The Midland Railway, Butterley

Aerial photo of Swanwick

An Aerial View of Swanwick Museum Site

From a photograph by Alan Taylor

Swanwick Museum Site

The highlight of any visit to the Midland Railway Centre is undoubtedly a tour of our developing Museum Site. This is achieved by alighting from the train at Swanwick Junction Station. Any other train returning back to Butterley Station can be caught later in the day or an alternative is to use the scenic footpath to Butterley, some 10 minutes walk. Swanwick Junction Station is still being developed and you can see work continuing on the north platform as well as the refurbishment of the former Swanwick Colliery Branch which is being brought up to passenger carrying standards. Work is well advanced on installing a footbridge to link the two platforms. From the platform you can walk across the newly leveled area towards the demonstration signal box and church.

Broom Station Building

The station building on the island platform (platforms 3 and 4) is a replica of that at Broom Junction. This was constructed by volunteers at the railway. Broom Junction was on the former Evesham and Redditch line and photographs show that the station layout bore an uncanny resemblance to the layout at Swanwick. The Trust were due to acquire the original station building from Warwickshire County Council when travellers occupied the site at Broom and burnt the building to the ground. As there were full survey details of the building it was decided to build a replica at Swanwick. This was completed in 2005.

Syston Station

The building under construction on the main platform has been rescued from Syston Station. It is being built using original stone and other materials where possible. Some of the originals have been damaged and are unusable. Where that is the case then replacements have been obtained to fit in to the original design. The original station was built in the 1870s on the Trent - Leicester line at the start of the Midland Railway's line to Peterborough. The work is being done with the help of a grant from the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership.

Diesel Depot

The new steelwork that you can see will be our diesel depot, built to house our large collection of main line diesel locomotives. Progress is being made on this project as funds and resources permit.

Demonstration Signal Box

Brands Crossing Signal Box is unique in that the public are encouraged to visit this box and see how a Midland Signalman worked. The box has been rescued from Linby, just north of Nottingham and represents a typical Midland Railway signal box. The working signal boxes at the centre are maintained and operated by members of the Midland Railway Signalman's Association but, because they are operating boxes, they are not open to the general public.

Children's Play Area

The small play area allows children to let off some of their own steam.

St. Saviour's Church

The award winning "Tin Tabernacle" Victorian Church has been rescued from the railway village of Westhouses and is the latest building to be opened. It is also the first stage in our Victorian Street Scene. It is a delight to savour the atmosphere of this Church which has seen used for a number of services since its rebuild at the Centre.

Model Railway

The Swanwick Junction Model Railway is housed in the porta cabin and is open most weekends.

Allport's Emporium

Turning right you will pass close to Allport's Emporium from which a range of souvenirs may be purchased. This building is named after Sir James Allport, a remarkable gentleman who, as the Chief Clerk of the Birmingham and derby Junction Railway, was made redundant when the Midland Railway was first formed. However, his railway career prospered and he was eventually appointed General Manager of the Midland Railway in October 1853. He became Chairman of the Board of directors in 1880. Apart from the souvenir shop the building also houses a museum display and an 'O' gauge model of a Midland Railway branch line.

The Gatehouse

The small brick building at the entrance to the site was rescued from St. Mary's Goods Yard in Derby. It has been rebuilt using new materials to its original design. Close by can be seen the two former Coal Merchants' offices from the same St. Mary's Goods Yard. One of these houses the disabled toilets and the parent and baby room. The other is still used as an office. Access to both the Brittain Pit Farm and the Country Park is through the gates.

Johnson's Buffet

Just across the road is Johnson's Buffet which is named after the Midland Railway's Locomotive Superintendent who was responsible for designing some of the most attractive and reliable engines of their day. Photographs of some of his work can be seen in the buffet which serves a wide range of snacks and refreshments.

National Fork Truck Heritage Centre and Road Transport Gallery

The large building below the buffet houses a collection of historic fork lift trucks and road vehicles. This building has been recently completed and further exhibits are being obtained.

