Madder Valley Railway

John Ahern’s Madder Valley Railway is on permanent display. 

Built entirely by John Ahern, this layout dates from the 1940s and is an historical relic of the early days of scenic railway modelling. It pioneered the idea of scenic craftsmanship. It showed others what could be done and many model light railway and branch line layouts built in the last fifty years are its descendants. 

It was not an absolutely precise dimensionally accurate replica of a real prototype, and featured models of narrow gauge locomotives from the Isle of Man, Wales and Devon built to run on 16.5mm gauge track alongside models of standard gauge stock. The buildings were based on those that had caught John Ahern’s fancy; “Most of my buildings are derived from something, but they are not exact copies”.

Below is a short video clip illustrating Madder Valley in operation.


To ensure the prolonged operation of this historic model and to preserve it for future generation to enjoy, trains only run on select few days during the year. These are listed in 'What's On' and also marked in Amber on the calendar.

Our recently published Guide book is a must-have for any model rail enthusiast or anyone interested in John Ahern, and features some updated information about the MVR as well as fantastic photographs highlighting the best of the scene. You can purchase the Guide book at the museum or from our web shop (p&p fees apply) by clicking here.

Images of the oldest model railway

Tap/click to expand an image and read its caption.

  • Our journey starts at Gammon Magna Station where the locomotive Welsh Pony and its passenger train have arrived.

    Our journey starts at Gammon Magna Station where the locomotive Welsh Pony and its passenger train have arrived.

  • Loco No. 6 and carriage is at Gammon End Station where a hansom cab and a charabanc are waiting.

    Loco No. 6 and carriage is at Gammon End Station where a hansom cab and a charabanc are waiting.

  • The Tunnel under The Madderhorn!

    The Tunnel under The Madderhorn!

  • This is the brick field where we see a small industrial loco hard at work.

    This is the brick field where we see a small industrial loco hard at work.

  • Much Madder – where one can catch a train, obtain postage stamps, take a refreshing drink and buy eggs from the farm. There’s even a dump to get rid of the rubbish!

    Much Madder – where one can catch a train, obtain postage stamps, take a refreshing drink and buy eggs from the farm. There’s even a dump to get rid of the rubbish!

  • The canal lock at Much Madder where the Moonrakers Inn offers tea, luncheon, accommodation and boats for hire.

    The canal lock at Much Madder where the Moonrakers Inn offers tea, luncheon, accommodation and boats for hire.

  • At Madderport Station loco Manx Kitten arrives with her train and Welsh Pony is about to depart. Behind them can be seen the handsome Georgian-style Harbour Office.

    At Madderport Station loco Manx Kitten arrives with her train and Welsh Pony is about to depart. Behind them can be seen the handsome Georgian-style Harbour Office.

  • The SS Erica waits to be loaded at Madderport – the lighthouse that protects the port is beyond.

    The SS Erica waits to be loaded at Madderport – the lighthouse that protects the port is beyond.

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Pendon recaptures scenes from the English countryside as it was in the 1920s and 1930s using exquisite models to explain a past era and a different way of life.

Pendon Museum Trust , Long Wittenham , Abingdon , Oxfordshire , OX14 4QD