The History of Redditch Model Railway Club

Taking the Club to new levels

The club's ambitions extended beyond building layouts. In 2004, members took the bold decision to establish an entirely new model railway exhibition to complement the long-running Redditch show. After an extensive search for a suitable venue, the ideal location was found at Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre in Kings Heath, south Birmingham. Its excellent transport links, close to the M42 and M40 motorways, together with a spacious 16,500 square foot sports hall, allowed the entire exhibition to be accommodated in a single hall, creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both exhibitors and visitors. The first Birmingham Model Railway Exhibition was held in September 2005 and quickly earned a reputation for its friendly atmosphere and high-quality selection of layouts and trade support. Although the exhibition proved popular, rising costs eventually meant that, after five successful events, it was no longer financially viable and the difficult decision was taken to bring it to a close. Meanwhile, the search for suitable club premises continued. As with many model railway clubs, finding an affordable and secure home became increasingly difficult. In 1997 the club was forced to leave its long-established home in the Smallwood Almshouses and moved into the nearby former Methodist Church, which was shared with several local voluntary organisations. While these premises provided a welcome base, space was limited and the construction of new layouts became increasingly challenging. In 2006 the club once again found itself without permanent accommodation when the church building was declared structurally unsuitable for continued use. Fortunately, Redditch Borough Council came to the club's rescue by offering one of its Enterprise Units on a local industrial estate. Although the move brought with it the significant financial commitment of commercial rent and business rates—a far cry from the rent-free double garage where the club began life in 1967—it secured the club's future. The move proved to be a turning point. The new premises provided members with 24-hour access, secure storage, and the invaluable ability to load and unload exhibition layouts under cover. Most importantly, the additional space allowed the club to continue building new exhibition layouts while maintaining and improving its existing fleet, ensuring that Redditch Model Railway Club could continue to exhibit to the high standards for which it had become known.

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