MEMBERS of a long-established and much-loved Greenock organisation are going full-steam ahead with preparations for their group's 39th annual exhibition. 

Greenock & District Model Railway Club (Greenock MRC) is hosting its 2024 show at Lyle Kirk in Greenock on October 19 and 20. 

The two-day celebration will showcase an incredible array of model railway layouts, some of which will be unveiled for the first time, and will welcome people of all ages with a passion for trains. 

Club member Brian Thompson said last year's exhibition was a great success - and has promised that this year's will be even bigger and better. 

Brian added: "Last year was fantastic and brought in a record crowd. 

"Lots of families returned on the Sunday last year after having such a good time on the Saturday. 

"We will have more layouts this year, 16 in total, and there will be layouts that are being unveiled for the first time. 

"We're getting ready for our big anniversary next year and we're very excited to host the 2024 event in preparation."

Greenock and District Model Railway Club will hold their annual show on October 19 and 20. (Image: George Munro)Part of this year's show will pay tribute to much-missed club member and 'stalwart' Keith Taylor who sadly passed away in February. 

Keith's wife Wendy will present a trophy in his memory to the team behind the winning layout, chosen by members of the Greenock club. 

At the exhibition, there will be layouts from visiting clubs including Ayr, Renfrewshire, and Perth, and 'cameo' layouts from individuals. 

Trains and tracks from Meccano, BRIO, and Thomas the Tank Engine are also set to be on show, and Greenock club member John Miller is bringing along his Hornby Dublo set. 

Greenock MRC will debut its own new layout, Inches, which everyone at the club has been involved in constructing. 

Trade stands across the weekend will include Junction Box, Shedring, Model Electronics Railway Group (MERG), and companies selling plastic model kits. 

Sixteen different layouts will be on show at the event. (Image: George Munro) Attendees will all get the chance to enjoy a tasty buffet provided by the team at Lyle Gateway. 

Brian said the exhibition is known as 'The Friendly Show' due to the enthusiasm of the club's members. 

He added: "We take time to speak to everyone who attends. 

"We ask and answer questions, and we're well known for being good at that. 

"The show is great for anyone who is interested in railways and we welcome people of all ages."

Greenock MRC was founded in 1978 but shows didn't begin until 1985. 

It currently has around 22 members, who meet at Fort Matilda station on Tuesday and Friday nights. 

The club's members meet at Fort Matilda station on Tuesday and Friday nights. (Image: George Munro) Brian said the best bit about the club is friendship and learning new skills. 

He added: "The social aspect is fantastic. 

"You have to be a 'jack of all trades' and be a woodworker, metalworker, electrician, and artist. 

"It really stimulates the imagination as you need all of these skills to build something from scratch.

"It's fun figuring out how you will do it and how it will all work. 

"We've built some very good prizewinning layouts at the club over the years."

Tickets are £6 for adults, £5 for children and concession, and £18 for a family ticket, and can be purchased on the door. 

The fun will run from 10am-5pm on the Saturday, and from 12-5pm on the Sunday. 

To find out more visit www.greenockmrc.co.uk.