West Shed Museum

A Working Home of Steam Preservation

WEST SHED Museum is the operational base and public home of The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT), located at the west end of Swanwick Junction on the Midland Railway – Butterley. More than just a museum, WEST SHED is a place where heritage engineering continues every day. Here, historic locomotives are not only displayed — they are carefully maintained, restored, and prepared for operation on both preserved and main line railways across the UK.

If you have any queries about the museum or collection, please contact our curator, Sacha, at curator@prclt.co.uk

Locomotives and Carriages of National Importance

Visitors have the rare opportunity to stand beside some of the most impressive steam locomotives ever built. Among the highlights of the collection are:

• 6233 DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND — a majestic LMS Princess Coronation Class express engine.
• 46203 PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE — Sir William Stanier first production pacific currently in BR red
• BR Standard Tank Locomotives including 80080 and 80098.
• Historic Carriages, such as:
  • Royal Saloon 45000, previously used for official Royal travel, and once part of Winston Churchill’s war train fleet
  • Dynamometer Car 45050, a unique rolling stock used to measure locomotive performance.
  • Observation Saloon 6320, offering panoramic views of the line in luxury.

Many of these rolling stock are operational, meaning they continue to steam, travel, and be enjoyed by new generations.

Stories, Interpretation & Interactive Displays

Interpretation panels, films, hands-on displays, and original artefacts help tell the story of:

• The engines and their service lives.
• The railways they once ran on.
• The crews who fired and drove them.
• The volunteers and supporters who keep them alive today.

Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or discovering steam for the first time, the museum is designed to be welcoming, informative, and inspiring.

Part of the Midland Railway Butterley Experience

WEST SHED is a key part of the wider railway site, with train rides, demonstrations, special events, and open days throughout the year. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace or join guided sessions during selected events.

From families to railway historians, everyone will find something to enjoy — from the thrill of seeing a main line express locomotive up close to the quieter stories of craftsmanship and community.