This page provides a brief outline of the background to the establishment of the Midlands Model Railway Club. For further information relating to the Club and its activities, please follow the links on this page.
Background to the Club
Railway modelling in Ireland has always been a hobby with a limited following. The result is that, particularly outside of the main urban areas, suppliers of model products, tools and literature are few and far between. Even worse, modelling clubs are as rare as the proverbial ‘hen’s teeth’ and, consequently, meeting others of a similar persuasion, with whom one can share the experiences and enjoyment of the hobby, can be next to impossible.
In recent years, the availability of online shopping and information on the internet has significantly improved the lot of railway modelling enthusiasts (as no doubt it has done for those with other interests). However, the scarcity of modelling clubs still means that, for many, modelling is a solitary activity.
In 2005, Brendan Curran See Profile recognised the desirability of establishing a railway modelling club to cater for enthusiasts in the (Irish) Midlands. He advertised in a leading modelling magazine and obtained the assistance of Séamus Graham of Graham’s Toymaster in Portlaoise to identify potential members. At the same time, he began the search for a suitable premises to use as a clubroom, but with the Celtic Tiger in full swing, rents were prohibitive.
Eventually, a room was secured in Heritage House in Abbeyleix and the inaugural meeting of the Club was held there on 5th February 2009 with 8 founding members. Since then, the number of members has more than doubled.
The Club is indebted to the management of Heritage House for the support that they have provided and hopes to be able to justify that support in due course. Although the Club is still in its infancy, big plans are in the pipeline and, with luck (and a certain amount of hard work), the Midlands Model Railway Club will be around for some time to come.
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Background to the Club
Railway modelling in Ireland has always been a hobby with a limited following. The result is that, particularly outside of the main urban areas, suppliers of model products, tools and literature are few and far between. Even worse, modelling clubs are as rare as the proverbial ‘hen’s teeth’ and, consequently, meeting others of a similar persuasion, with whom one can share the experiences and enjoyment of the hobby, can be next to impossible.
In recent years, the availability of online shopping and information on the internet has significantly improved the lot of railway modelling enthusiasts (as no doubt it has done for those with other interests). However, the scarcity of modelling clubs still means that, for many, modelling is a solitary activity.
In 2005, Brendan Curran See Profile recognised the desirability of establishing a railway modelling club to cater for enthusiasts in the (Irish) Midlands. He advertised in a leading modelling magazine and obtained the assistance of Séamus Graham of Graham’s Toymaster in Portlaoise to identify potential members. At the same time, he began the search for a suitable premises to use as a clubroom, but with the Celtic Tiger in full swing, rents were prohibitive.
Eventually, a room was secured in Heritage House in Abbeyleix and the inaugural meeting of the Club was held there on 5th February 2009 with 8 founding members. Since then, the number of members has more than doubled.
The Club is indebted to the management of Heritage House for the support that they have provided and hopes to be able to justify that support in due course. Although the Club is still in its infancy, big plans are in the pipeline and, with luck (and a certain amount of hard work), the Midlands Model Railway Club will be around for some time to come.
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