Model Railway Show set to launch in Bournville

Model Railway Show Bournville taking place on Saturday 31st January, 2026.

placeholder image — Model Railway Show Bournville taking place on Saturday 31st January, 2026.

On Saturday 31st January 2026, St Francis Church, Bournville will be staging a one-day model railway show in support of a cosmetic restoration appeal for a local steam locomotive that once worked next door at the world-famous chocolate factory.

Inspired by another event - Bournville Heritage Day (which takes place annually in September), local resident and railway enthusiast Andrew Christie has stepped forward to help raise the funds needed to return steam locomotive Cadbury No:1 to its former cosmetic glory.

Built by Avonside Locomotive builders in Bristol, Cadbury No:1 arrived new to Bournville in 1925 and remained in service until 1963. After a period working on persevered lines in Gloucestershire, Cadbury No:1 returned to Birmingham in the mid-1980s having been purchased by Birmingham City Council. The locomotive is now on long term loan and under the care of Vintage Trains Charitable Trust at Tyseley.

Being a resident of Bournville with a passion for steam locomotives, Andrew felt compelled to do something for Cadbury No:1 and started fundraising in 2024 and has so far raised £3.6k for the project.

Andrew’s love for railway started years ago as he watched trains pass by from the end of his grandparent’s garden in Bromsgrove.

Andrew also has a family connection with the Cadbury factory as both his father and grandfather worked there as electricians. However, instead of following the family tradition, Andrew decided to adventure into mechanical engineering and later joined the mainline railway coming a professional train driver 2004.

Andrew’s love for railway started many years ago as he once watched trains pass by from the end of his grandparent’s garden in Bromsgrove. In 1992, he became an active member of the Severn Valley Railway Junior Club. Since then, he’s joined the motive power department at the of 14 and became an Engine Driver at the age of 27. This year, he’s just celebrated 30 years working with steam as a volunteer.

Now aged 44, Andrew is still full of enthusiasm and he’s setting out to organise his first model railway show. 10 layouts are booked to appear at the show alongside other railway artifacts including, a 7 ¼ gauged working model of Cadbury No:6 and for younger visitors, there will be a Cadbury loco made from lego!

Doors open from 10am and the show closes at 4pm. Wristbands are available on the day, £5 for Adults, £2.50 for Children (5 to 16 years), Under 5’s are free. Light refreshments will be available including chocolate cake! Proceeds will be going to Tyseley Steam Trust for Cadbury No:1.