Model Railway Village: Alstom Derby & UK Rail Heritage Celebration

Model Railway Village to Debut at “The Greatest Gathering” in Derby

For railway enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, the upcoming “Greatest Gathering” in Derby promises an unprecedented spectacle. Taking place at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane site from August 1st to 3rd, 2025, the event will showcase a vast collection of historic and modern rolling stock, offering a unique insight into the evolution of Britain’s railways. But the event is more than just trains; it’s also a celebration of railway culture, and the Model Railway Village, in partnership with Key Model World, will be a central element, bringing the world of miniature railways to life. Featuring the Making Tracks 3 layout from renowned railway modeller Pete Waterman OBE DL, the Village will host an array of layouts and trade stands, offering both inspiration and resources for enthusiasts. This article explores the key highlights of the Model Railway Village and its integration within the wider “Greatest Gathering” event, highlighting the significance of the exhibition to the industry and its contribution to the future of railway enthusiasm.

A Showcase of Miniature Masterpieces

Central to the Model Railway Village will be the Making Tracks 3 layout, a 64-foot-long OO-gauge (4mm scale) recreation of Milton Keynes Central railway station, masterfully crafted by Pete Waterman OBE DL. This layout promises to be a significant draw for visitors, demonstrating the artistry and precision inherent in railway modelling. Alongside Waterman’s creation, the Village will feature other exceptional layouts, including Mick Bryan’s Deadmans Lane, Eric French’s London Underground layout – Harefield Road, Key Model World’s Twelve Trees Junction, and Mark Pearson’s Welby Lane RTC, based on the Old Dalby and Mickleover test tracks. These diverse exhibits will illustrate different eras and aspects of railway operations, catering to a broad range of interests.

Trade and Innovation in Miniature

The Model Railway Village will also host up to 20 trade stands from leading model railway brands. Attendees will gain access to the latest product insights, with opportunities to view and purchase equipment from Hornby, Bachmann, Accurascale, Heljan, Revolution Trains, and Cavalex Models, plus a selection of new and second-hand model railway equipment. This aspect of the Village will provide a platform for manufacturers to showcase their innovations and for enthusiasts to enhance their own layouts and collections. This element will also highlight the commercial aspects of the hobby and underline its contribution to the wider railway industry.

Key Model World’s Derby Debut

Adding another layer of interest, Key Model World will be debuting a brand-new model railway layout, based on a section of the Derby Litchurch Lane Works. This OO-gauge layout is being constructed using new laser-cut modular building kits developed by PJM Models. These kits will be available for purchase at The Greatest Gathering, offering a practical example of modern modelling techniques. Furthermore, the event will be covered by both Key Publishing’s Hornby Magazine from July-September and through video series on Key Model World this summer, enhancing the event’s profile and providing accessible resources for those unable to attend.

Alstom’s Contribution and Broader Context

The Model Railway Village is an integral part of The Greatest Gathering, a three-day event organized by Alstom and celebrating the heritage and future of British railways. The “Greatest Gathering” is a crucial component of the Railway 200 festivities, a year-long commemoration of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in 1825, the birth of the modern railway. This event will bring together over 100 rolling stock exhibits within the historic Litchurch Lane site, which will be open to the public for the first time in nearly 50 years. The event, in its entirety, presents a unique opportunity to appreciate the historical significance of railways and their enduring impact on society.

Conclusion

The Model Railway Village at The Greatest Gathering promises to be a highlight for railway enthusiasts, offering a vibrant mix of artistic craftsmanship, technological innovation, and community spirit. The inclusion of layouts from notable modellers like Pete Waterman, alongside a wealth of trade stands, ensures a comprehensive experience for visitors of all levels. The event’s alignment with the Railway 200 celebrations emphasizes the historical importance of railways and underscores the enduring passion they evoke. Moreover, the focus on inspiring the next generation of engineers and enthusiasts positions the event as a crucial step towards maintaining and growing the legacy of the railways. By fostering a sense of community and celebrating the intricacies of the hobby, The Greatest Gathering and the Model Railway Village contribute to a dynamic and vibrant railway sector for the future.

Alstom Company Profile

Alstom is a global leader in the rail transport sector, designing, manufacturing, and servicing a comprehensive range of rolling stock and rail infrastructure solutions. With a long-standing history in the industry, Alstom is committed to advancing sustainable mobility and innovation. Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works, the venue for “The Greatest Gathering,” holds historical significance as Britain’s oldest remaining train factory, illustrating the company’s deep-rooted connection to the UK rail network and its ongoing contribution to the industry.