Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is appealing for volunteers to help run its working steam railway and maintain its rail collection.  

Volunteers will get a chance to work Planet, the Museum’s replica 1830 steam locomotive, on the historic site where the first passenger steam trains once travelled. MOSI is housed in the original buildings of Liverpool Road station, which was part of the world’s first passenger railway - the Liverpool & Manchester Railway - built in 1830. It is the oldest surviving passenger railway station in the world.     

MOSI’s Planet-hauled train rides during school holidays and weekends are one of the most popular activities at the Museum, and they are entirely staffed by volunteers. The passenger trains are operated by four fully-trained crew members, including an operating officer, guard, driver and fireman. Volunteers also work to repair and maintain other rolling stock which is part of the railway collections.  

Planet was originally designed by George Stephenson, and it operated on the Liverpool & Manchester railway, from 1830 to 1840. It was a successor to the Rocket locomotive, which won the 1829 Rainhill trials to determine which locomotive design would run on the railway.  

Matthew Jackson, railway officer at MOSI said: “The Planet train rides are one of our most popular activities here at the Museum but they are very labour intensive, and we often struggle to get the staff to operate them. If there’s anyone in the Greater Manchester area who has an interest in trains and would like to get involved with running and maintaining Planet or other stock we would love to hear from them. Apart from enthusiasm there isn’t a particular qualification that you need, as those people who are selected will receive full training. Volunteers can take advantage of the Museum facilities.”   

MOSI’s former Liverpool Road station site includes the original platform and station building, which was completed in 1830, and the world’s first railway goods warehouse, built in the same year. There are also two other former goods warehouses on site (built in 1880 and 1855 - now the Main Building and Power Hall), as well as the former Lower Campfield market, which is now the Air and Space Hall. Liverpool Road operated as a passenger railway between 1830 to 1844, and continued as a goods depot for the railway until 1975.

MOSI employs around 30 volunteers to operate, restore and maintain Planet, and maintain other railway collection items.

If you would like to find out more about working as a railway volunteer, or about other volunteering opportunities at MOSI, please call the recruitment line on 0161 606 0105 stating the reference ‘railway volunteers’ or email: m.jackson@mosi.org.uk

For media information or photos please contact Sarah Roe Tel: 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647

Back to news