Summary of achievements
- 1994-1996: The construction of The West Shed and becoming a Registered Museum in 1998 (a scheme administered by the Museums & Galleries Commission).
- 1996-1998: The restoration to working order of locomotive 80098.
- 1998-2001: The acquisition and restoration to full working order of locomotive No 6233 DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND.
- 1998-2000: The restoration of 21 inch gauge locomotive No 6203 PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE with one passenger coach.
- 2001-2002: The acquisition and overhaul of LMS saloon 6320.
- The formation of a Patrons Club (subsequently named 'Friends of the Duchess') with over 200 members.
- June 2002: Hauling The Royal Train with DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND.
- 2005-2016: The acquisition and external renovation of Royal Special Saloon 45000.
- The West Shed Extension Project (completed 2005)
- 2008: The West Shed becoming an Accredited Museum as a development of the previous Museum Registation scheme, now administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
- March 2005: Hauling The Royal Train with DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND.
- The acquisition, conservation and restoration of L&Y Dynamometer Car 45050 (completed 2009)
- November 2010-January 2012: Successful General Overhaul of 'Duchess of Sutherland'.
- 2012: The West Shed becoming an Accredited Museum as a development of the previous Accreditation scheme, now administered by Arts Council England. The West Shed Museum was then re-Accredited in October 2016, demonstrating maintenance of required standards.
Memberships held by the Trust
- The Heritage Railway Association
- The Main Line Steam Locomotive Operators Association
- Affiliated members of The Midland Railway Trust
- Member of the East Midlands Museums Service
- Member of the Derbyshire Museums & Heritage Forum
Awards
- The John Coiley Award (Highly Commended) - presented by The Heritage Railway Association 2001 (Annual Award).
Awarded for the quality of restoration of DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND locomotive.
- The Peter Manisty Award for Excellence in Railway Preservation - presented by The Heritage Railway Association. (Awarded by merit)
Awarded for the haulage of The Royal Train during The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
- Caring for Collections Award 2009. (Awarded by the Derbyshire Renaissance Heritage Awards)
Awarded for the conservation of the 1912 London, Midland & Scottish Railway Dynamometer Car.
- Carriage and Wagon Competition 2010. (Awarded by the Heritage Railway Association)
Awarded for the conservation of the 1912 London, Midland & Scottish Railway Dynamometer Car.
- 'Best Volunteer Project 2014' (Awarded by the Derbyshire Heritage Awards)
Awarded for a project entitled 'Saloon 45000 and Churchill's D-Day Train'