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Butterley Garden Railway Association


Members meet every Sunday and there are additional midweek meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.These are afternoon sessions but often start in the morning and go on into the evening when the weather is kind.



We have a program of events planned. In order to avoid disappointment, visitors should make contact with BGRA before attending.

In view of the age and vulnerability of some members, please abide by current government advice concerning COVID-19.


Download and print our latest handout brochure.

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List of Recent Site Updates

Notices

NEW Winter 2024 Newsletter click here

 

NEW Autumn Night Run Photos click here

 

September/October 2024 Newsletter click here

 

A Look At Joe's Garden Railway click here

 

2024 Spring Night Run Photos click here

 

Latest Track Plans click here.

 


Recent Photo and Video Selection


Joe's photo

The weather was rotten but Joe braved the elements. However, Mike's Modular Layout was set up in the cabin and much fun was had by more sensible members. (Sunday 23rd November 2024)

Joe's photo

Joe had a good run but he soon migrated inside.

Joe's photo

Mike's layout had been left out after testing and members took full advantage.

Joe's photo

Joe ran his steamers but with our club-house doors and windows open.

Joe's photo

Looking wet because they'd been outside earlier.

Joe's photo

Eric setup his digger train...

Joe's photo

...and a festive feeling was in the air.

Joe's photo

Dave tested out his extended tipper train.

Joe's photo

Dave's tippers being prepared for a Christmas surprise perhaps. Many thanks must go to Mike for trusting us to play with his brilliant layout.

Joe's fantastic video explaining the testing of Mike's layout and the fun that has been had. (7.47 mins)


Dave's photo

SNOW ! (Wednesday 20th November 2024)

Dave's photo

Mike and the Road Crew arrived to set up his Modular Layout.

Dave's photo

They needed to resolve some of the problems revealed at Wirksworth the week previously.

Dave's photo

The layout was set up and tested and some happy running took place.

Dave's photo

Mike sent an update to the membership WhatsApp group to which Eric replied, saying what we were all thinking...

Dave's photo

Why not leave it set up in the cabin so we could all enjoy it over the weekend ? Well why not ?


Joe's photo

Mike and his Road Crew set up his modular layout representing the 16mm association and BGRA at the Wirksworth Model Railway Exhibition. (Saturday 9th November 2024).

Joe's photo

Organised by the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association, this is the second year that Mike has exhibited his evolving model layout.

Joe's photo

This brilliant little workshop diorama enhances the layout.

Joe's photo

Some of today's locos on display. Part of Joe's Wessex and Mercia fleet followed by Mike's green diesel.

Joe's photo

Joe's newly repainted Edrig with it's custom cab roof.

Joe's photo

A busy day for visitors where Dave, Phil, Ian and Mike promote the charms of Garden Railways. Phil Partridge on his stand, just out of shot, Ian hiding and Joe behind the camera.

Joe's photo

Many thanks to Mike's tireless Road Crew and to Joe for his photos. This one taken by Phil from his stall opposite the layout.

Joe's excellent video of BGRA On Tour. (7.28 mins)


Joe's photo

Joe, Darren and Glen had a fun Saturday at BGRA. Darren ran this great looking Roundhouse George. (Saturday 2nd November 2024).

Joe's photo

Glen brought an attractive Roy Wood Salem, nick-named, "The Beast".

Joe's photo

Joe ran his new Edrig with a freshly made cab.

Joe's photo

Looking great when posing for the camera.

Joe's photo

New member Glen showing off his distinguished looking Katie.

Joe's photo

Glen had worried about running a live steamer but helped by Joe and Darren he gave "Allan" a good steaming.

Joe's photo

Joe put "Athelstan" through its paces.

Joe's photo

Joe also got his scratch built Diesel into the action.

Joe's video of the day (10.14 mins)

Glen's photo

Glen brought his ballast train running to repair any damage done by Dave earlier in the week. Dave had a bit of a Coal Calamity.

Glen's excellent video of his latest BGRA excursion (11.43 mins).

New member Glen has an extensive YouTube site here.


Mike's photo

Mike, Dave and Eric had fun on a quiet Wednesday. They all took the opportunity to run long trains and this is Mike's (Wednesday 31st October 2024).

Mike's photo

Eric went with a Halloween theme. Ghouls and Duff Beer.

Mike's photo

A better view of Eric's Ghouls.

Mike's photo

Mike's super mixed train.

Dave's photo

Dave's long coal train run ended in a Coal Calamity.


Glen's photo

Darkness decends over Butterly at the start of our Autumn Night Run (Wednesday 23rd October 2024)

New Member Glen gets some fantastic photos of the evening.

Glen's photo

Andrew concentrates in the gloom.

Glen's photo

A whole gallery of photos here.

Glen's excellent video of the day (4.23 mins)


Mike's photo

Glenis and Tom Brave Storm Ashley in a howling gale and in between downpours she lovingly tends the garden. (Sunday 20th October 2024)

Mike's photo

Meantime, during the week, Mike and Exhibition Crew setup Mike's extended modular layout in the warmth of the cabin (it just fits).

Mike's photo

Live Steam indoors .... ooh the possibilities.

Mike's photo

Mike's imagination goes into overdrive when he asked ChatGPT (an A.I. app) to create a poster. It didn't understand Narrow Gauge but it made a remarkable attempt.


Dave's photo

A pleasant Sunday afternoon saw steam on the Main Line. (Sunday 13th October 2024)

Dave's photo

N0. 15 "Eustace Forth" pulls a short train of two B.R Mark 1 Carriages.

