Midland Railway Butterley/Railcar Association DMU Gala September 21/22

The Midland Railway Butterley will this year be hosting the Railcar Association for its annual event and DMU Gala on Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22.

A total of 21 DMU vehicles will be available for display or service including sets under restoration and those in long-term storage.

The event will feature the launch into service of ‘Pacer’ 142013, which has been comprehensively restored to its original GMPTE orange livery. Also appearing will be blue and grey Class 108 set LO262, Provincial liveried 142011 and Metro-liveried 141113, which is the only one of its class still in running order. On static display will be the only-remaining Class 100 set, which is undergoing restoration, along with examples of Class 114, 115 and 127 units.
Visitors will be able to see for the first time ever parallel running of units across the line’s photogenic reservoir section, as well as four-car and six-car formations in use. Other attractions will include a six-car Saturday evening fish and chip special, which will feature an on-train bar and guided tours of units under restoration.
142013 is the second of its class to be restored at the Midland, with the work including a complete retrim in an authentic pattern 1980s moquette, with other work including a complete renewal of all window rubbers, removing and resealing the overhead pods and an interior repaint.
Delegates from many other heritage railways are expected to attend but the event is open to the public, as are all the other attractions at the 50-acre site, which will include the new Tom Said Micropub at Swanwick
Tickets can be obtained in advance from the Midland Railway’s website, with a discount being made available for two-day entry, or from Butterley station on each day of the event.


For those who prefer steam traction the MRB will be holding a vintage weekend over the August Bank Holiday when the line’s Victorian rake of coaches will be hauled by newly-completed LMS Jinty 16440, while diesel enthusiast will be able to travel on a rake of Mk1s hauled by 44004 Great Gable.