National Railway Museum to host Inspiration exhibition train

The Railway 200 exhibition train, named Inspiration, will be on display at the National Railway Museum (NRM) from today (August 23) to August 31 as part of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the bicentenary of the modern railway.

The train, developed in partnership with the NRM, is touring 60 locations across the UK to promote railway history, innovation, and career opportunities.

Charlotte Kingston, head of public programmes and communications at the NRM, said: “Inspiration is a unique opportunity to inspire people up and down the UK with the past, present and future of rail in this year of amazing railway celebrations and our 50th birthday.

“We’ve been honoured to collaborate with Railway 200 to put an exhibition on a train, and can’t wait to share it with our visitors this August.”

The only exhibition train currently operating on the UK rail network, Inspiration forms part of Railway 200, a national campaign marking the bicentenary of passenger rail and exploring its impact on society and industry.

The Railway 200 Exhibition Train is visited the Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster for 10 days from June 27 until July 6. The train will educate people on the history of the 200 years of the modern railway (Image: Jack Boskett & Railway 200) The train features interactive, hands-on displays for all ages, tracing the evolution of rail transport and highlighting opportunities within the sector today.

A special Wonderlab on Wheels carriage, inspired by the museum’s Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, invites children to explore the science and engineering behind modern railways.

Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “This special exhibition train is a new, free national visitor attraction, offering an unforgettable experience for hundreds of thousands of people across Britain, including many schoolchildren who may wish to consider a career in rail.

“It will excite, enlighten, entertain and inspire them to take a fresh look at the railway, as part of its anniversary celebrations.”

Visitors to the train can upgrade to an annual pass for the museum’s Wonderlab gallery for the price of a single day ticket.

Access to the Inspiration train is free with a pre-booked museum ticket.

The National Railway Museum is also hosting a special open weekend on September 27 and 28, featuring cab access to historic vehicles, talks, tours, and behind-the-scenes sessions.

The Inspiration Exhibition Train at the Severn Valley Railway (Image: Jack Boskett & Railway 200) The Inspiration train began its journey in the Southeast with stops including London Waterloo, Margate, and the Bluebell Railway.

It will later travel to the North East to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Following its York stop, the train will be on display at Locomotion in Shildon from September 20 to October 1.

Railway 200-branded merchandise and special edition items marking the museum’s 50th birthday are now available at NRM and Locomotion gift shops and online.