Dave's photo

Dave's photo

Tom and Doug making the most of the top track.

Dave's photo

Tom's Mortimer standing in the sidings. (Stills taken from Dave's video)


Joe's photo

Joe and new member Glen, have a mini midweek evening run. (Wednesday 9th October 2024).

Joe's new Accucraft Edrig pulls his soon-to-be-reconditioned train of nicely built Brandbright PS19 and PS20 coaches.

Joe's photo

As the sun went down Joe got his illuminated train going.

Joe's photo

Pulled by a Roundhouse Bertie. Perhaps a preview of our upcoming Night Run on Wednesday 23rd October.

Glen's Video Link

Glen's video of the run on YouTube (2.19 mins).(Contains Adverts)


Elliot's photo

A lovely Autumn Sunday with several runners but very few pictures taken. (Sunday 6th October 2024).

Elliot's photo

Some imaginative photos by Elliot of Dave's stunning classic Roundhouse meths fired Lady Anne.

Elliot's photo

Always looking for photos from Buterley. Send them to Our Webmaster at bgrawebsite@gmail.com For more detailed information about sending photos please see here.


Alan's photo

A cold, damp and quiet Sunday at the start of Autumn. Alan captured the morning. (Sunday 29th September 2024).

Alan's photo

Tom's track powered trains on display.

Alan's photo

Ian, Tom and Lyndon watch Tom's train pulling out of the top sidings.

Alan's excellent video of the day featuring his intriguing 1/12 scale train.(3.47 mins)

Alan's photo

A closer view of Alan's resplendent 1/12 scale model of miniature A3 Loco "Loch Alvie".

A short video from Alan's YouTube site showing the development of Loch Alvie. (2.01 mins)

Alan is a fan of 1/12 scale miniature railway modelling and there are several interesting videos on Alan's excellent YouTube Site.

Alan's 1/12 scale model runs on 32mm track and is a modified O Gauge loco. Here it models a 15 inch gauge, miniature, sit-on loco as might be found in a park or zoo.


Joe's photo

A damp day at Butterley but with some pleasant late summer running. (Sunday 15th September 2024).

Joe's Talgarth pulling goods past Dave's Lady Anne in the passing loop.

Joe's photo

Dave's newly acquired, vintage Lady Anne proves to be a brilliant runner (Impressive in Joe's Video).

Joe's photo

Joe's photo

Eric's Limited Edition Dylan pulling Joe's coaches.

Joe's photo

One of only 100 Dylan locomotives produced by Roundhouse to celebrate their 40th Anniversary.

Joe's photo

Eric's Dylan is an impressive model and is an updated version of Roundhouse's second loco after their iconic Lady Anne in 1982.

Joe's photo

Dave's "other" Lady Anne.

Joe's photo

Joe's Simplex loco based on "Arkle", from the Leighton Buzzard Railway. This lovely model, "started life as a Weetabix box", said Joe.

Joe's photo

Dave's very interesting Tram Loco going through its paces on the Top Track (Was it the Welshpool Show last weekend?).

Joe's video of the day with some interesting detail. (9.22 mins)


Joe's photo

A quiet running day at BGRA with a lot of heavy showers. (Sunday 8th September 2024).

Joe's ever reliable Roundhouse Millie on the lower circuit.

Joe's photo

Tom's Mortimer pulling mixed goods on the upper track.

Joe's photo

Tom's favourite loco looking very clean in these great photos by Joe.

Joe's photo

"Alfred", Joe's Accucraft Talgarth, pulling his superb, scratch built stock.

Joe's photo

Phil's Regner Vincent running solo on the top track.

Joe's photo

Tom's little diesel with a smart set of Mamod wagons.

Joe's video of the day. (5.33 mins)

Joe's photo

Rain and puddles not stopping Tom and Ian from having fun while the committee hold a meeting in the cabin.


Colin's new bench

Brilliant new arrival at BGRA, Colin's New Bench. (Wednesday 4th September 2024).

Colin's new bench

Here shown skilfully tested by Tom and Glenys. Thanks Colin and Ian.


Joe's Garden Railway

Joe Built a Garden Railway in record time...

Joe's Garden Railway

...and he kept us up to date with photos and videos ...

Joe's Garden Railway

... and you can see the full story by clicking here.


Four Lady Annes photo

A Cavalcade of Roundhouse Engineering Lady Annes on display. (Sunday 25th August 2024).

The Lady Anne first appeared in 1982 as a slip eccentric 0-4-0 meths fuelled, tin plate model. It was replaced in 1988 as an 0-6-0 in its current shape, with internal gas burner and Walshaerts valve gear. It has remained popular and kept up to date ever since.

The line-up features a kit built model by John Hayes' son, Mike's Spirit fired 0-4-0 Mk1 and Dave's two locos following.


Phil's photo

Tram engines running on a hot Sunday afternoon (Sunday 28th July 2024).


Mike's photo

Mike captures Eric's W.D. Loco on a pleasant Wednesday run (Wednesday 24th July 2024).

Mike's photo

Joe's scratch built diesel based on a modified and improved IP chassis.

Mike's photo Mike's photo

 

Mike runs his beautifully modelled Talyllyn mixed goods train.

Mike's photo

Dave Ashworth shows off his resplendent, modded, Mk1 Roundhouse Russell.


