In the 1980's, with assistance from St Helens MBC, an exhibition was opened next to Rainhill Library, after a team of volunteers from the Society worked in their spare time for nearly three years to convert a former 1957 built British Railways Mk1 Brake Van (BG), No M81062 and installed various railway artefacts and illustrations documenting the history of the 'Trials'.
The Exhibition was located in the grounds of Rainhill Library and connected to the main building by a permanent link. The idea was to celebrate various historic events centred in and around Rainhill which included, The Locomotive Trials of October 1829, The Opening of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway in September 1830, The Rocket 150 Celebrations in May 1980, and The Railway of today. Within the exhibition, it included Contemporary Accounts and Prints, Maps, Posters, Models, Diagrams and various photographs. Importantly the Exhibition also offered an educational service, therefore welcomed visits by individuals and groups including many school children. Unfortunately, in early 2024, St Helens MBC as part of budget cuts, elected to close Rainhill Library which meant there was no longer access to the Exhibition carriage, therefore sadly it was closed. However, not helping matters that due to lack of maintenance on a 65 year old carriage, considerable work was required and without suitable funds, sooner or later, the carriage would have been condemned. In the light of the closure, temporary arrangements have been made for some of the exhibits to be currently displayed at the North West Museum of Road Transport in St Helens (see images below). In the meantime, the remainder of the exhibits have been placed into safe storage until works have been completed at the new proposed venue at Rainhill Station were the the full 'Exhibition' will be re-established for future generations.
While the Society is awiting to gain access to the Station building (pending repairs and decoration) for the exhibition, we continue to offer educational talks on the 'Trials' history to various schools and groups within the two council boroughs of St Helens and Knowsley. If interested in a visit or required further information, please use the 'Contact' link above.
We also have a 'Publicity and Sales' Stand which attends various exhibitions and events, which allows the opportunity to raise the profile of the Society as well as promoting the Trials history to the general public at large. If interested in the Stand attending an exhibition / event, please use the 'Contact' link above.
Exhibits currently on display at the North West Museum of Road Transport, St Helens.
Some of the previous displayed exhibits displayed from the 'Exhibition' Coach.
Former 'Exhibition' Display Coach - British Railways Mk1 Brake Van (BG), No M81062.