Thomas The Tank Engine Steam Trips for Kids

Take a SteamTrain at Derbyshire's Rail Museum & RideThomas

Sep 18, 2008 Christine Fadhley

Nostalgic for steam trains? Visit the Midland Railway Center in Ripley, UK and enjoy a steam locomotive ride. Thomas the Tank Engine is there too for the children.

Based near Ripley, a pleasant market town in the Peak District of North Derbyshire, UK, is the Midland Railway Centre. Midweek it functions as a workshop for the restoration of trains and at weekends and during school holidays it becomes a bustling station set in the early 20th Century, complete with all of the paraphernalia of the steam age. Some days Thomas the Tank Engine visits to give families a fun ride.

Historyof the Midland Railway Centre

The concept of the Midland Railway Centre was born in the late 1960’s when Derby Corporation decided to create a museum to celebrate the Midland Railway and its part in the development of the railway age. After a false start, due to lack of funds the Midland Railway Company Ltd was founded in 1973.

The Butterley Site for Thomas the Tank Engine Rides

The Butterley Site was chosen as it was close to a section of disused railway line upon which the restored locomotives could be driven. First a slag heap had to be removed before the site could be developed.

Now it is home to several large locomotives that are used regularly for steam journeys, restored railyway coaches, a miniature railway, a restored signalling box, a rescued tin church, and recently a donated station building is being reconstructed on the main platform. Eventually there will be a complete Victorian village representing the heyday of steam railways.

Visiting the Midland Railway Centre

The centre is open every day during the summer holidays. At other times of the year, visitors need to consult the Midland Railway Centre’s calendar to see when the trains are running. There are three timetables, A, B and C, and there are some special Thomas the Tank Engine outings when families can book in advance to take their youngest rail enthusiasts on an exciting journey pulled by Rev. Awdry’s much loved creation.

About Thomas the Tank Engine Excursions

The Thomas the Tank Engine train, complete with tea and cakes in the buffet car, leaves the Butterley Station at 6.00 pm on various Wednesdays and Saturdays. There will be a special souvenir for all the children, a kid's disco and a visit from Sir Topham Hatt, the Fat Controller. The price is £12.95 for adults and £8.95 for children. Under 2s go free but there is no gift. Call 01773 747674/570140 for more information.

Learn to Drive a Steam Train at the Midland Railway Center

Amongst other delights, those who are fascinated by big engines can sign up to a Footplate Course where they will be taught how to drive a steam train.

Volunteers Wanted to Help with the Steam Trains

For those who enjoy the engineering side of trains and have some spare time to offer, there is a ready welcome. The person to contact is Jeff in the carriage repair depot.

Getting to the Midland Railway Center near Ripley

The Midland Railway Center is on the B6179, one mile North of Ripley, sign posted from Ripley town center and from the A38 and from M1 Junction 28. Put DE5 3QZ into your SatNav.

For information on buses Call 0870 608 2608 or go to www.derbysbus.net for details. If you arrive by bus or train, show your ticket at the Midland Railway Center booking office and you will get two for the price of one entry.

References

The Midland Railway Centre, Butterley, Ripley, Derbys., DE5 3QZ. Office telephone: 01773 747674, or Visitor Information Line: 01773 570140.

The copyright of the article Thomas The Tank Engine Steam Trips for Kids in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Christine Fadhley. Permission to republish Thomas The Tank Engine Steam Trips for Kids in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.