Joe's video of our Open Day. (5.37 mins)

A busy day for members as so many of us were not able to attend. The weather was kind and everyone seemed to have a good time. (Sunday 14th July 2024).


Mike's photo

A quiet Sunday with dodgy weather and a team effort to get ready for the Open Day. (Sunday 7th July 2024).

Thomas made a popular appearance.

Dave's photo

Dave took a few photos, mainly of the garden.

Dave's photo

Dave's photo

Mike's perfect little Dolgoch in a sunny moment.


Elliot's photo

Lots of visitors to MRT discovered us while searching for the recently completed Jinty. (Sunday 30th June 2024).

Elliot's photo

Tom had a great day with his track powered stock.

Elliot's photo

This great looking Loco was not Tom's favourite because it started misbehaving.

Elliot's photo

Wife Glenis told him to stop moaning.

Elliot's photo

Meanwhile, Joe and Ian tackle the edging on the end loop.

Elliot's photo

Hard work needing an exceptional drill to get fixings into the concrete.

Joe's photo

And a fantastic job done ready for our Open Day.

Elliot's photo

"Not The Bog Garden", tidied and looking great.

Elliot's photo

Hedge trimming.

Elliot's photo

And trains. Dave's scratch built loco performing well.

Joe's video of A Sunday Afternoon Steam Up.(5 mins)

Elliot's photo

Garden enjoying the summer.

Mike's photo

On Wednesday, the Golden Valley had an Open Day.

Mike's photo

Lovely engines...

Mike's photo

... of all shapes and sizes ...

Mike's photo

.. and an inspiration for so many of our models.

Mike's photo

Their splendid restored coach.

Joe's photo

Meanwhile on the main line, The resplendent Jinty reappeared...

Joe's photo

... in its gorgeous new livery.

Joe's video of The Jinty Returns.(3.57 mins)


Mike's photo

Dave's new sign erected by Mike. (Wednesday 19th June 2024).


Mike's photo

Crazy weather but Mike's photo shows that our garden loves it. (Wednesday 12th June 2024).


Joe's photo

Sunshine and heavy showers makes everything grow but the Gardening Crew soon got to work. (Sunday 2nd June 2024).

Joe's photo

Amazing little friend disturbed ... not a mouse or a rat but a tiny vole.

Joe's photo

Remnants of the hedge ... thanks Dave.

Joe's photo

Joe back from sunny Portugal, snapping the locos on a warm afternoon.

Joe's photo

Eric ditches the woolly hat and overcoat for sun hat and shorts.

Joe's photo

Joe's photo

Time to chill out.

Joe's photo

Joe's photo

Tom concentrates on Live Steam ...

Joe's photo

... his Mortimer is always impressive ...

Joe's photo

... and a great runner.

Joe's photo

Joe's photo

Dave preps his train but take a look at that blue sky.

Joe's photo

A lovely afternoon was had by all.

Joe took this video of the day. Worth a watch. (9.37 mins)


Dave's photo

Not summer yet but its starting to feel like it. Dave's photos (Sunday 5th May 2024).

Dave's photo

MRT were running their Victorian Train, pulled by No. 15 originally from Dunston Power Station near Gateshead.

Dave's photo

Also nice to see James and his amazing Mamods.

Dave's photo

Dave's photo

Dave's photo

James ran his other classic green Mamod.

Dave's photo

Regular runner Eric steams his Alco pulling a colourful train.

James's photo

James and his Saddle Tank Mamod that runs well on the original fuel tablets. He took the rest of the photos.

James's photo

James hopped off on the main line and took these pictures of No.15

James's photo

From Gateshead,this is 0-4-0ST CEGB Robert Stephenson & Hawthorne Ltd Forth 7063 Eustace Forth.

James's photo

Everyone had a great day.


Mike's photo

A pleasant Wednesday run in our lovely garden (Wednesday 17th April 2024).

Mike's photo

Mike ran his trains...

Mike's photo

... and fixed some track issues...

Mike's photo

... and took some great photos.

Mike's photo

Our new shelf in use. Thanks Colin and Ian and Mike for the photos.


Dave's photo

A lovely warm afternoon in our garden (Sunday 14th April 2024).

Dave's photo

Trains in a colourful setting. What could be better?

Dave's photo

Lots of themed trains running including Eric's creation.

Dave's photo

Super heros are popular with the passing public on the last day of their Easter break.

Dave's photo

Alan ran his 1/12 scale miniature Colossus pulling a train of open miniature railway stock.

Alan's photo

From Alan's video of his 'O' gauge model USRA 0-8-0 Switcher here posing as a 1/12 scale miniature railway model.

(Don't ask me about what scale it might be but it ran nicely on our 32mm garden track)

TOO COMPLICATED (I need a bigger brain)

Dave's photo

Tom having fun on the top track, running his Mortimer along with his track powered loco pulling a Military Train.

Dave's photo

Meanwhile our plantings look superb and are a terrific improvement to the outside of out cabin.

Dave's photo

And inside the layout, Colin and Ian finish off their shelf.

Dave's photo

A superb construction to save aching backs.


Elliot's photo

Elliot runs mixed goods on a quiet Sunday with normal weather including lovely sunshine, torrential rain and a howling gale (Sunday 7th April 2024).

Elliot's photo

Tom impresses everyone running a selection of track powered stock.

Elliot's photo

A few of us enjoying the sunshine before our committee meeting in the afternoon.

Elliot's photo

Colin and Ian work on new equipment shelves under the track.

Elliot's photo

Our garden loving the sunshine and showers.

