Details
It’s Party time as we celebrate the permanent return of Top Hat and Sally Seaplane to The Midland Railway – Butterley, home of TUGS THE EXHIBITION.
Step back into the world of the 1980’s, with the children’s television Series TUGS™. Various displays across the railway include Character Models, Production Props, Original Merchandise and more. TUGS™ was created and brought to the small screen by the original production team of Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends – a real treat for fans old and new.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, because there’s plenty to capture, including the locomotive which will be taking charge of the Mainline Trains hauling our heritage stock of Mk 1 carriages in blood and custard livery.
Your Event Ticket also opens the doors to a whole day of fun on site, including:
TUGS™ Displays • Heritage Mainline Train Rides • TUGS™ Activity Colouring Sheets & Crayons • Vintage Buses • Model Railways • Garden Railway • Road Transport Display • Stationary Powerhouse • West Shed Experience • Victorian Railway Church • Play Area • Fork Lift Truck Display (Sunday Only).
NEW For 2026 – TUGS A Bigg Retrospective Documentary Display Area • Narrow Gauge Train Rides • Updated Spot The TUGS™ Trail.
Mainline Trains Depart Butterley at 11:00 • 12:15 • 14:00 • 15:15 each day.
Please note:- arriving for the 15:15 train on each day will not give any time to see the TUGS displays or explore the Swanwick Junction site.
Refreshments are available at Butterley Station Buffet on the Main Platform, at Swanwick Junction Station on the Main Platform and also the On Train Bar. Our Gift Shop at Butterley is open throughout the event with a small selection of Souvenirs also available at Swanwick Junction Station. TUGS The Exhibition merchandise will also be available. The Second Hand Book Stall will be open on the Sunday.
Organised in partnership with TUGS The Exhibition.
PLEASE NOTE:
• Access to the event is from Butterley Station, where the Car Parking is FREE, making it even better to enjoy a full day of railway fun. Please arrive 30 minutes before your planned main train ride as the trains will depart on time.
• The TUGS displays close promptly at 15:45 on Saturday & 15:30 on Sunday.
• All subject to availability and weather conditions. Individual attraction times may vary. Every effort will be made to run the advertised event, however unforeseen circumstances may entail alterations or