A DEPOT which maintains trains that serve Derby is set to throw open its doors as part of the city's celebrations marking its 175-year association with rail.
For the first time ever, the Etches Park Train Maintenance Depot will open to the public for a Community Open Day, which is set to take place on Saturday, September 13.
It will offer a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes at the depot, which maintains trains for Derby train operator East Midlands Trains.
It will feature a range of exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day, which will be aimed at train enthusiasts of all ages.
Subject to availability, exhibits will include locomotives and rolling stock operated by Midland Railway dating as far back as 1902.
There will also be model railway exhibitions ranging from 8ft to 24ft long, demonstrations showing how the depot's wheel lathe and jacks work and a rerailing display.
Representatives from East Midlands Trains and Derby's preserved railway companies will be on hand to answer questions.
In honour of Derby's 175th anniversary, there will also be a special unveiling of shunting loco 08899 which will be re-painted in "Crimson Lake livery" and will be fitted with a new nameplate "Midland Counties Railway 175 1839-2014".
Malc Simpson, engineer at Etches Park, who repainted 08899 in the same colours to mark Derby's 150th anniversary, will once again get his paintbrush out to mark another 25 successful years.
Mark Coney, head of fleet delivery for East Midlands Trains, said: "Etches Park plays a crucial part in Derby's railway heritage and it's very important for us to mark the 175th anniversary of the railway in our city.
"We're really proud to be opening the doors to Etches Park for the first time so people can come and see what goes on at the depot and see some great examples of heritage and modern-day rolling stock."
Tickets are now on sale at the website www.theticket factory.com under "Etches Park Open Day". Admission for adults will be £11 and concessions £7. Family tickets (two adults and three children) are priced £29.
Gates will open at 10am and close at 4.30pm, with the last entry at 3.30pm.
All profits from the open day will be donated to the Railway Children's Charity.