Elliot's photo

Quite a few spectators, visiting MRT, inspecting our track.

Tom Runs His Locos in Joe's great little video (3.05 mins)

Joe's video of the Sunday running (4.45 mins) (Joe already knows about the squeeky wheel).


Joe's photo

Mike's impressive illuminated train in a superb photo from Joe.

Joe's photo

Joe's Bertie ended the running as the temperature plunged and we all packed up..

Joe's video of the event (9.45 mins)

A full write up of our event is in our gallery

Phil's photo

Phil's photo of our visitors 1979 Beck's Anna here posing with a much more modern Roundhouse Billy..

The Anna is a very early garden loco with an excellent writeup online by Marc Horovitz.

Found in SideStreets Bannerworks OnLine.


Dave's Photo

Mike's train running on the top track and looking great. (Wednesday 13th March 2024).

Dave's Photo

A quiet but pleasant Wednesday at Butterley.

Dave's video of the day, slightly edited by Elliot. (1.34 mins)


Dave's Photo

A quiet Sunday was had by Dave, Ian, Tom, Glenis, Eric and Dave (Sunday 25th February 2024).

Eric's beautiful Roundhouse Jennie ran perfectly.

Dave's Photo

Tom, assisted by Ian, had fun with his Accucraft ...

Dave's Photo

... but he got it running eventually.

Dave's Photo

Meanwhile, Dave decided to lay down a smoke screen to cover his activities.


Elliot's Photo

A busy AGM and a great running session. (Sunday 18th February 2024)

See our new gallery.

Joe's excellent video of our AGM running session (10 mins). Well worth watching.


A fine Sunday afternoon running. Dave's Video from 11th February 2024 (3.30 mins).


Photo

Spring coming?

Photo Photo

Running in 2024 (January 2024)

Joe's Video of the first run in 2024


Joe's Photo

Week three of our Christmas Running supporting MRT. (Sunday 10th December 2023)

Joe's Photo

Santa Specials on the main line and quite a few more visitors to our layout.

Joe's Photo

They all seemed to enjoy our efforts and our many Santa trains. This one is Joe's..

Joe's Photo

We got running after the rain had stopped and along came our visitors. Maybe our new sign was working.

Joe's Photo

Joe's photo of his train in an atmospheric setting.

Doug's Photo

Doug took this photo of his incredibly long festive special.

Joe's Photo

Santa and his self propelled sleigh. Who needs a loco?

Joe's Photo

But who is this sitting on our wall?

Joe's Photo

A nice model but i wouldn't want to bump into him on a dark night.


A charming Christmas Video of A Chilly December Afternoon by Dave. (2.40 mins)

Elliot's edit of Dave's festive video clips. Music and snow effects by Elliot.


Mike's Photo

As part of our bid to get MRT customers to visit us, we got a Christmas Banner to put up on the side of the Pullman Coach (Saturday 2nd December 2023)

Mike's Photo

Mike got his ladder out and got cracking on a very frosty Saturday morning.

Mike's Photo

Mike and the banner.

Dave's Photo

Meanwhile Dave had arrived and took some great photos of the thick frost.

Dave's Photo

Dave's Photo

Dave's Photo

Then the Santa Trains started running. This is Dave's.

Dave's Photo

Dave's Photo

A beautiful shot for Glenis, our Chief Gardener

Dave's Photo

And one for Tom, our our Chief Track Powered Operator.

Dave's Photo

Mike's Festive Train.

Dave's Photo

Our little people turned out in force.

Dave's Photo

Mike lines up his locos.

Joe's Photo

Overnight, several inches of snow appeared and Joe took this snap of the layout. (Sunday 3rd December 2023)

Glenis took this brilliant little video short. (Very Short) (Sunday 3rd December 2023)


Joe took this video of his lovely train being pulled by Dave's Coal Fired Ragleth being fired by Joe and assisted by Dave. Very impressive to see a good coal fired run. (3.56 mins)


Mike's Photo

Mike kicked off our Christmas running on Saturday while doing some jobs around the layout. (Saturday 25th November 2023)

Dave's Photo

Dave continued our Christmas activities on a very cold morning. (Sunday 26th November 2023)

Dave's Photo

Dominic's Bottom had a frosty start.

Eric's Photo

Eric's festive train.

Dave's Photo

Steam on the main line pulling Santa Specials.


Thunderbird Is Go (29 secs)

Elliot's imaginative reflection on the creation of his Funkey Diesel.

After many months & plenty of fiddling... Thunderbird; a Peter Yatton: Funkey Diesel kit has been created.

Elliot learnt a lot, assembling this kit. From: Using an Air Brush, understanding electrical circuits, and painting a line 😅. (Trust him, it's hard) and a lot more...

Big thanks to his Dad! For helping him build this beast, he couldn't have done it without him.


Dave's Photo

Dave, Colin and Joe met up for a fun session on Saturday. (Saturday 18th November 2023)

Dave's Photo

Dave ran his Coal Fired Lady Anne but took pictures of the flora and fauna.

Dave's Photo

The birds appreciate our feeder.

Joe made this video of the running session. (4.41 mins)

Joe's Photo

Joe did some double heading that didn't make it to the video.


Mike's Photo

Mike has a run and does some testing prior to the Roofing Crew's meeting on Tuesday. His Jenny now with fully working Radio Control. (Sunday 12th November 2023)

Mike's Photo

Mike's newly completed Corris Brake Van.

