Making Tracks 200: A Record-Breaking Summer at Chester Cathedral

That’s a wrap for Making Tracks 200! This summer, the event welcomed an incredible 43,643 visitors, including 4,684 children, and plenty of big kids too, who got hands-on driving the trains. 

After five fantastic years at Chester Cathedral, this marked the final event at this extraordinary venue. We're so incredibly proud to be one of the original driving forces to bring this event to Chester way back in the summer of 2020 and to have sponsored Making Tracks every year since.  We hope this event inspired a new generation of railway enthusiasts and professionals who will carry the story forward for the next 200 years.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the amazing volunteers, sponsors, and visitors. From Pete Waterman OBE and The Railnuts, who did the heavy lifting, to the team at Chester Cathedral, Llangollen Railway, Thomas Brassey Society, LNWR Society, and every family, hobbyist, and curious passerby who came through the doors and stopped by our mini shop to say hi to Paul and pick up a few treats. 

Thank you! 

Back to the Shop

For those wondering about Paul, don’t worry, he’s not doing anything crazy like taking a day off! He’s now back at Chester Model Centre, sorting through the stock room, making cups of tea, and answering all your model train questions. If you visited Making Tracks 200 and were inspired, now is the perfect time to pop into the shop and continue your model train journey with Paul and the team.

Visit Chester Model Centre

Whether you’re a seasoned modeller or just getting started, our shop has everything you need: scale model trains, cars, planes, military and civilian aircraft kits, paints, brushes, scenery, brick kits, fantasy tabletop figures, and even TV and film memorabilia. Stop by, ask questions, and keep the summer’s railway excitement alive all year round.

images credit Making Tracks