silvertown, and a much-needed clearout of the space we need to start work on tracklaying and electrics. I would like …read more.
Jun 10, 2018
Wagon repair shop on DVD
Back in February, we had a wagon demonstration next to Empire Mills at the Doncaster exhibition. During the show Phil Parker from BRM interviewed Ben W about the wagons he was fettling, and the result is on the DVD that comes with the June edition of the magazine.
May 26, 2018
Minories goes to Derby Roundhouse
On the 12th and 13th May, Minories headed north to the historic Derby Roundhouse – for the Michleover Model Railway Group exhibition. John, Rob S and Tom headed north on Friday in a transit van (which came with a special adaption to first gear to keep the driver awake), where we met up with former chairman …read more.
May 16, 2018Get involved with Orchard Wharf!
First meeting Friday 18 May 2018, 18.30 in the Library The build of Orchard Wharf is now under way. We propose to meet regularly on Friday evenings (with a possible earlier start for those available in the afternoon). The first meeting is on Friday 18 May. All members are welcome to attend. We’ll provide another …read more.
Apr 30, 2018Orchard Wharf project is now directly contactable!
We now have a layout email address: orchardwharf@themrc.org.uk. So one less excuse not to get in touch.
Mar 29, 2018Orchard Wharf debut as track building starts
Following a presentation to club members at the beginning of the month, our new EM Gauge project Orchard Wharf (set in London’s docklands c. 1960) was shown off to the public for the first time at last weekend’s London Festival of Railway Modelling. The layout formed just one part of The MRC’s extensive demonstration stand. …read more.
Mar 26, 2018Empire Mills attending Trainwest, 14/15 April 2018
We had a great trip to Doncaster back in February — thank you to those who stopped by to see the layout and chat. The layout ran flawlessly (well, a cable did come loose on Sunday morning but that was it). I am grateful to the rest of the operating team, Hugh and Tom, for …read more.
Mar 16, 2018
Orchard Wharf
Above: smartphone cameras can be cruel! Old and new traction alike will need more attention before it can grace the layout. EM gauge operations intensify Orchard Wharf is our new EM gauge project. We’ve taken a very different tack to that of Empire Mills, the layout’s predecessor. What we wanted this time was something the …read more.
Feb 17, 2018
Empire Mills at upcoming Festival of British Railway Modelling
This weekend, 10 & 11 February, we’re attending the Festival of British Railway Modelling at Doncaster race course. We’re in the company of some pretty impressive layouts, not least in EM gauge. Look forward to seeing you there!
Feb 6, 2018
MRC Test Tracks at Warley 50
It’s been a busy first day at Warley for the MRC Test Tracks. A constant stream of locomotives kept the test team busy, with new owners were being reassured to see their purchases successfully running round the tracks. A handful of non-runners were identified, these were returned to suppliers for replacement or refunded.
Nov 25, 2017