Train buff spent 30 years building working mini railway in his backyard

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

A train buff has spent more than 30 years building a stunning working miniature railway track - in his own back garden.

Derek Burwell, 84, created the 272-yard line around the edge of his 40ft (12m) wide garden at his home in Pelsall, Walsall, West Mids.

The train-mad OAP travels around the track in eight mini-engines he built from hand himself and has spent thousands of pounds on his hobby since 1993.

Derek constructs everything from a workshop at the end of his garden where he can spend hours on end each day building and restoring old engines.

His garden also features a host of railway memorabilia - including a 100-year-old signal he reclaimed from a level crossing which now sits in the middle of his lawn.

The track is made from timber and aluminum while he has a mixture of electric and battery-powered engines as well as gas-driven hydraulic ones.

Grandfather-of-two Derek said he decided to build his own garden track as it had always been a life-long dream of his since falling in love with trains as a child.

He said: "It gave the neighbours a bit of a surprise when they saw I had my own railway track but it's something I've always wanted to do.

"I used to enjoy riding the train in Walsall Arboretum but that closed down due to health and safety issues in the late 80s.

"The council did not bother to fix the problem and just closed it down, which was sad.

"So I thought I'd build one myself. Now I can now ride my train whenever I like because it's in my back garden.

"I dread to think what I've spent on it over the years. There's been a couple of grand here and there but I haven't really kept count.

"But it has kept me busy and still does now as I continue to restore little locos in my carport. I just enjoy doing it."

The father-of-two's obsession with locomotives began when he was a child when his dad took him to work at Birmingham Coach and Carriage Company.

He then spent his working life repairing and restoring engines, rolling stock and carriages before he finally retired.

Derek added: "I have always been into locomotives. My dad would take me to work and I would get to sit in all these amazing engines. One was built for the late Queen.

"As I got older, I thought it would be a nice hobby and keep me busy. It's better I'm doing this than being stuck in front of the TV all day.

"It keeps me really active and I enjoy it. Not many people can say they have a fully working railway in their back garden.

"There are some fabulous miniature railways across the country but you have to know where to find them. People like to keep them a secret."

Derek lives alone after being widowed three years ago following the loss of his wife Margaret, who died aged 73.

He still sees his daughter and two grandchildren regularly and even gets grandson Thomas to help him out with odd jobs.

He said: "My grandson helps me out with my jobs, he can weld, and I have passed my love of trains on to him.

"We used to have birthday parties when the grandkids were children and give everyone a ride on the railway, we used to have great fun.

"My wife just put up with it really, she didn't have much of a choice. She knew how much I enjoyed building this track.".

Derek's specialist skills are still called on by other miniature railways lovers and collectors eager to return their vehicles back to their former glory.

He added: "I'm supposed to be retired. But there is always someone wanting something or another doing, but I enjoy restoring things

"I'm currently working on a carriage which had been sitting in storage for 30 years.

"I said I'd stop after my last major job but it's my grandson who keeps pushing me on. He loves it and I enjoy spending time with him, so I'll keep on going."

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