All Aboard for Railway200: Step Into Derby’s Railway Heritage at the Museum of Making

To mark the Railway200 celebrations, the Midland Railway Study Centre is throwing open its doors for a special themed heritage weekend at the Museum of Making — and you’re invited!

How the Railway Came to Derby is the first of two weekends celebrating the rich history of the Midland Railway. Expect a fascinating display of historical railway ephemera, photographs, and documents from the Study Centre’s archives. Members of the Midland Railway Society will be on hand throughout the event to chat, answer questions, and share their deep knowledge of Derby’s railway past.

The action doesn’t stop there — head over to the Studios (the museum’s education spaces), where heritage railways and local organisations will be showcasing their work with stalls, stands, and a dedicated presentation area.

One of the event highlights will be a live illustrated talk by Study Centre Co-ordinator, Dave Harris, who’ll explore the story of how the railway shaped Derby. The talk lasts around an hour and promises a deep dive into the city's transformation by rail.

Upstairs in the Railways Revealed gallery, the Model Railway volunteers will be running the ever-popular Kirtley Junction layout throughout the day, alongside displays of their intricate modelling work.

Whether you're a lifelong railway buff, a local history lover, or simply on the lookout for a day out that’s a bit different — this weekend offers something special for everyone.