Mike's Photo

Tallyllyn hauling passengers round the back loop.

Mike's Photo

Mike's line up near the front station.

Mike's Photo

The Roofing Crew prepares to start on the cabin on Tuesday Morning. (Tuesday 14th November 2023)

Mike's Photo

Dodging Storm Debi on Monday, the team, led by Mike, got cracking.

Mike's Photo

Mike says JOB DONE except a tiny bit where it was damaged when the Pullman Coach burnt some years ago.

Many thanks to Mike, Tom, Doug, Dave, Jon and Phil... The Roofing Crew.


Joe's Photo

We had a committee meeting at 2pm but Joe arrived early to get some shots of his trains. Joe arrived at 8.30am! Maybe he was really keen or did he forget to put his clocks back? (Sunday 29th October 2023)

Joe's real reason for arriving at 8.30 am. Another excellent video of Two Train Running. (6.18 mins)

Joe's Photo

Diesel hauled passenger train at one of Joe's favourite spots.

Joe's Photo

Joe's Black Bertie has a run.

Joe's Photo

A gorgeous photo of Joe's Green Bertie hauling a goods train.

Elliot's Photo

Some more photos of Tom's excellent work. We needed a way to isolate the sidings now that the upper 45mm circuit has been electrified.

Elliot's Photo

Tom built and waterproofed this little switch box and installed it on the top track.

Elliot's Photo

He also retrofitted the point with added isolating fish-plates.

Elliot's Photo

Tom gives a thumbs up and we all join him. Brilliant work Tom.

Elliot's Photo

Joe and Eric. We'll never know what they are saying.

Elliot's Photo

Another outing for Elliot's Thunderbird. Very powerful but struggling for grip on a wet track. More lead weights needed perhaps.


Elliot's Nigh Run Photo

A good crowd gathered for our very popular October Night Run (Wednesday 25th October 2023)

Joe's atmospheric video (1:39 mins)

Elliot's Nigh Run Photo

Elliot's outstanding Funkey Diesel named "Thuderbird" had a good run. Follow the link to a Full Gallery.


Dave's Photo

Mike and the Track Crew (Tom) head to Butterley on a Saturday morning to complete work on the High Level Sidings. (Saturday 14th October 2023)

Dave's Photo

They added the Filcris side panels and flooded the area with a self levelling mix.

Dave's Photo

Making all the sidings much improved to complete our relay of this end of the layout.

Dave's Photo

Then on Sunday, Tom returned and ran his trains. (Sunday 15th October 2023)

Dave's Photo

Dave joined him with a mammoth train of coal wagons. But disaster struck....

Dave's Photo

... and a 3D printed buffer beam failed.

Dave's Photo

Tom meanwhile, had started running his faithful Mortimer...

Dave's Photo

... while Chairperson Alan sniffed the flowers and flew his drone on a fun but very cold Sunday.


Doug's Photo

Another fine Autumn afternoon brought out some outstanding trains. (Sunday 8th October 2023)

Doug's Photo

Mike's impressive Lawley.

Mike's Photo

Doug ran his sparkling red Lady Anne

Doug's Photo

Tom stole the show with his Santa Fe train. Running on the newly electrified top track with, what looks like, every wagon in his collection.


Joe's Photos

We captured a visitor seeking The G Scale Society and initiated him to our newly electrified top loop. (Sunday 24th September 2023)

Well done quick thinking Joe who invited him in, made him a cuppa and gave him a membership form as well as taking the photos and running his trains.

Joe's Photos

Regulars were running on this fine Autumn day.

Joe's Photos

Standing on our soon to be named bottom track station.

We aim to remodel this station with a viaduct theme so maybe this could be The Arches Junction ?

Joe's Photos

James came with his totally amazing Mamod. A brilliant runner that sounds terrific.

Dave's Photo

Dave took this photo for Glenis, The Cosmos Flowers.

Joe's excellent video of a steamy Sunday (3:25 mins).


Shiny Mamod

BGRA Mamod Oscillator and Vinage Day (Sunday 16th September 2023)

Full Gallery Page click here


Mike's photo of the BBQ

BGRA Member BBQ Yummy (Wednesday 13th September 2023)

Joe's Bertie pulls a night goods train at the end of our BBQ Wednesday.

Elliot and Joe Double head a heavy goods train as the sun goes down at our BBQ event

Full gallery page of our Wednesday BBQ Event here.


Joe's skilfully edited and comprehensive video of the day (10.49 mins). (Sunday 10th September 2023)

Joe's Live Steam Extravaganza has a full gallery page. The video is above.

Elliot's photo

Tom connects up the new Track Power connection to our 45mm loop.

Elliot's photo

Lots of testing was done

Elliot's photo

Tom controls his track powered loco as part of the testing process.

Elliot's photo

Tom then successfully ran all afternoon on Track Power. (Sunday 10th September 2023)

The full story of a busy Sunday has its own gallery page here.


Alan's excellent documentary video of our recent Loco Olympics (6.00 mins) (Saturday 26th August 2023)

Made up from photos and videos taken on the day. Well worth watching to the very end and maybe a preview of Loco Olympics 2024.


Elliot's personal view of the Loco Olympics, narrated by James the AI.

Elliot cut 30 mins of footage into a short video, never really intended to be a documentary (2.31 mins) (Saturday 26th August 2023).


James's photo

A quiet weekend at Butterley. James ran this Loco but we're not sure which model James has got. Any ideas? Definitely an Accucraft but not a Ragleth. (2nd & 3rd September 2023).

