A special touring train to mark 200 years of the modern railways is coming to our area.
The touring train, named Inspiration, is expected to visit 60 locations across Britain over the 12 months up to summer 2026, creating a buzz of interest and excitement at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight sites. Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, it will be the only exhibition train on the rail network and will promote the past, present and future of the railway, helping to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.
The first part of the itinerary has been announced and it includes the Bluebell Railway in Sussex 23-29 July.
Sporting an eye-catching livery, Inspiration will comprise four smartly reconfigured Mark 3 coaches, procured by Network Rail. The mobile Railway 200 exhibition is designed to inspire schoolchildren and others to consider a career in rail, shining a spotlight on the wide range of roles available, and to create a more diverse workforce.
Rail’s innovation and pioneering pedigree will be explored in a ‘Railway Firsts’ coach, highlighting landmark moments in the development of the railway. Alongside will be a ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’, inviting visitors to test their engineering skills with a range of interactive exhibits. This will adjoin a carriage called ‘Your Railway Future’, showcasing some of the more hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to join the railway to shape the next 200 years. There will also be a ‘Partner Zone’, offering free, flexible exhibition space.
The carriages, which are currently being fitted out, are supported by a £250k grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The train will be operated by GB Railfreight.
Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, a cross-sector, Government-backed campaign, said: “This special exhibition train will provide a unique visitor experience for hundreds of thousands of people across Britain, including many schoolchildren. ‘Inspiration’ will excite, enlighten, entertain and encourage people to take a fresh view of the railway, as part of its bicentenary celebrations.
“It will also invite visitors to consider a career in rail by showcasing the extensive variety of roles available. We look forward to welcoming them onboard for an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.”
Charlotte Kingston from the National Railway Museum added: “The National Railway Museum is a proud partner of Railway 200 and we’re thrilled that ‘Inspiration’ will be touring the country, sharing our stories with so many people. Railways have shaped our world in so many ways, from what we eat to where we go on holiday, and to inspire people with that epic narrative and give them a chance to get involved in this celebration is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Picture: Artist’s impression of visitors looking at train carriage displays
