Model Railway Club On Track Thanks To Funding Boost

A group of retired men in one of Glasgow's longest-running hobby clubs are keeping their passion for model railways alive despite rising costs, and ensuring their inclusive community club continues to welcome members with varying abilities.

Clyde Side Model Railway Club was established in 1958 and meets in the CIRCLE building in Easterhouse. It brings together around 16 retirees who build and display detailed railway layouts at various shows throughout the year. The club has become a social hub for the group, helping to combat isolation and providing a supportive, inclusive platform where creativity is shared and friendships formed.

In addition to the layouts built for shows, the club creates a special Christmas track each year which is displayed for local nursery children, bringing seasonal joy to the youngest members of the community.

However, like many small community groups, the club has struggled with increasing operational costs, with members paying for rent of the club room, utility bills, and materials from their own pockets, leading some to reluctantly leave when they can no longer afford the expense.

The financial pressure on club members has been eased thanks to a £500 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.

"Groups like this are the backbone of our neighbourhoods," said Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group.

"Clyde Side Model Railway Club has created a welcoming space in the heart of their community, for everyone, regardless of ability. We're delighted to help keep the trains running for the club members who bring so much joy to not only themselves, but so many others through their hobby.”

Douglas Marshall Boyle, a club member for over 50 years, said:

“Like every organisation we have expenditure that keeps rising, and our members pay for everything out of our own pockets. Every year we have a rent and electricity rise and we lose a member or two who tell us they just can’t afford it anymore.

“We have several shows coming up this year and with this donation from Allied Vehicles, our members can go full steam ahead creating the layouts without worrying about financial constraints.”