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All aboard for Reuse at AIMREC !

We had the great pleasure to visit Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre (AIMREC) in Bethersden, near Ashford, and see firsthand how materials collected through our recycling initiative over the course of 2025 have been given a second life – and some that none of us could have quite predicted.

What stood out immediately was the imagination and practical skill applied to materials many would have written off. Off cuts of sheet material, some still bearing layers of old graffiti, have been transformed into clean, bright white panel infills, now neatly protecting the edge of the mezzanine level in their new unit. It’s a sharp reminder that reuse isn’t about compromise—it’s about seeing potential where others see waste.

That same approach runs throughout the site. Recovered materials have been expertly repurposed to create a DDA-compliant access ramp to the fire exit, while materials from our rubble bay now serve as robust edging, protecting the movement of raised track beds along the outdoor model railway track. Practical solutions, thoughtfully executed, with nothing flashy and nothing wasted.

Unit 7 is now home to the AIMREC Collection: a substantial 4,000 sq ft exhibition space spread across two floors, providing a permanent home for several classic exhibition layouts, including The Gresley Beat, Pempoul, Wouldham Town, and Ravens Rock. Together, they form a compelling showcase of craftsmanship, patience, and historical accuracy—qualities that model railways have always demanded.

Beyond the layouts themselves, the centre offers a deep dive into Ashford’s railway heritage. There’s a wealth of well-curated information, alongside striking archival photographs of familiar locations such as Newtown Works. One highlight not to be missed is the diorama of Folkestone Harbour railway through the ages, charting its evolution with remarkable detail and care.

AIMREC is run entirely by volunteers, supported by the generosity of its members and the public who visit its two exhibition rooms. With an onsite café and a well-stocked shop catering to model railway enthusiasts young and old.

All in all, there are worse ways to end the week than rediscovering the quiet satisfaction of model trains, clever reuse, and work done properly. Sometimes tradition, ingenuity, and a bit of play fit together rather well.

More details and opening times can be found at:  https://aimrec.co.uk/visit-aimrec 

More details on our recycling initiative here: https://www.awltd.co.uk/social-value-projects/

AW Group is a multi-disciplined construction company providing a broad range of support and manpower across building and rail projects.

Our Fields are:

AW Construction – We offer an outstanding UK-wide fit out service, taking care of everything from scheduling rollouts & ordering materials to assistance with design and onsite delivery

AW Rail – We use the very best labour force and a proactive approach to deliver first-class construction and maintenance projects across the rail industry

AW Labour – We provide a high-calibre blue collar and white-collar workforce with a diverse range of skills, to support the construction and rail industries