Britain’s Railway 200 celebration — marking the 200th anniversary of modern railroading — has a new element: A traveling exhibition train.
The four-car train, named Inspiration, is expected to visit 60 locations over 12 months concluding in summer 2026. Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, the train’s cars, provided by rail infrastructure owner Network Rail, will feature themes. It is intended to inspire schoolchildren and others to consider a rail career. The Railway Firsts coach will highlight landmark moments in the development of railways; the Wonderlab on Wheels will provide interactive exhibits for visitors to text their engineering skills; and the Your Railway Future car will showcase hidden roles in the rail industry and encourage people to join that industry. The adjacen Partner Zone, will offer free, flexible exhibit space.
The cars are currently being outfitted with a £250,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The train will be operated by GB Railfreight. More than 200,000 people are expected to visit; admission to the train will be free, but there may be entry fees at heritage railways and other sites where it is displayed. Reservations will be required and will be available shortly after Easter.
“Inspiration will excite, enlighten, entertain and encourage people to take a fresh view of the railway as part of its bicentenary celebrations,” Emma Roberts, program manager for Railway 200, said in a press release. “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.”
The first dozen display dates to be announced begin with a visit to the Severn Valley Railway July 27-July 6. Other dates include display at London Euston station, July 12015; London Waterloo station, July 18-19; Alstom’s ‘Greatest Gathering’ event in Derby, Aug. 1-3 [see “Ticket sales resume for Alstom event …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 5, 2025]; and the National Railway Museum in York, Aug. 23-31 as part of the museum’s 50th birthday. More dates will be announced as planning progresses. Additional information, including the full schedule for the first three months, is available here.
