Annually in April, the WMRC hosts its Spring Open House for the public to visit and see operating model railroads in various scales and allow WMRC members to enter contests to show their models, modules, and photographs.
Generally held on the second last weekend, on Saturday the Open House is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Always check our Facebook page and Blog for up to date information.
Located in the Club's meeting room, the Tank Room (click here for a map) is accessible to the
public from the northeast doors of the Charleswood Royal Canadian Legion at 6003 Roblin Blvd.
Handicap access is through the west side door entrance, with an elevator. There are signs on
Roblin Boulevard to help you see where the Legion, with its tank, is located.
Volunteers from the St. Amant Foundation are on hand to greet the throngs of visitors and hand out stickers for children of all ages, as well as entry forms for the Thomas the Train draw. Admission is FREE, and is an opportunity for guests to donate to the St. Amant Foundation, the Club's charity, and also to the WMRC to assist the Club in covering its expenses.
There is entertainment and activities for every age and the WMRC's Canteen sells coffee, water, sodas, hot dogs, potato chips, and donuts. Come to the Canteen early, because many items sell out quickly! Operating model railroad layouts in O, HO, N, and Z scales always fascinate the public as they watch the trains traverse the scenic railroads. There is generally also a British-themed layout in OO and OO9 scale.
The WMRC has a Switching Time Saver operating display where visitors can take control of a diesel locomotive and try to switch freight cars under the watchful eyes of WMRC volunteers. New for 2026, and beside that, is the Thomas the Train layout. Created by WMRC volunteers for smaller model railroaders who might not have the prowess to master the Switching Time Saver, it allows them to make Thomas and his train go around the large oval loop.
At every Spring Show there is an opportunity for guests to win a door prize! Open to
everyone is a FREE Thomas the Train package. The operating HO scale train set,
complete with track and power transformer, has Thomas as the locomotive plus
Annie and Clarabel passenger cars. This is the same set that is on display beside
the Switching Time Saver.
The Spring Show Open House is also the opportunity for WMRC's members to display their model, module, and photography entries. The WMRC's members create stunning model railroad items throughout the year to enter one or more of several categories: Motive Power, Rolling Stock, Structures, Displays, Module, and the always popular Special Event. Judging is conducted by WMRC members, so there's no escaping scrutinizing eyes! Apart from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Awards, the best of the best is selected as the Best in Show. Competition is always keen and the public is invited to enter their choice for the People's Choice Award for the model contest.
Several WMRC members are avid photographers and the Photography Contest provides a forum
for them to display their creative work. There are three categories: Prototype (the real thing),
Model, and Special Event. Judging is conducted by people from outside of the WMRC; those with
photographic and/or artistic expertise. As with the Model contest, the public is invited to enter
their choice for the People's Choice Award for the model contest.
Beside the WMRC displays adjacent to the public entrance is a magazine rack. It is chock full of well-read model railroad magazines as well as Thomas the Train coloring sheets. Download this one for now and get the others when you attend the Open House! The public is encouraged to take some magazines and coloring sheets home with them.
There is also a smaller than real working crossing signal! Put a coin of any denomination in the slot and listen to the train's bell and whistle! A great way to assist the WMRC with a small donation - and the children love it!
Follow us on Facebook and WMRC's Blog for details. We're looking forward to seeing you!
