Northwick Express. A scene on a Twickenham MRC 00 Layout

TWICKENHAM & DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY CLUB was formed in 1961. Approximately Fifty modellers enjoy membership of TDMRC. Here is an overview of our history, facilities and activities.

TDMRC car bumber badge from the 1960's

A Club enamel and chrome car bumper badge from the 1960’s

Brief History:

A small group of modellers and the owner of the Whitton Model Shop were responsible for originating our club. Membership grew quickly with initial premises in Richmond. As the club grew, a move to the Parkshot Adult College took place and in 2011 to our present home, ‘Kerswell Hall’ located on the Whitton and Hounslow borders.

Club Location:

‘Kerswell Hall’ is home of the 1st Whitton Scouts in Wills Crescent. With their support we have arranged secure storage and level access to our shared club room for the layouts. Disabled access ro the Club room is available.

Activities:

Layout building and operation is our main activity. Over the decades we have had a vibrant membership who have created several award winning layouts. Most of these have represented aspects of British railways of standard and narrow gauge types.
If you interests lie elsewhere; Chinese, American, Japanese and European Railways or Trams are all part of our member’s modelling enthusiasm.
From time to time we arrange club outings and social events.

Layouts

Small USA switcher loco built by club member

Layouts:
We have two 00 layouts and one 0 layout that are fully operational. Recent rationalisation of older projects has enabled us to build new 00 and N layouts. These are under construction and at the planning stage respectively.
Take a look at our layout pages here

Multi-gauge running track:
This comprises five continuous run circuits providing about twelve different gauges ranging from ‘Z’ to ‘G’. Three rail operation in 32mm and 16.5mm gauges is possible. This versatile and popular facility is ideal for testing locomotives and stock. DC controllers are provided and facilities exist to connect DCC systems

Exhibitions:
Exhibiting can be an exciting change from the usual cub room activities. Two of our layouts attend exhibitions, as do a small number of members personal layouts. This provides an excellent opportunity to participate in this interesting facet of the hobby.
Exhibiton trains are selected to fit with the layout theme. In the clubroom members may run any of their own stock on any compatible layout

Membership:

Annual membership is £76 per annum. Reduced rates for several categories are available and payments may spread througout the year. With one exception, we make no other membership charges. A small fee (£5) to cover hall hire costs applies only if attending periodic work days.
Our members have a varied mix of skills and abilities and they are always willing to offer advice and assistance. We admit that we don’t have all the answers, but you may well be able to help us.

No self respecting model railway club is complete without a kitchen for tea, coffee and snacks to lubricate the chat – ours is no exception!