Grandad spends 30 years building working miniature railway in his back garden

A grandad has dedicated more than three decades of his life to building a working miniature railway track in his back garden.

Railway enthusiast   Derek Burwell, 84, has built a 272-yard line around the perimeter of his 40ft wide garden at his residence in Pelsall, Walsall, West Midlands. The passionate pensioner navigates the track using eight mini engines, all hand-built by himself - and has invested thousands into his hobby since 1993.

Derek spends countless hours in a workshop at the end of his garden, where he builds and restores old engines. His garden is also home to a collection of railway memorabilia, including a century-old signal reclaimed from a level crossing - which now takes pride of place on his lawn.

The track, constructed from timber and aluminium, is used by a variety of electric and battery-powered engines, as well as petrol-driven hydraulic ones. Grandfather-of-two Derek revealed that building his own garden track was a lifelong dream, sparked by his childhood love for trains.

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 a 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.  But he sees his daughter and two grandchildren regularly - and even gets grandson Thomas to help him out with odd jobs.

He remarked: "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 unique expertise is still in demand among miniature railway enthusiasts and collectors who are keen to see their prized possessions restored to their original splendour. 

He continued: "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 its my grandson who keeps pushing me on. He loves it and I enjoy spending time with him, so I'll keep on going."