Irvine’s Scottish Maritime Museum is all set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of an Ayrshire model railway club.

The Kilmarnock and District Model Railway Club (KDMRC) will celebrate their half-century with an exhibition of railway models at the

museum on Irvine harbourside on Saturday, 29 and Sunday, January 30.

The event, which runs from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and 10am – 4pm on the Sunday, is the club’s first in two years.

After the long break, visitors of all ages will once again be able to admire the craftsmanship of modellers, try their strength as a train driver and learn more about this fascinating passion.

Visitors will also enjoy models created by visiting clubs from Dundee, Renfrewshire and Kyle.

Eva Bukowska, Scottish Maritime Museum Visitor Services Assistant Manager, said: “We are delighted to host Kilmarnock and District Model Railway Club once again.

“Their annual event is always very popular, not only with model enthusiasts but with Museum visitors too.

“This year, we’ll have lots of Thomas the Tank themed games and activities for our younger visitors. Children will be able to ‘drive’ Thomas the Tank, enjoy a Thomas the Tank trail and have fun with ‘make and take’ activities.”

Andrew Batton, KDMRC Chair, added “After a difficult two years, we are looking forward to holding our first model railway exhibition since January 2020. Our members have been working hard to get the layouts ready for the exhibition and we’re hoping lots of visitors of all ages come along to enjoy the spectacle.”

KDMRC Member Pam Fitzpatrick concludes: “Kilmarnock and District Model Railway Club was established in September 1971 and this year we celebrate our 50thAnniversary.

"Unfortunately, Covid spoiled our celebrations in 2021 but we are thankfully back together as a group doing what we enjoy doing - building model railways.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone on the 29 and 30 January.”

Tickets, which include free entry to the Museum, are priced adults £5 and concessions £4. Up to three Children go free with each Adult or Concession. Advance booking required.

For tickets, visit www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org