Bolton Hobby Forge

23/03/2026

First post in a very long time, after a few horrible months at work and the end of a 19 year career. It's time for a couple of weeks rest before starting the great day job search. But first a little bit of me time, devaluing some bachmann MK1 coaches. Operation re-numbering has started, first the SOs.

14/11/2025

While carrying out a quick check over for Fun With Trains Bolton found a leaking battery, battery removed and complete strip down and service of the locomotive rather than binning.

04/11/2025

My favourite version of messy play......

28/10/2025

🚂💛 Welcome to Fun With Trains Bolton – Let’s Play, Imagine & Explore! 💛🚂

Hi, I’m Emily, the face behind Fun With Trains in Lancashire 👋

I run unique, toy train-themed stay & play sessions for children aged 1–8 across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, as part of the amazing Trackplay UK family.

Our sessions are all about connection, creativity and good old-fashioned fun — giving little engineers a chance to:

✨ Build their own wooden track layouts

🚉 Explore giant train setups using
(no screens in sight!)

🎩 Why not Dress up for Halloween, play imaginatively and make new friends.

💫 Learn through movement, curiosity and play

I started Fun With Trains because I’ve always loved how trains bring people together — from families and friends to whole communities. 🚂 Whether it’s a day out on the railway or a few hours at one of our sessions, trains have a magical way of sparking imagination and smiles in kids (and grown-ups too!).

Every event is hands-on, inclusive, and full of excitement; designed to make memories that last long after the whistle blows. 💛

So, whether your child is a budding driver, a track designer, or just loves to play, come join us for an adventure filled with imagination, movement and lots of trains!

🚂👻 Blackburn, we can’t wait to meet you this Halloween! 🚂💛 Welcome to Fun With Trains Bolton – Let’s Play, Imagine & Explore! 💛🚂

Hi, I’m Emily, the face behind Fun With Trains in Lancashire 👋

I run unique, toy train-themed stay & play sessions for children aged 1–8 across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, as part of the amazing Trackplay UK family.

Our sessions are all about connection, creativity and good old-fashioned fun; giving little engineers a chance to:

✨ Build their own wooden track layouts

🚉 Explore giant train setups using
(no screens in sight!)

🎩 Why not Dress up for Halloween, play imaginatively and make new friends.

💫 Learn through movement, curiosity and play

I started Fun With Trains because I’ve always loved how trains bring people together — from families and friends to whole communities. 🚂 Whether it’s a day out on the railway or a few hours at one of our sessions, trains have a magical way of sparking imagination and smiles in kids (and grown-ups too!).

Every event is hands-on, inclusive, and full of excitement — designed to make memories that last long after the whistle blows. 💛

So, whether your child is a budding driver, a track designer, or just loves to play, come join us for an adventure filled with imagination, movement and lots of trains!

🚂👻 Blackburn, we can’t wait to meet you this Halloween! At Accy Rd Uco LH

Our train tracks are getting a spooky twist just for our brand-new launch event 🎃
🎟️ www.trackplay.co.uk/events Accy Road Community Centre
Our train tracks are getting a spooky twist just for our brand-new launch event 🎃
🎟️ www.trackplay.co.uk/events

14/10/2025

Another little repair job

14/10/2025

14/10/2025

One Tomy Thomas fixed.

14/10/2025

A little project courtesy of one of the parents who go to Fun With Trains Bolton. See if I can get these Tomy Thomas the tank engines going, looking at them they must be 1980s in vintage as they look like they are for the original plarail track.

12/10/2025

Something new for later today, 2x bullet trains, serviced, new tyres and batteries.

These are ready for Fun With Trains Bolton for their sessions Bolton Arena

09/10/2025

🍂 All aboard for autumn adventures!

As the weather cools, we’re turning up the fun with a screen-free day out the whole family will love.

🚂 Fun With Trains Bolton presents Trackplay
📍 Bolton Arena (Arena Suite, Horwich)
🗓️ Sunday 12 October – 9:30am-3:30pm

Build, play & imagine together — perfect for little engineers aged 1–8.

🎟️ Book now: https://www.trackplay.co.uk/events

09/10/2025

Starting a new 3D project, building a buffer stop based on a Lancashire and Yorkshire railway design. Already have a couple based on a Midland railway design sort of. Listed on my cults3d page.