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Special Trains 2012
You can book tickets for all your train travel over the internet. Click the link to take you to a secure booking site.
If you prefer you can book by post for some of our services but you will need Adobe Acrobat to be able download a booking form. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat you can download it free of charge by following the link. 
The Special Trains Section is split into three parts.
Some of the events we run are organised to cater specifically for our younger visitors.
Other events are specifically aimed at the whole family.
We also organise events which are of more interest to the railway enthusiast.
However these descriptions are not exclusive and you may find something to interest you in more than one section. To get more details of these events please follow the links.
For the Younger Visitors
Day Out With Thomas - actually more than one day
Come and visit the centre on the days when Thomas the Tank is there with all his friends including Sir Topham Hat. Thomas will be at the Centre on the following dates:-
| March 10th and 11th | | |
| June 7th to june 10th | |
| | Standard Thomas |
| August 4th to 7th | |
| |
| December 27th to 31st | | | | Festive Thomas |
Day Out With Thomas - Special Tea Trains
There will be a special tea train hauled by Thomas on
March 10th
June 9th
August 6th
These trains must be booked in advance.
Spooky Half Term Trains
Half Term Ghostly trains for Halloween.
All week fancy dress encouraged. Trick or Treat trail for children with instant prize. Trains and buildings decorated.
There will be a Magician 12-4pm daily at Swanwick Junction.
October 27th to November 2nd
Santa Specials
During the Christmas period we run Santa Specials for all the younger members of the family. Santa's grotto is on the train and the children will meet Santa during the train ride. There is a quality gift for every child. Every adult will receive a mince pie and a miniature bottle of spirits. The Pinxton puppets put on a show in a heated marquee.
Booking is strongly advised.
The Santa Specials will run on the following dates:-
November 17th and 18th
November 24th and 25th
December 1st and 2nd
December 6th
December 8th and 9th
December 13th
December 15th and 16th
December 20th to 24th
For the Whole Family
Summer Holidays
We run trains on everyday throughout the school summer holidays from July 21st to September 2nd.
Vintage Trains
We have some vintage rolling stock which dates back well into the 19th century. We run this stock to demonstrate how it used to be to sit in some of the earliest railway carriages:-
May 5th to 7th
August 25th to 27th
Royals on Rails
To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our Queen, the MRT will have a special long weekend entitled 'Royals on Rails'.
More details will be announced laterJune 2nd to 5th.
Indie Tracks Weekend
Trains and Music. Visit the Indie Tracks Web Site for more details
July 6th to 8th
1960s Weekend
Experience the sights and sounds of the 1960s over this special weekend when the railway will be recreating the era which saw the end of steam and the rise of the diesels.
An intensive timetable will operate over the weekend.
Further information will be available later. Pictures from the 2009 event can be seen by following the link.
July 14th to 15th.
Model Railway Show
Last year was the first of, what we hope, will be many Railex events. This year's show will expand on last year's very successful weekend.
A large selection of model railway layouts of various scales from 2mm to 7mm will be on display, featuring British, Continental and American outline covering the steam, diesel and electric eras.
A broad cross section of model retailers and suppliers will also be present enabling visitors to purchase those hard-to-find specialist tools or the latest newly released locomotive to enhance their layout.
A large range of specialist demonstrations will also take place illustrating the many and varied aspects of the hobby, from scenic tips such as the modelling of trees and scenery, through to the building of rolling stock.
The Railex Exhibition will be open from 10:00 until 16:30 on both days.
For more details follow the link below
August 18th to 19th
Fireworks Evening
We have a special fireworks evening on Saturday 5th November. A shuttle train will run between 5.30 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. from Butterley to Swanwick where you can get a grandstand view of our magnificent firework display with music which starts at 7.30 p.m..
A return service will be available after the end of the display up to 9.00 p.m. (approx)
The GVLR narrow gauge (extra charge) will run trains at Swanwick.
Other attractions at Swanwick will be open
The display has been registered with the Derbyshire Joint Initiative since 1999
November 3rd
Yuletider Trains
Lunchtime Wine and Dine services will run from Butterley station on Sunday 18th and 25th November
November 18th and 25th
Winter Warmers
Join us for a trip on one of our Diesel Multiple Units through the Derbyshire Countryside enjoying the views over the drivers shoulder or in the rear coach through the drivers window.
All passengers can get a free hot drink from Butterley Buffet.
January and February
Lunch on the Train
Our Mid-day Midlander Sunday Lunch Services will run on:
March 18th (Mothering Sunday)
April 15th
May 20th
June 17th (Fathers' Day)
July 15th
September 16th
October 21th
For more details and a booking form follow the link below
Other Special Weekends
During the summer we have other themed days and weekends. Examples are:
Disabled Weekend - Free for registered disabled, half price for helper on June 30thand July 1st. (Supported by Ripley Rotary).
Half price for the over 60s Week from 23rd to 27th July
For the Enthusiast
Footplate Experience Days
Passenger Trains with Steam Engines
April 20th
May 11th
June 22nd
July 13th,
September 14th
October 5th
Passenger Trains with Diesel Engine
May 25th
For more details of the 'main line' footplate days and a booking form follow the link below
Steam Footplate Experience on the GVLR using 'Joan'
For more details and a booking form follow the link below
Volunteers' Weekend
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Midland Railway Trust and for this weekend we will be opening our doors to the behind the scenes activities, as well as those "front of House" jobs that the visitor normally sees. This is your opportunity to find out just where you might be able to find a niche in a welcoming and friendly organisation. Existing volunteers will be on hand to tell you about their current projects and will be doing their best to entice you to come and join them. Just remember, it gets in the blood, so beware.
April 14th and 15th
Diesel Event
We run special weekends which feature many resident and visiting diesel locomotives in an intensive timetable with a variety of locomotives pulling the trains. Diesel events are planned for:-
May 26th and 27th
September 22nd and 23rd
More information will be available soon.
Narrow Gauge and Garden Railway Weekend
This special weekend for those who prefer their locomotives to be of an 'easier to carry' size.
July 14th and 15th
Road Transport Rally
Swanwick site will be the scene of a gathering of all forms of road transport. Make sure that you do not miss this exciting event.
July 15th
Steam Event
This event will feature the line's home fleet of steam locomotives hauling trains as well as possible guest locomotives. An intensive timetable will operate, featuring passenger trains, demonstration goods trains and more!
More information will be available soon.
October 13th and 14th
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