The Winnipeg Model Railroad Club (WMRC) is a non-profit incorporated club with a purpose to promote the interest, knowledge, operation and enjoyment of all scales of railroads. Established in 1955, the WMRC's role is to promote the interest, knowledge, operation and enjoyment of all scale railroad modelling and related photography.
A voluntary organization, the WMRC is governed by an elected executive through the Club's Constitution. The WMRC welcomes guests interested in all scales of model railroading and associated interests to its meetings with the aim of helping them enjoy themselves so much that they'll want to come back. Regardless of your skill level or area of interest, there is something for everybody. Become a WMRC Member and be part of the enjoyment of model railroading!
The WMRC is a 100% NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) Club. When you join the WMRC you are automatically enrolled in NMRA at no charge (a $55 value!) and become part of the largest model railroad association in the world. The WMRC is in the Thousand Lakes Region of the NMRA and operates within the No.1 Northern Division.
Meetings are generally held on the second Friday evening of each month beginning at 7:30p.m. from September to April. The location is the Tank Room at the Charleswood Royal Canadian Legion (click here for a map). Check our Facebook site and Blog for the latest news about date changes.
After a short business session, one or two programs are provided, ranging from a presentation about prototype railways, to clinics given by members to show how different aspects of the hobby can be accomplished through certain techniques and skills. At each meeting members can bring in a model they are working on and/or a photograph for others to see. These are displays, not competitions. A club canteen is available where coffee, soft drinks, and donuts/cookies are available for purchase. The December meeting is unique. There are modelling clinics and members roam from table-to-table and see other fellow modellers perform different and often quite innovative aspects of the hobby.
The WMRC publishes an informative digital newsletter, The Lantern, from September through April, and also has an extensive library where members can borrow train DVDs and literaure from the many hundreds on file. Throughout the year WMRC members visit some of the home basement layouts of other members.
In April, the Club hosts its Annual WMRC Spring Open House which features model and photo contests open to members. Several model and photo categories are available to enter and trophies and model certificates are awarded to each class. The Open House is also an opportunity for the Club's charity, St. Amant Foundation, to greet the throngs of people that come. A portion of the donations (the Open House is free) are provided to the Foundation.
In May, the Club hosts its Annual Banquet and Annual General Meeting where model and photo contest winners are honoured for their achievements in the contests. This is also the meeting where next years' club officers and directors are installed for the following years' activities. There are always several raffles and door prizes to be given out.
The WMRC has an extensive library where members can borrow train DVDs and literature from the many hundreds on file. Throughout the year WMRC members visit some of the home basement layouts of other members.
Over the years, several operating groups sprung up from the WMRC including the Gateway Western Railroad. It began operations around 1957 with a prominent location in CNR's Union Station on Main Street. In 2013 the Railroad, in partnership with the Winnipeg Railway Museum, was resurrected in its own heated structure. Presently there is limited access since Via Rail began extensive renovations to the platform where the museum is located. Until renovations are complete, members must set up an appointment with one of the board members of the WMRC or the Midwest Rail Association to gain access to the layout.