Famous Trains Model Railway
Famous Trains Model Railway
4.5
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4.5
54 reviews
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Graham J
10 contributions
Mar 2020
I recently visited this attraction for the second time.
It's a great place to visit to see all of the layouts of which most were working. On the large layout there was a wide range of model trains going around the various circuits. It is a wonderful layout but in certain areas, it's starting to look a bit tired and perhaps could do with a bit of a clean.
This Model Railway is situated a small distance from the Car Park which is fine for most people but people who are less abled or struggle with walking would have a problem.
I would certainly visit this place again.
It's a great place to visit to see all of the layouts of which most were working. On the large layout there was a wide range of model trains going around the various circuits. It is a wonderful layout but in certain areas, it's starting to look a bit tired and perhaps could do with a bit of a clean.
This Model Railway is situated a small distance from the Car Park which is fine for most people but people who are less abled or struggle with walking would have a problem.
I would certainly visit this place again.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela Topping
12 contributions
Mar 2022
I'm not really the model train buff but my husband fancied visiting. He enjoyed it. I liked the layouts but would have liked to see the trains moving around more, so I could follow their journey. I'm currently using a wheelchair some of the time, and I wanted to reassure people who need such mobility aids that this place is fully and easily accessible. A gentle ramp from the door up to the counter, and once inside, we folded the chair and I was able to walk round using my stick, thanks to the handrail round half of the displays and layouts. It's not possible to park very near but it was all level ground from the main car park, and not far. The website does not say that they have an accessible toilet, but in fact they do, behind a door marked staff only, but someone will open that on request. It's essential to have a loo, for people who have driven a long distance, so I am surprised the website doesn't mention it. There is also a small shop including some second hand books.
The volunteers were friendly enough but there could have been more interaction. I felt we were really watching others play with trains, apart from a couple of press the button things. The layouts were charming but could have done with a bit of dusting, as I noticed several cobwebs! Markeaton Park itself was lovely, and a good place to picnic. There are more toilets, including an accessible one, that needed a radar key, near the Orangery.
The volunteers were friendly enough but there could have been more interaction. I felt we were really watching others play with trains, apart from a couple of press the button things. The layouts were charming but could have done with a bit of dusting, as I noticed several cobwebs! Markeaton Park itself was lovely, and a good place to picnic. There are more toilets, including an accessible one, that needed a radar key, near the Orangery.
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrew e
Oxford, UK116 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
An absolute gem of a find! A model railway in the middle of the park in Derby. Fully running OO voyage layout with buttons for the children to press, plus a corner where the kids can do some colouring in the warm, and watch Thomas the tank video. Plus there's a small layout where they can have a go at driving. Beware though, you'll go home wanting one! Entry was £5 for 2 adults and 2 children. Really good value!
Car parking available right by it, at the pay and display car park.
You don't have to love trains to appreciate it.
Car parking available right by it, at the pay and display car park.
You don't have to love trains to appreciate it.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
51plus
Northampton, UK162 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Really interesting exhibition with very knowledgeable volunteers who are happy to chat, and explain how the layouts were made. Small shop area, mainly model making items. There’s also a table with wooden trains for small children to play with. Great way to spend a couple of hours - but check opening hours as it’s not open everyday.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PStadd
Dunstable, UK166 contributions
May 2024 • Family
It's a large model of the area in the 60's, maybe earlier. The attention to detail is very good. There were several trains running on the main layout. The kids were given a piece of paper with a list of things to find ( greenhouse, sheepdog etc) and got a lollipop at the end. There are a few buttons to press to make carousels work for example or to turn on lights and there was a small layout where you could actually control a couple of trains yourself. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable with a few anecdotes too. It's not a huge place, a room basically with a few guys playing with trains but I found it nostalgic and the kids enjoyed it. There was a really good Harry Potter layout there too.
Written May 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike m
Leeds, UK4 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
Thanks very much for this. It really took me back to my childhood and the feelings of quite some time ago were very welcome. Perhaps I will bring my grandsons next time. Really great fun
Written January 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Engineer021
Derby36 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
I went to Markeaton Park in Derby and found this little gem. Off the main car park was an old refurbished building that held the largest model railway I have every seen. The main layout was based on Chinley (North Derbyshire) from the late 1950's and early 1960's. With over 20 trains it held my interest for over an hour. In addition there was branch line for Darley Green. During my visit there were table set up for the younger visitor to "play" trains. There was video's playing, second hand goods to buy and a shop for all your modelling needs. The staff told me that the layout was evolving and growing so a revisit will be required to see what progress has been made. There has been a lot of work done in the building since it opened in April 2014. A good cheap visit - I shall be taking my son there at the first opportunity.
Written December 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joan n
Derby, UK16 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Based in Markeaton Park, Derby, Famous Trains offer the enthusiast an opportunity to see large 00 scale layouts, with up to 20 trains running! There is no age limit - activities for younger visitors to keep them busy. The shop sells modelling items for layouts plus books, toys, and toy trains. The biilding is disabled friendly, with easy access for all. A friendly welcome greets you on arrival, Enjoy! I loved every minute!
Written September 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M N
Derby, UK188 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
The model railway is housed in a large room that is open to the public every Saturday, SUnday and Monday plus extra days at some Bank Holidays. The model railways are not static but are being run to show them at their best. There are a couple of smaller displays where you can take control of the controllers, which is a delight for small children.
The display has been growing since it took over the room on Markeaton Park in 2013. There is still development to do but the vast majority is fully modelled and working.
Your ticket is a day ticket and you can go back as often as you want throughout the day.
The display has been growing since it took over the room on Markeaton Park in 2013. There is still development to do but the vast majority is fully modelled and working.
Your ticket is a day ticket and you can go back as often as you want throughout the day.
Written April 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin W
Wrexham, UK223 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Speaking to the staff who were saying they have only been going for 5 years. Very excitable staff member who is loving what he does which is wonderful. For only £2 an adult it's well worth it and some of the accessories on sale are at giveaway prices. This business will build and build and get bigger and BIGGER !!!
Written April 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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