Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society

14/10/2026

🚂 Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society at the Midland Model Engineering Exhibition! 🚂

Today, five members of Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society, made the trip to Leamington Spa to set up our club stand for this year’s Midland Model Engineering Exhibition.

We’re delighted to have a fantastic 13 exhibits on display, including two locos currently under construction, showcasing the skill, craftsmanship and dedication of our members. 🔧🚂

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, why not make a day of it and come along? There’s plenty to see, lots of inspiration for model engineering enthusiasts, and a great selection of trade stands where you can admire the goodies… and perhaps risk spending a little of your hard earned cash! 😂💷

Come and say hello, have a chat with our members, and see what Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society has to offer.

We look forward to seeing you there!

20/07/2026

What a fantastic day we had at the Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society Members’ BBQ and Family Day on Sunday 19th July! ☀️🚂

With plenty of locomotives in action on both our raised track and ground level railway, there was no shortage of steam, diesels, smiles and great company. It was wonderful to see members and their families enjoying the sunshine, good food and a shared passion for model engineering.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the day such a success. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did – here’s to the next one!

14/07/2026

🚂 Members’ Running Evening – Monday 13th July 2026 🚂

What a fantastic evening at Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society! It was great to see so many members enjoying an evening of running, with plenty of action on both our ground level and raised tracks.

From the unmistakable sights and sounds of steam locomotives working hard around the circuit to the smooth-running diesel fleet, there was something for everyone to enjoy. It was another excellent evening of good company, shared enthusiasm and keeping miniature railways alive.

Thank you to everyone who came along, whether you were driving, steaming up, lending a hand or simply enjoying the action. We hope you enjoy this short video showcasing some of the highlights from the evening.

🚂 Which locomotive was your favourite? Let us know in the comments!

03/07/2026

🚂 Celebrating 88 Years of a World Record! 💙

Today marks 88 years since LNER Gresley Class A4 No. 4468 Mallard etched its name into railway history.

On 3rd July 1938, under the guidance of driver Joseph Duddington, fireman Tommy Bray, and Inspector Sidney Jenkins, Mallard reached an astonishing 126 mph on Stoke Bank, near Grantham, setting the world speed record for steam traction, a record that still stands today.

Designed by the legendary Sir Nigel Gresley, the streamlined A4 class represented the very pinnacle of British steam locomotive engineering. Mallard’s achievement was more than just a record; it was a testament to British innovation, engineering excellence, and the dedication of the railwaymen who made it possible.

Now preserved at the National Railway Museum in York, Mallard continues to inspire generations of railway enthusiasts and engineers alike.

Here’s to 88 years of an unbeaten world record and one of the greatest achievements in railway history.

Happy Anniversary, Mallard! 💙🚂

21/06/2026

The members of Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic railway incident that occurred in Bedford on Friday.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with everyone affected, including those involved, their families, friends, and the wider miniature railway community.

Incidents such as these remind us that, whether on a full size railway or a miniature railway, safety must always remain our highest priority. The enjoyment, education, and preservation of railway engineering depend upon a strong safety culture, careful operation, regular maintenance, and adherence to established procedures by everyone involved.

Model engineering and miniature railways provide a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to experience the fascination of railways, but they also carry responsibilities. As engineers, operators, volunteers, and enthusiasts, we must continue to promote the highest standards of safety and professionalism at all times.

The miniature railway community is a close knit one, and at times like these we stand together in support of our fellow societies and railway volunteers.

Railway safety is paramount, regardless of scale.

From all at Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society, our thoughts remain with those affected.

We are saddened as to what happened yesterday evening in Bedford.
Our sympathy and thoughts go to all involved and affected.
Railway safety is paramount in miniature railways as it is in the full size railway.

19/06/2026

🚂🎉 Celebrating 150 Years of Sir Nigel Gresley 🎉🚂

Today we proudly commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Nigel Gresley (19 June 1876 – 5 April 1941), one of the most influential locomotive engineers in railway history.

As Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), Gresley revolutionised steam locomotive design and created some of the most famous locomotives ever to run on Britain’s railways. His engineering brilliance produced legendary classes such as the A1 and A3 Pacifics, including the world famous No. 4472/60103, Flying Scotsman, the first steam locomotive to officially reach 100 mph and later the first to circumnavigate the globe.

Gresley’s masterpiece was undoubtedly the streamlined A4 Pacific class. Among them was No.4468, Mallard, which on 3 July 1938 achieved a world steam speed record of 126 mph, a record that still stands today, more than 85 years later. Another member of this iconic class, No. 4498/60007, Sir Nigel Gresley, was named in honour of the man himself and remains a fitting tribute to his extraordinary legacy.

Beyond speed records and famous locomotives, Gresley introduced numerous engineering innovations, including the renowned Gresley conjugated valve gear, helping to improve locomotive efficiency and performance across the LNER network.

His vision, innovation, and pursuit of excellence helped define the golden age of steam and left an enduring mark on railway engineering worldwide. From the magnificent Flying Scotsman to the record breaking Mallard, his achievements continue to inspire railway enthusiasts, preservationists, engineers, and model engineers alike.

150 years after his birth, we celebrate a man whose name remains synonymous with innovation, elegance, and engineering excellence.

Sir Nigel Gresley’s legacy lives on every time steam is raised, wheels turn, and a new generation discovers the magic of Britain’s railway heritage.

01/06/2026

Clubs, societies and individuals are invited to bring along their battery/electric, engine driven locomotives to run on our 2000ft track.
Contact us to book your place.

31/05/2026

Our visit to Little Hay Miniature Railway 31.05.2026

Today Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society (EVMES) makes its annual visit to the Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society’s fantastic “Little Hay” railway.

A great day was had by all, with plenty of locomotive action on both the raised and ground level tracks. The weather was kind, the company was excellent, and there was no shortage of steam and smiles throughout the day.

A huge thank you goes to everyone at Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society for their warm welcome, hospitality, and for hosting another excellent event. We always look forward to visiting Little Hay and enjoying a day of model engineering and railway camaraderie.

31/05/2026

Today, members of Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society were delighted to attend Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society’s annual invitation day at their wonderful Little Hay site.

A fantastic day was had by all, with an excellent selection of locomotives in operation on both the raised track and ground level railway. It was great to catch up with fellow enthusiasts, enjoy some superb running, and appreciate the hard work that goes into maintaining such a fantastic facility.

A huge thank you to Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society for their warm welcome and kind invitation. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and look forward to welcoming your members to Erewash Valley in July.

06/03/2026

Last Wednesday’s maintenance day at Erewash Valley Model Engineering Society saw plenty of activity on the raised track.

One of the track supports had sunk following last year’s hot, dry weather, which caused a bit of misalignment as you leave the station. Our trusty Permanent Way gang sprang into action: breaking up the old concrete support, digging out the base, and re-casting a brand new support to get everything back where it should be.

Thanks to their hard work, the line should now be ready for safe running again very soon as we head into what promises to be a busy and exciting year for the club.

A big thank you to everyone who helped on the day 👏



📸 Graham Sturgess