Now one of the biggest collections of engineering history in the UK, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Manchester, is putting out the call for volunteers to help keep one of its prize possessions on the tracks.
Volunteers are needed to work on Planet, the Museum’s replica 1830 steam locomotive, on the historic site where the first passenger steam trains once travelled. 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 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,” said Matthew Jackson, railway officer at MOSI.
“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.”
For the railway enthusiast with a little time to spare, the opportunity to work at MOSI should be a golden one. The museum 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.
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.
As well as working on Planet, volunteers will be able to work to repair and maintain other rolling stock in the Museum’s collection.
“Apart from enthusiasm there isn’t a particular qualification that you need, as those people who are selected will receive full training,” added Matthew.
If you would like to find out more about working as a railway volunteer, or about other volunteering opportunities at MOSI, call the recruitment line on 0161 606 0105 stating the reference ‘railway volunteers’ or email: m.jackson@mosi.org.uk
