Middle Earth Model Railway


Shire Railway Museum Exhibits: Early railway coaches Two Fowler 4F 0-6-0 chassis Railway memorabilia	From humble beginnings, the Shire Railway Museum has grown to become a leading centre of preservation techniques and technical expertise, regularly undertaking work on behalf of other organisations. Guided tours of the workshops are available, demonstrating the skills and methods used. Collections include early Shire Railway coaches, rolling stock and memorabilia. There are usually a number of locomotives under restoration in the workshops, and current projects include the restoration of a Fowler 4F. Originally at Hobbiton, the museum moved to its present location near Michel Delving station in 2010. Built on a disused industrial site there is a short section on running track that may one day be reconnected to the main line.

The Princess Elizabeth Preservation Trust Exhibits: 'Princess Elizabeth' locomotive	The Shire Railway bought 'Princess Elizabeth' in 2002 with the intention of returning it to service, adding another powerful express passenger engine to the fleet, but major mechanical problems led to the decision to dispose of the locomotive. When the railway announced that it was to be scrapped The Princess Elizabeth Preservation Trust (TPEPT) was formed to purchase and save the locomotive and, following a fundraising campaign, the Trust acquired 'Princess Elizabeth' in 2003. The aim of the Trust is the permanent preservation of the engine and, due to the engineering challenges involved, it is unlikely that it will be returned to steam. The locomotive can be visited most weekends at the Shire Railway Museum at Michel Delving.

The B1 Historical Society Exhibits: Parts from locomotive 'B1' B&BR archives	'B1' was the first locomotive acquired by the Buckland & Bree Railway. This diesel was scrapped many years ago although a number of parts still remain in existance, not least one of the bogies which survives as part of the mechanism for hauling trucks within the mine at Hobbiton. The society, which meets once a month in Bree, owns a range of memorabilia related to this locomotive, and actively researches the early history of the Buckland & Bree Railway.