The Altrincham Electric Railway Preservation Society (AERPS)
The Society was formed in 1970 to save some of the 1931 'Altrincham Electric' rolling stock from the MSJ&AR upon replacement by the 25 kV ac stock. However the AERPS also exists to gather and preserve other items connected with the MSJ&AR, and to foster a general interest in railways in the area of the line and elsewhere.
A few months after withdrawal two centre trailer coaches (MSJ&AR Nos. 117 and 121) were purchased by the AERPS for preservation. The two coaches were moved to the Yorkshire Dales Railway at Embsay near Skipton where their arrival enabled the line to introduce a passenger service. After several years the coaches' lack of vacuum braking (they were originally air braked) meant that their use on passenger trains had to be discontinued and the condition of them soon began to deteriorate as they were stored in the open.
In 1983 the coaches (together with the Society's ex-Army box van) were transferred to the Midland Railway Centre (now Midland Railway-Butterley) at Butterley in Derbyshire where they were reunited with MSJ&AR coach No. 114. Both coaches are now kept undercover in the large Matthew Kirtley Museum building and are on display to the public.
During 1990s major restoration work was carried out on the coaches beginning with the replacement of the steel panelling and roof repairs. However further work needs to be carried out including refitting and re-upholstery of the compartments, and the fitting of vacuum brakes.
MSJ&AR History and Memorabilia
Since its formation the Society and some of its members have built up collections of relics and other items connected with the line. These include books, photographs, drawings, signs and signals which it is hoped will one day form the nucleus of a museum display. Some members also take an interest in the history of the line and this has included writing books and photographing the line. Most recently the Society was successful in getting Brooklands and Deansgate stations listed as buildings of special architectural interest. During 1999 the Society took a leading role in the MSJ&AR 150 celebrations publishing a booklet and unveiling a plaque at Altrincham Station. The 75th anniversary of electrification was marked in 2006.
Activities
By joining the AERPS you can help preserve two historic MSJ&AR coaches. Working parties are arranged periodically to undertake maintenance and restoration work. The Society is a Registered Charity (No. 1093098), a corporate member of the Midland Railway Trust and a member of the Heritage Railway Association. The Society also arranges events of a more general nature such as the Winter Lecture Series at Altrincham Library (October - March), rail tours, coach trips, and social events. A quarterly journal LIVE WIRES is published and the Society has a web site at: www.altrincham-electric.org.uk
So why not join us?
Members receive the Society's journal LIVE WIRES, free admission to the Winter Lecture Series, reduced fares at the Midland Railway-Butterley and the opportunity to take part in all AERPS activities.