Manchester MRS: A History

◆ BOOK The History of the Manchester Model Railway Society from 1925-2015 by Frank Gordon ◆ AVAILABILITY Manchester MRS. E-mail treasurerht@mmrs.co.uk or visit mmrs.co.uk ◆ PRICE Black & white £15.00; colour £50.00 plus £4.00 p&p Although the real railways had been around for a while, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that working model trains became affordable to more than just the wealthy elite. As interest in the hobby increased, like-minded enthusiasts began meeting in the Clarion Café in Market Street, Manchester, in the mid-1920s. Over the following 90 years, Manchester Model Railway Society became one of the UK’S foremost clubs. From the early days, when layout operators wore white coats (and white collars), to the post-war years of mass-market ‘OO’ trains, this new, illustrated book reveals the evolution of a hobby as well as a society. It’s fascinating to see how ‘mainstream’ and respected the hobby was regarded in the mid20th century, with over 10,000 visitors attracted to the club’s 1937 exhibition at Manchester City Library. The event was even captured in a Pathé newsreel of the time. Tales of layouts built for shop windows to promote War Bonds, plus the holding of exhibitions in children’s hospital wards, show what an important role the hobby has played in society. Another interesting tale involves how, in 1941, the MMRS was contacted by the British Railway Modelling Standards Bureau with a view to setting out common model railway standards across the hobby. The club’s committee suggested that the nascent gauge of ‘OO’ should have its rails set 18.5mm apart. With manufacturers already committed to using the existing 16.5mm track, it fell on deaf ears. it probably explains why MMRS has been a leading light in the ‘EM’ gauge movement. Post-war changes and the increased accessibility of model railways allowed MMRS to move to its current home, Dean Hall in Sale. Later pages tell the story behind the construction of 'Dewsbury Midland', along with preparations for the club’s 90th birthday bash in 2015. Although not something likely to be read cover to cover, this is still an interesting document, charting the development of the hobby in general, as well as the Manchester club.