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Model railway created by Pete Waterman to be showcased at our organization's Grand Event in Derby, dubbed The Greatest Gathering

Company collaborates with Key Model World for The Greatest Gathering's Model Railway Village Event; new model kit based on Derby Litchurch Lane Works from our company set to debut

Model railway of Pete Waterman's Making Tracks set for our company's grand event, The Greatest...
Model railway of Pete Waterman's Making Tracks set for our company's grand event, The Greatest Gathering, in Derby

Model railway created by Pete Waterman to be showcased at our organization's Grand Event in Derby, dubbed The Greatest Gathering

Pete Waterman OBE DL, the renowned British music producer and railway modeller, is set to bring his latest creation, Making Tracks 3, to the forefront of a landmark railway event in Derby. The Greatest Gathering, taking place at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works from August 1–3, 2025, will mark the largest-ever gathering of historic and modern rolling stock, as part of the year-long celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Making Tracks 3 is a 64 ft-long OO-gauge model railway layout that meticulously recreates Milton Keynes Central railway station. This project is part of Waterman’s long-running “Making Tracks” series, which has previously highlighted other major railway stations and routes across Britain. The layout is a tribute to both the historical and contemporary aspects of British railways, showcasing the artistry and engineering that go into model railway construction.

Central to the Model Railway Village, curated in partnership with Key Model World, Making Tracks 3 is described as a flagship attraction. Its presence is significant for several reasons:

1. Celebration of Craftsmanship and Heritage: The layout showcases the passion and skill that goes into creating such intricate models, inspiring both veteran enthusiasts and newcomers alike. 2. Inspiration for Future Generations: The event is seen as a way to cultivate the next generation of railway engineers and modellers, highlighting the hobby as both creative and rewarding. 3. Community and Industry Collaboration: The event features a broad range of layouts, trade stands, and industry involvement, underscoring the communal and collaborative spirit of railway modelling. 4. Highlighting British Engineering: The inclusion of such a detailed and publicly engaged project by a high-profile figure like Waterman brings wider attention to the heritage and contemporary relevance of British railway culture and engineering.

Alongside Waterman’s creation, other notable layouts include Mick Bryan’s Deadmans Lane, Eric French’s Harefield Road, and Mark Pearson’s Welby Lane RTC. The Model Railway Village will also offer up to 20 trade stands offering product insights from leading brands, including Key Model World.

Andy Butters, Managing Director of Derby Litchurch Lane Works, expressed excitement about Pete Waterman's participation in The Greatest Gathering. He noted, "We are thrilled to have Pete Waterman and his Making Tracks 3 layout as part of our Model Railway Village. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the passion and dedication of railway modellers, and we believe it will inspire many visitors to explore the hobby further."

The new building kits for the OO gauge layout are being built with new laser-cut modular building kits developed by PJM Models. A full series build of the new layout will be featured in Key Publishing's Hornby Magazine from July-September, and a video series on Key Model World will be released this summer.

The site, which covers 90 acres, is one of the world's largest rolling stock factories and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds, and tests trains for domestic and export markets. In 2022, Derby was chosen by the Government as the home of Great British Railways following a vote by the public between contender cities.

The Model Railway Village is part of the wider festivities for Railway 200, a year-long celebration marking the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825. The Greatest Gathering railway extravaganza is a three-day charity festival.

For those interested in model railways, The Greatest Gathering promises to be an unmissable event, with the opportunity to witness the culmination of Waterman’s passion for railways and the hobby’s bright future on display.

  1. Pete Waterman's Making Tracks 3, a sustainable tribute to British railways, will be a smart addition to the Model Railway Village, inspiring a new generation of railway enthusiasts and showcasing the beauty of British engineering.
  2. The home-and-garden sector can find innovative solutions for smart mobility at The Greatest Gathering, as leading brands like Key Model World showcase their latest product offerings in the realm of model railways.
  3. The collaboration between Pete Waterman's artisanal model railway layout and key industry players creates a vibrant community where historical craftsmanship and modern technologies seamlessly intertwine, fostering a lifestyle centered around sustainable and creative pursuits.

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