James's photo

James ran his collection of Mamods. This one is a Silver Jubilee model from the New Mamod range. The totem badge on the tender says, "Midland Railway Butterley" (Saturday 2nd September 2023).

James's photo

A totally amazing little traditional Mamod still running beautifully on Stinky Tablets.

James's photo

James got a whole load of circuits no problem.

James's photo

Alan popped in on Sunday while Eric was running his famous Toys R Us celebration special. Only half of the toys are showing here (Sunday 3rd September 2023).


Olympic photo

Sunshine and Showers for our day of Loco Olympics. (26th August 2023).

Olympic photo

We all got wet but the sun soon dried us out.

Olympic photo

Loads of fun was had by all. See the full gallery and report.

Joe's video of the day (6.57 mins) Well worth a watch to the end.


Alan's weekend photo

A pleasant Sunday at BGRA. Many members on Holiday but Alan snapped this gorgeous train (Sunday 20th August 2023).

Alan's weekend photo

Tom fixes his Accucraft that had thrown a grub screw. It really is Tom but he was wearing his Phantom of the Opera outfit, hence the white gloves.

Alan's weekend photo

Some Visitors were present to enjoy the running.

Joe's weekend photo

Joe took a photo of Master Cameraman, Alan, filming the full sidings.

Joe's weekend photo

Joe always manages a few atmospheric shots.

Joe's weekend photo

Joe also likes to pick out interesting features around our garden, like this tree (see below).

Joe's weekend photo

And unusual angles.

Joe's weekend photo

ED... Anyway ... I asked Joe about that new tree and Joe said that Glenis had given permission to trim it because it had always been a miniature tree and had just been hidden up to this time (see above).


Joe had a quiet Sunday, playing trains and relaying ballast (Sunday 13th August 2023).

Joe's Quiet Weekend

After loads of heavy rain, the ballast had shifted leaving sink holes and much filcris exposed.

Joe's Quiet Weekend

Joe found a bag of old ballast (the coarse stuff), washed it and started work on the track.

Joe's Quiet Weekend

It looks like Joe's done a great job. Many thanks Joe.


Cabin windows repaired

Windows repaired ... Hurrah. Mike met the installers after some months of negotiation. Well done Mike (Wednesday 26th July 2023).

Dave's photos

Dave took some great photos of our garden.

Dave's photos

Looking lovely.

Dave's photos

Glenis, on holiday, said sorry about the weeds (Ed: What weeds?)

Dave's photos

Our layout looking stunning.

Dave's photos

Super Heros on Eric's Railtour.

Dave's photos

Eric's outstanding Roundhouse Jenny and her crew.

Dave's photos

Another great Sunday (Sunday 30th July 2023).


Dave's butterfly Photo

A truly varied day of sun and downpours turned our Coal Firing Day into a display of photographic skills from Dave, Elliot and Joe. (Sunday 16th July 2023) Dave took this one.

Elliot's photo

Elliot got soaked running his coal fired loco so cheered himself up by taking some cleverly posed photos.

Elliot's photo

Driver Chalky White navigates a Roundhouse Millie through the floods.

Elliot's photo

Elliot's much complimented image of the Ais Gill Signal Box opposite our layout.

Joe's Photo

Joe snapped Elliot setting up his camera angles after a huge downpour.

Joe's Photo

Joe concentrated on the garden and...

Joe's Photo

... the trains.

Joe's Photo

There are many great photos on our social media pages including Facebook and Instagram. Check them out


A Day Out at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Edited by Elliot from clips by James and Dave (1.50 mins).

Mike took his brilliant LLantaliog Valley Modular Layout to Wirksworth with help from BGRA Members.

Full story in our Gallery (8th & 8th July 2023).


Mike's Photos

Thomas makes a special appearance at Butterley. (Sunday 2nd July 2023) Thanks Mike.


Mike's Photos

Mike enjoyed a Wednesday run (Wednesday 28th June 2023).

Mike's Photos

Mike ran his stunning Accucraft Lawley.


Dave's Photos

Another long, hot weekend with new member Doug and Dave (Sunday 25th June 2023).

Dave's Photos

Dave took the photos.

Dave's Photos

Dave's Photos

Doug's Red Katie passes the blooms around the track.

Dave's Photos

Class 44 'Peak' D4 'Great Gable' on the main Line.

Dave's Photos

A bee inspecting the Filcris.

Doug's video... He said that he was, "multi-tasking, driving and recording at the same time" and doing a great job of both. The video quality is slightly lower than usual for unknown reasons (1:01 min).

Dave's video of a balmy day at Butterley (2:44 mins).


Jon's Open Day Photo

An extremely hot day for our Open Day (Saturday 10th June 2023).

Joe's video of the day (4:25 mins).

Dave's video of the day (3:19 mins).

Elliot's Video of the Day in 9.3 seconds (set to repeat).


Hot June Sunday

A hot Sunday at the start of Summer as the committee has a planning meeting for our Open Day next Saturday.

Hot June Sunday

Dave snaps the action as trains run and plants grow (4th June 2023).

Hot June Sunday

Dave's tram engine standing in the top sidings, photos by Elliot.

Hot June Sunday

The kids loved Eric's train hauled by his War Department Alco.

Hot June Sunday

Colin's yellow Battery Diesel Loco pulls an impressive breakdown train.

Hot June Sunday

And Colin also ran is Lilla with some heavy goods.

