Miniature Railway Spectacular: Portable Railway Club inspires the next generation with "the biggest pop-up ride-on railway seen in the UK for nearly 30 years."

It took 6 months of planning, 6 hours to construct and 350m of MRW Jubilee track panels, but it was worth it! 

Over the course of the weekend of the  20th - 21st July, 2024, the Portable Railway Club took on the ambitious project of setting up the biggest pop-up ride on railway seen in the UK for almost 30 years. 

The event took place at Quorn and Woodhouse station on the GCR in Leicestershire and featured several visiting locos, numerous volunteers and even a TV appearance on BBC East Midlands!

With the track’s design we were “pushing the boundaries of what’s possible” by deciding to run four trains at once but this was achievable due to the easy to assemble nature of a portable railway.

Club secretary, Martin Paling described it as a “big Hornby train set you can ride” and it was clear that the event was a great way to inspire and encourage the next generation of miniature railway enthusiasts. 

Visiting youngsters not only had a fun time getting their hands dirty with running the trains but some even helped to build the railway before the event started alongside the club’s junior members.

A father and son duo (Jon and Daniel)  attended with their own “lockdown” locomotive which they built together during the pandemic and my own dad John also gave a helping hand - it’s clear that portable miniature trains make for a great intergenerational bonding activity! (especially if their names are John and Daniel)

It was truly a delight to see the miniature locos running alongside the full-size GCR trains and being able to run the event at such an iconic heritage railway certainly raised the Portable Railway Club’s profile. 

Visiting clubs included the Hermitage Miniature Railway in Whitwick, Arthur's Here and There Portable Railway in Derbyshire, Sawtry Railway and the LSME Abbey Park Miniature Railway.

This was the Portable Railway Club’s fourth annual meeting and the non-profit continues to go from strength to strength, attended by model engineers and portable railway owners alike. 

With the support of MRW, the club gives miniature railway enthusiasts special opportunities to meet up and share their knowledge, tips and passion for the hobby. 

Be sure to follow the club on Facebook for the latest updates and news about our next event.