The centre is about much more than the stock. The railway tin chapel, for example, is a priceless gem.
Really.
Russel, I wish I'd said that
Replacement event now announced: https://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/whats-on/rail-riders-show/
That does seem an interesting event, with something for everyone really, I'm considering attending.
Really? Have you actually been inside it? No way is it anything remotely like one of those prefab bungalows! If I remember correctly, it is pre WW1. An example of a type of Railway Mission building that has almost all gone now.
As the poster of the "one area where derelict stock is concentrated" I feel it is prudent to say that all areas that I pointed my camera at were semi derelict. The staff were less than helpful other the the ticket inspector on the 141 pacer running that day. The staff at the Princess shed were not Interested in entering into a discussion of their progress or not. The site is really tatty lots of taped off areas and many large puddles to negotiate. So after 16 years we have a Jinty!! The patch painted power cars don't inspire me and they were my long time favourites in the real world. Previously I'd travelled 50 miles to visit and although the website said it was open after arrival at Butterley I was told it was closed due to flooding, when I asked why the website hadn't been updated I was curtly told it was on Facebook, silly me not not subscribing although to be fair I was given a free ticket. Actually the one that wasn't accepted on the day in question. What is the purpose of some of these posts one wonders? In my case to highlight what a miserable day I had and for others (there seem to be a few of us) that agree.
It's got an ambitious new large high quality station building at Wirksworth, which last time I visited seemed mostly complete, including new quality toilets replacing the old (admittedly cramped and sub standard) portakabins. The facilities at the Duffield interchange with NR seem to be a reasonable standard and an appropriate size give that most people arrive at the other end.
I was thinking of not only the landslip but also those speed restrictions owing to track condition which have beset the route in past years. I can remember one diesel gala some years back which had a restricted timetable because it was not possible to provide an hourly service with said speed restrictions. At the end of the day it's an inherited BR freight line which would have seen minimal maintenance in its final years and maybe for longer.
W55006 is not far off being ready now and should see use on the incline at the 14's gala. Maybe on some of the quieter weekdays later in the year it could get a run down the line.
Yes we had W55034 but DMUs don't often head down the line as steam is more what people come for these days.
Full details and photo's in my trip report thread which is linked in my signature below.I was there too, good to see good number of people there.I visited today for the ale gala and was unsure what to expect after reading the reports on here. However, I really enjoyed it and thought it fantastic
he DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) Gala is an opportunity to ride on the DMU collection at the Midland Railway -Butterley.
This years DMU Gala is Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September.
The highlight of the DMU event will be the launch into service of ‘Pacer’ 142013, which has been comprehensively restored to its original GMPTE orange livery.
The event will also feature the line’s blue and grey Class 108 set LO262, Provincial liveried 142011 and Metro-liveried 141113, which is the only one of its class still in running order. On static display will be the only-remaining Class 100 set, which is undergoing restoration, along with examples of Class 114, 115 and 127 units.
Visitors will be able to see for the first time ever parallel running of units across the line’s photogenic reservoir section, as well as four-car and six-car formations in use. Other attractions will include a six-car Saturday evening fish and chip special, which will feature an on-train bar and guided tours of units under restoration.
142013 is the second of its class to be restored at the railway, with the work including a complete retrim in an authentic pattern 1980s moquette, with other work including a complete renewal of all window rubbers, removing and resealing the overhead pods and an interior repaint.
The event will be held in conjunction with the annual gathering of the Railcar Association, which will include a formal meeting on the Saturday and which will be attended by delegates from most UK heritage railways that operate DMUs.
Tickets can be obtained in advance from the Midland Railway’s website, with a discount being made available for two-day entry, or from Butterley station on each day of the event.
Experience the way travel used to be with a train ride through the wonderful Derbyshire countryside on one of the Midland Railway – Butterley’s heritage Diesel Multiple Units. These trains have large windows and so there is an excellent view all round. Plus you can see into the cab and see the driver in action, as well as the track ahead.
Get off the train at Swanwick Junction and explore the Complex, where you will be able to visit the Demonstration Signal Box, Victorian Railwayman’s Church and the Country Park. Other attractions may also be open.
I last visited the Midland Railway Centre in 2017. I used to go with a mate who knew we could get in through the back gate by Swanwick Junction station without paying, by going up Coach Road (off Codnor Lane) as it was always unlocked and no staff around. He also found a way of getting into Crich for free! I don't know how much income they lose like this. I always try to put something in a donation box if I'm not riding.
I was wondering about the bolded part when I was trying to plan a visit last year. I decided not to visit then because nothing seemed to be open, but I haven't given up and will try again, probably next year.