Hot June Sunday

New member Doug runs his very shiny Katie.

Hot June Sunday

Elliot uses his Silver Lady to pull a FFestiniog themed train.

Hot June Sunday

Dave pulled heavy goods with his Lady Anne.

Hot June Sunday

John amazed himself by taking his newly repaired Regner Lumberjack for a spin.

Hot June Sunday

John had a Regner day out and got his trusty Chaloner to go after the traditional burner lighting ritual.

Hot June Sunday

Looking impressively filthy after a brilliant day out.

Dave's video of the day, edited by Elliot (2.02 mins)(4th June 2023).


Sunny Bank Holiday

A hot bank holiday weekend brought out the few that hadn't headed for the coast (28th May 2023).

Sunny Bank Holiday

Dave's photos.

Sunny Bank Holiday

Phil's Regner Willi having a run.

Sunny Bank Holiday

Sunny Bank Holiday

Sunny Bank Holiday

Phil's ModelEarth Davenport next to his 7/8 Willi (Phil's Photo).

Sunny Bank Holiday

Alan snaps long standing member Mike discussing the garden with Glenis.

Sunny Bank Holiday

A quiet but most enjoyable weekend (28th May 2023).


Sunny Saturday

A sunny weekend brought Joe and Dave out for a run (20th May 2023).

Sunny Saturday

Amazing us all, the MRT were running steam on the Big Railway.

Sunny Saturday

Glenis was pleased to see the garden blooming.

Sunny Saturday

On the Sunday, Mike had a good fettling session on the newly laid top track as it settled..

Joe's video of the day (9:07 mins).


Alan's Video of the Coronation Day Run part 1 (2:44 mins)

Alan's Video of the Coronation Day Run part 2 (1:16 mins)

More pictures of our Steam and Cream Coronation Day Run in our Gallery


Alan's Dress Rehearsal for his Coronation Train (1:42 mins) (Monday 1st May 2023)


Relaxed Sunday Run

A very relaxed Sunday Run while MRT ran their Vintage Train (30th April 2023).

Relaxed Sunday Run

MRT Vintage Train passes Elliot's Millie.

Relaxed Sunday Run

Phil's Regner Willie going through its paces.

Relaxed Sunday Run

John's recently rebuilt Lady Elliver, pulls his E.O. & D. mixed goods train.

Relaxed Sunday Run

A visitor to BGRA runs his superb Roundhouse Argyll.

Relaxed Sunday Run

Relaxed Sunday Run

Colin's train looks great with it's distinctive blue and white coaches

Relaxed Sunday Run

Tom dreams of extending the 45mm siding as he parks his diesel.

Photos by Elliot (30th April 2023)


Coal firing day

Dave raises steam on our Coal and Spirit Firing Day (23rd April 2023).

Coal firing day

The business end of Dave's Coal Fired Lady Anne

Coal firing day

Mike raises steam at the top track station.

Coal firing day

Mike's Riverdale Katie in the foreground with Dave's DJB Lady Anne waiting.

Dave's videos of the day, edited by Alan (1:06 mins).


Joe's Video of Easter Sunday.(2:43 mins)

Elliot's video shows a mix of both days with clips from Dave's videos.(2:05 mins)

Saturday and Sunday 8th and 9th April 2023


improved rockery

Ongoing improvements to our garden with a rebuilt rockery (Sunday 26th March 2023).


Joe's Video of an ordinary Sunday Afternoon that became a garden improement session (3.55 mins). Click here to see the gallery (Sunday 26th March 2023).


Spring Evening Run

Our Spring Evening Run photos are now on line.


Joe's Photos

Joe invited his friend, Alex, to come for a run. He brought two wonderful models with him (Saturday 18th March 2023).

Joe's Photos

Alex is from Northamptonshire.

Joe's Photos

Alex ran this stunning, weathered, DJB, coal fired Talgarth...

Joe's Photos

...And a very impressive Roundhouse Darjeeling 'C' Class.

Joe's video of A Busy Saturday (7:43 mins)

Joe's Photos

Lyndon joined the session making a busy Saturday run.


Alans Photos

A quiet Sunday run but Joel has fun after clearing the snow.

Alans Photos

Colin's train on the top track. The bottom track was snowbound..

Eric's Photo

Eric runs his Jenny through the melting snow (Sunday 12th March 2023).


Dave's happy hut pic

Dave and crew make sure that the hut is happy before they play trains.

Last month an orgy of vandalism saw our windows smashed along with many others on the site.

 

Awaiting renewal and with cold weather and snow forecast, a few members got together to make temporary repairs.

Dave's happy hut run

Not wishing to waste the day after the repair session, Colin runs his Lilla.

Dave's happy hut run

And Tom gives his Edrig a run

Dave's happy hut pic

The Happy Hut Crew at work. Many thanks to Dave, Tom, Colin and Lyndon. (Sunday 5th March 2023)


Atmospheric photo

Elliot's atmospheric edit of Dave's AGM photo. (Sunday 19th February 2023).


Saturday Run

Gareth and family have a Saturday running session. (Saturday 25th February 2023).


Joe's video of the AGM Running Session (3.53)(Sunday 19th February 2023) with some stills at the end. A collection of AGM photos is here.


Elliot's video of Mike's stunning Accucraft Lawley (45 secs).


Joe spends a chilly Saturday double heading his Roundhouse Berties (4:28) (Saturday 11th February 2023).


