Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of railways at the Swindon Railway Festival, returning to the STEAM Museum on the 9th and 10th of September 2023.
This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience with a delightful lineup of 23 model railway layouts, beautifully showcased alongside iconic locomotives crafted in Swindon. The event welcomes three brand-new layouts, including the highly anticipated ‘Farringdon’ by Peter Boyce.
As you step into the festival, prepare to be transported through time and senses. The air will be filled with the smoky scents and evocative sounds of vintage traction engines presented by Swindon’s own Hatch Heritage & Steam Engineers. History will truly come alive when the museum’s replica of the famed Swindon Works Hooter is powered by live steam, resounding the echoes of the past.
The hooter was sounded every day until the Works closed in March 1986 – to remind GWR employees and their Swindon families of the time. STEAM will be sounding the hooter every hour on the hour to bring back this ‘sound of Swindon’.
Sally Langheim, the Events and Conferencing Officer at STEAM, shares her excitement ahead of the event: “This is the 21st Swindon Railway Festival we’ve held and it is one of STEAM’s biggest annual events. It’s a celebration of the Great Western Railway and features some of the UK’s finest model railway layouts.
“The layouts are built by some of the UK’s most experienced and expert model railway creators and three are brand new to the model railway circuit. One highlight I am particularly looking forward to seeing is the magnificent 3mm layout entitled ‘Foxbury’ by acclaimed modeller Bob Brown of an imagined market town in the Cotswolds portraying its branch line c1955.
While you marvel at the displays, don’t miss the chance to acquire a piece of history. STEAM is proud to present its exclusive 00 gauge Western Enterprise D1000 model locomotive, with only 500 limited edition models available for purchase.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Art, and Heritage, expressed her enthusiasm: “If you are interested in trains and our town’s rich railway heritage, then the Swindon Railway Festival is definitely the event for you. The incredible model rail layouts at the Swindon Railway Festival will transport you back in time and the level of detail is fantastic giving an engaging glimpse of life in the past, of the trains as well as the surrounding areas.
“We will even have the Swindon hooter going off over the weekend to add a flavour of the rhythms of life in the Works. A huge amount of hard work by the exhibitors went into these model displays, so it’s not surprising that the railway festival is one of STEAM’s most popular events.”
Experience the Locomotive Magic: Saturday brings an extraordinary opportunity to step onto the footplate of various locomotives, including GWR 4-6-0 King Class No. 6000 King George V*, GWR 4-6-0 Castle Class No 4073 Caerphilly Castle*, and GWR 4-4-0 Class No. 3440 City of Truro.
Beyond the Tracks: Trade stands will offer a plethora of model railway locomotives, kits, tools, and railway-related merchandise. Engage in captivating demonstrations by expert modellers, gaining insights into loco and wagon building, soldering, and weathering techniques.
An Experience for All: Explore STEAM’s newest 2023 exhibition, ‘Great Women’s Railway,’ celebrating the pivotal role of women at Swindon Works and GWR. Families can enjoy interactive model railways, activity trails, and engaging museum experiences suitable for all ages.
Ticketing and Timings: Plan your visit between 10am and 5pm on both days. Tickets are available now on the STEAM Museum website (www.steam-museum.org.uk). Admission prices are £14.50 for adults, £9.70 for children, £11 for students and seniors, and free for children under three.
STEAM Season Ticket holders enjoy a 10% discount on event admission.
