A new model railway for Derby!
The famous engine No. 70004 'William Shakespeare' restarts the Palatine express train from Manchester Central to London St. Pancras away from Miller’s Dale in the Derbyshire Peak District. This scenic main line was closed during the Beeching cuts in the mid-1960s.
Watch the model trains go by – learn about our railway history and how railways operate – keep dry when it rains in the Park! This is a Derby-based charity working to improve the local community by providing entertainment and education in an enjoyable way.
Why a model railway?
The million visitors each year to Markeaton Park in Derby need more facilities there. The idea of a model railway brings something of unusual interest in a city where the railway is a key part of its history.
The model railway will be built to the standard 00 scale in a large building (dry inside so great when it rains!) which is to be converted from its present use as a store. Derby City Council is funding some of the cost, but the charity Famous Trains model railway has to obtain a considerable sum to complete the work. Local community volunteers will be able to learn skills during the construction phase of the model railway. The charity will help volunteers learn about wiring and soldering, how to build the wooden base, and they will learn about model-making and building up the scenery to make the model railway look like the real thing in miniature.
Visitors will be able to watch a succession of model trains go by, and will see what happens at terminals, goods yards and engine sheds. There will be much, much more. Look through this web site to discover our new world of fun!
You can also download a MS Powerpoint presentation about the project. (Opens with Powerpoint 2001 (XP) or higher).