Steamy photo

Colin's atmospheric shot of his beautiful Lady Anne on an extremely cold Sunday (Sunday 22nd January 2023).


Photo of Eric

Glenis is over the moon about Dave's photo of Long Tail Tits on our Bird Feeder (Wednesday 11th January 2023).

Photo of Eric

Alan snaps Eric attacking his remote on a quiet Sunday (Sunday 15th January 2023).

Alan's video of A Quiet Sunday (2:16).


Blink and you'll miss it ... Elliot's quite amazing video tutorial on The Art of Coal Firing (in 30 seconds).

Watch out Nigel Town, you've got competition.


Mikes Day Out at BGRA

Mike and Dave came in to fix the burst pipe and managed a day of running too. (Wednesday 11th January 2023).

Mikes Day Out at BGRA

More of these photos, in high quality, can also be seen on the BGRA Instagram Page.


Gareth's Day Out at BGRA

Gareth and family have the track to themselves on New Year's Eve (Saturday 31st December 2022).

Gareth's Day Out at BGRA

Gareth's handsome Pearse Countess hauling two beautiful Welshpool and LLanfair Pickering Coaches.

Gareth's Day Out at BGRA

Gareth's Day Out at BGRA

A very detailed model made by Pearse Locomotives in the 1990s, pre-Accucraft.

Gareth's Day Out at BGRA

Gareth's Day Out at BGRA

A Roundhouse Dylan pulling a heavy train.

Gareth's video of his day out.


Dave's photo of a frosty BGRA

Very cold Sunday for the Christmas Party (Sunday 11th December 2022).

Alan's video of proceedings (2:22)


Alan's new Santa Train does a full circuit for the Christmas visitors (Sunday 27th November).


Joes photos

First Christmas Trains of the year (Saturday 26th November 2022).

Joes photos

Joe's Christmas Train.

Joes photos

MRT was running Santa Specials and Phil entertained the visitors with his superb Regner Betty.

Joes photos

Dave's Festive wagons.

Joes photos

Ginger Joe took the pictures.


A few short videos edited together by Alan (12th November 2022).


View of tracks

New crossover in action as 32mm and 45mm loops get used while finishing work continues (12/11/2022} Photo by Joe.

Click here to see our latest progress


Brightly Coloured Peckett

Mike's Peckett celebrates the Hindu Festival of Colours ? Perhaps (12/11/2022} Photo by Joe.


Head in the sky

Eric auditions for Grandpappy Sunshine in a new kids TV Series, "Teletubbies Meet Thomas and Friends". (30/10/2022}


Locos running on Sunday

James ran his Silver Jubilee Mamod on a warm sunny Sunday afternoon (16/10/2022}

Locos running on Sunday

Preserved HST proving popular with the enthusiasts and an unusual sight at Butterley (16/10/2022}

Locos running on Sunday

Smart little Mamod belonging to James, pulling a log wagon and amazingly well on tablets (16/10/2022}

Locos running on Sunday

Eric's DUFF BEER train passing the Station (16/10/2022}

Locos running on Sunday

James's Accucraft passes his Mamod parked up in the sidings (16/10/2022}

Dave's video edited by Alan


Top Halt

Mike poses his locos on the new Top Station (9/10/2022}

Steamer

Fun on a Sunny Saturday (8/10/2022}


Relay Crew

Upper Track Relay Crew (28/9/2022}


Gareth's locos

Gareth has a Saturday run with his family (24/9/2022}


Thomas Models

Mike has some fun with Thomas (28/8/2022}

Thomas Models

Thomas Models

Thomas Models

Mike invited the 'Tugs' crew to show their Thomas selection during their Open Day


Alan's Video from our Coal Firing and Spirit Firing Day.

24th July 2022


First of two short videos from around 2004/5.

Second of two short videos from around 2004/5.


Trains on the upper and lower tracks

A fast Mamod

Blue Mamod resting

Blue Mamod resting


Brian Dominic's memorial run with his family

Brian Dominic's family and friends running his engines at a Memorial Run on Brian's Birthday.

Brian sadly passed away in October 2019.

From happier days, a very well produced video of Brian's Mid Derbyshire Light Railway (12 mins from circa 2013). Well worth a watch. Brian's mdlr.co.uk website is still available online.

Produced by The Railway Channel


Some Older Photos


Old photo found on MRT website

The layout being built by Calvin Green in 1990 before the top circuit was even imagined.

1991 Photo

Running on the original layout from August 1991 (Photos by Barry Sumsian: SMT 057)


Interesting picture of our layout

An intersting view showing some construction details and the missing wall art (circa 2003)

Old Memberst

Sunday Morning Chat, March 2004

From left to right: Max Bryce (one of the founders of BGRA); David Haynes, Steve Acton, Derek Booth, Barry Firth & Matt Acton


A Selection from Trent Industrial Tramways Society

2011 Gala Day

2012 Gala Day Part 1

2012 Gala Day Part 2

Some old videos rediscovered recently. Produced in 2011 and 2012 by the renowned Trent Industrial Tramways, proprietor Kevin Gregory, known by everyone as Greg.

You might want to visit Greg's YouTube Site


Overview of layout

Overview of layout from 2010

Much activity on Gala day

2014 Gala Day

Coal fired fun

Coal firing fun with Nigel on a cold day in 2016.

East Mids Visitors

A visit by The East Midlands Group in 2016

Lots of activity

Busy on both loops

Dog bone end loop

Early view of the End Loop circa 2010

Tony preparing a loco

Tony preparing a loco