Mission Statement
Educating people about the American rail industry through the great hobby of model railroading.
In support of our mission statement we promote the enjoyment, education, and preservation of model railroading by bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds in a welcoming, nonprofit community. Through hands-on modeling, realistic railroad operations, historical appreciation, and public outreach, we inspire creativity, teamwork, and learning while sharing the rich heritage of railroads with the public. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we are committed to education, mentorship, and community engagement that fosters curiosity, craftsmanship, and a lifelong appreciation for railroading.
Our Club History
The Lawrence Model Railroad Club is a nonprofit organization supporting the hobby of model railroading in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties, Kansas. The club was founded in 1998 in Lawrence, Kansas. Starting in 1999 the club built two modular model railroads (HO- and N-scale) to display at model railroad train shows. These model railroads were complete enough to be used at the First Lawrence Model Railroad Club Train Show and Swap Meet at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in 2001. Since then, the club has had a train show and swap meet every year featuring modular model railroads from model railroad clubs, model railroad vendors, and from time to time, special programs that promote model railroading.
In 2017 the club parted with the original club modular model railroads and started work on the current modular HO-scale model railroad. In 2024 the club began construction on a modular N-scale model railroad. Also, that year, the club rented the former Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin City, Kansas. This has become the home of both club model railroads. Plans are underway to expand both model railroads.
The club has meetings on the second Tuesday of the month where projects are discussed and clinics on model railroad topics are presented. The club has work sessions and clinics at the Baldwin City depot. Several club members volunteer to maintain the model railroad at the Old Depot Museum in Ottawa, Kansas. Club members have taken train themed trips to Chicago and St. Louis and have visited home model railroads in the Kansas City area.
The Lawrence Model Railroad Club is a 100% NMRA club meaning that all our members belong to the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). This allows our members access to activities and model railroad materials provided by the NMRA.
Our Locations
Club House:
Old Santa Fe Depot (Baldwin City Train Depot)
1515 High Street, Baldwin City, KS
Visitors are welcome to our monthly club meeting!
Second Tuesday of every month @ 7:30pm
601 W 29th Terrace, Lawrence, KS, USA