Golden Valley Light Railway

This narrow gauge line now operates through our Country Park on the trackbed of the Butterley Works plateway which was built to carry goods to the canal at Ironville. The Golden Valley Terminus overlooks our restored canal basin and the entrance to Butterley Canal Tunnel. You can use this line to explore the Country Park or simply enjoy a trip on this unusual train. Trains run every weekend from April to October. Stock for this project has been collected from a variety of sources including local collieries, brick works, and even some vehicles from as far away as Poland.

Matthew Kirtley Museum

The largest building on the site is the Matthew Kirtley Museum, named after the Midland Railway Company's first Locomotive and Carriage Superintendent who was appointed on the Railway's creation and was in charge of Derby works for the rest of his life. Inside the Museum is a unique collection of locomotives and rolling stock covering steam, diesel and electric power from the 1860s to the present day. Also housed in the building are several locomotives in storage and the Centre's running fleet of steam and diesel locomotives when not actually in service.

Historical Model Railway Society

The National Headquarters of the Historical Model Railway Society was completed in 2005. This purpose-built structure was funded entirely by voluntary subscription and on its three floors contains a Display Area and Shop; a Study Centre containing an extensive library, archive and reading rooms; and a secure archive store housing large collections of drawings and photographs.
When complete the Display Area, containing a number of exhibition standard model railway layouts and other models, will be open to the general public at all times that the Matthew Kirtley Museum is open. The Study Centre is currently only available by appointment to HMRS Members and bona fide researchers of the railway scene. Further details can be obtained from the Centre Manager on 01773 745959 or by e-mail studycentre-manager @ hmrs.org.uk.

Static Power Display

The static power building is open on peak days at the side of the Matthew Kirtley Museum. This building houses a large collection of machines from agriculture and industry.

Richard Levick Workshop

Outside and behind the Matthew Kirtley Museum is the Richard Levick Workshop which houses the Centre's main locomotive restoration facility. Access to this area is obviously restricted and permission should be sought before entering the building.

Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust Depot (West Shed)

This locomotive depot has been built by the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust to house and maintain their impressive collection. This includes two of the five remaining Stanier Pacifics, Princess Margaret Rose and Duchess of Sutherland. There are two Standard Class 4Ts, 80080 and 80098. In addition, there are 21" gauge locomotives originally built for Butlin's Holiday Camps which are being restored.

Butterley Park Miniature Railway

A path leads from either side of the Matthew Kirtley Museum building up to the Butterley Park Miniature Railway. This line operates every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from Easter to the end of September. It is a 3.5" and 5" gauge line with a circuit of approximately one sixth of a mile. The line is fully signalled using miniature examples of traditional railway signals controlled from a miniature Midland Railway signal box. You can enjoy a ride behind one of these excellent miniature locomotives at a nominal additional charge and enjoy the pleasure of this excellent line.

Kettering Signal Box

Continuing towards the station you pass the large Midland Railway Signal Box which was rescued from Kettering on the former Midland Railway main line to London. It has been completely restored to control the large number of tracks in and out of this complicated junction. As it is a working signal box, visitors are not allowed inside.

Historic Carriage and Wagon

A path leads to the Historic Carriage and Wagon workshop and in front of it can be seen a large number of historic carriages and wagons awaiting restoration. On certain days, and with permission, it is possible to see the work being done in the workshop building. From here you can cross the track and take the path back to Butterley or return to the main museum site.

Country Park

Access to our award winning Country Park is through the main gates adjacent to the Gatehouse, turning left and walking through the car park. A path dips down to give access to the Country Park. Although it is only 35 acres, the Country Park gives a wide variety of habitats which encourage wild life throughout the year. The Trust has created a network of footpaths, ponds and marsh areas to give even more variety and this can be explored in conjunction with the Golden Valley Light Railway.

Brittain Pit Farm

This is one of the most popular parts of our Museum Site. The friendly atmosphere and range of animals to be seen makes it a must for our visitors. Here you can also see the remains of the Western Upcast Colliery Headstocks and Winding Gear. The viewpoint giving panoramic views across Amber Valley is also well worth a visit.