When Steve Meseraul started the Lawrence Model Railroad Club (LMRC) over 26 years ago, he had grand plans to make the hobby more than just a club where a small number of enthusiasts come together and exchange knowledge. Our club members share a passion for the hobby, not only because the hobby brings us great satisfaction and a desire for creating model railroads, it also brings curiosity and joy to the people outside the hobby. Some may join and get involved with the various aspects of model railroading while others will want to learn more about the rail industry that the hobby represents.
Bringing Douglas County’s Railroad History to Life
The Lawrence Model Railroad Club is bringing local history to life through the creation of two detailed, mobile dioramas depicting the historic La Yarda and Grover Barn in Lawrence. These handcrafted exhibits will showcase important pieces of Douglas County’s past while helping visitors understand the people, industries, and railroads that shaped our community.
The dioramas will become featured elements of the club’s new HO-scale model railroad, currently being redesigned to more accurately represent the communities, landscapes, and railroad history of Douglas County. Through this new layout, the LMRC hopes to create more than a model railroad—it will be an interactive educational experience, allowing visitors of all ages to explore local history in a unique and engaging way.
Our goal is simple: to preserve the past, educate the present, and inspire future generations through the story of Douglas County and its railroads.
LMRC Past community involments:
The Lawrence Model Railroad Club has a proud tradition of giving back to our communities through charitable fundraising, family-friendly activities, and educational exhibits. Over the years, our members have shared their time, talents, and passion for model railroading with visitors of all ages.
Some of our past community activities include:
- Supporting the O’Connell Children’s Shelter: Creating beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths for the shelter’s annual fundraising auction, helping raise funds for children and families in need.
- Baldwin City’s Third Friday Events: Participated in children’s activity tents, offering fun and engaging experiences that introduce young people and their families to the world of model railroading.
- Maple Leaf Festival and Public Model Railroad Exhibitions: Presented model railroad displays during Baldwin City’s annual Maple Leaf Festival and hosted free public exhibitions and open houses. These events provided opportunities for families, railroad enthusiasts, and visitors to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of our members while learning about railroad history.
Please Note: The LMRC’s former exhibitions and open houses at the Baldwin City Train Depot have permanently concluded. As of September 1, 2026, the club is no longer located at the depot and has no ongoing affiliation with its operations or management.
While our locations and activities may change, our commitment to preserving railroad history, supporting our communities, and inspiring the next generation of model railroad enthusiasts remains as strong as ever.
The LMRC has great plans to expand the community involvement by:
- Holding workshops and educational events for individuals interested in learning about the various aspects of hobby.
- Expanding the current layouts .
- Sponsoring events where club members and model railroad enthusiasts can operate our model railroads in a manner like real railroads
The LMRC has many other objectives but the ability to make plans relies on funding.
To help the LMRC and its goals please:
- Consider joining our club
- Spreading the knowledge of our club to others so they can enjoy the joy it brings you to see model railroading and its connection with history
- Make a donation via our website, anything helps our goals of sharing the passion of the hobby with others.
If you prefer not to join, please feel free to scan the QR Code below to make a donation.
Every dollar donated will go to supporting the club and the community outreach.
