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Monday 3 Mar 2025

Railway 200’s unique touring exhibition train’s stopping points along East Coast Main Line

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

A unique exhibition train touring the country to mark 200 years of the modern railway will make stops along and near the East Coast Main Line.

The mobile attraction – developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum – will showcase the past, present and future of the rail industry to an estimated 200,000 visitors.

Four carriages obtained by Network Rail are being converted into the eye-catching exhibition train – called Inspiration because it will promote rail innovation and careers.

Inspiration, which is supported by a £250,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and operated by GB Railfreight, will make 60 stops across England, Scotland and Wales as part of Railway 200 – a year-long celebration of marking the 200^th anniversary of the modern railway.

After setting off on the Severn Valley Railway in June, the bicentenary train will be at Doncaster’s Freightliner depot from Friday 15 to Monday 18 August.

The launch schedule also includes a visit to Darlington station from Wednesday 10 to Friday 19 September – the month which in 1825 saw the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Inspiration will also be calling at the National Railway Museum from Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 August and Shildon Locomotion from Saturday 20 Sept to Wednesday 1 October.

The exhibition coaches comprise:

• Railway Firsts – exploring rail’s innovation and development.
• Wonderlab on Wheels – featuring interactive STEM-based learning.
• Your Railway Future – a careers carriage, showcasing some of the more hidden roles in rail.
• Partner Zone – offering free, flexible exhibition space.

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 on board for an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.”

Jake Kelly, managing director of Network Rail’s Eastern region, said: “We look forward to seeing this unique attraction delighting visitors as it makes its way around the area, marking this special year for rail.

“Inspiration has been designed to inspire young people by highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available in our industry, as we look to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.”

National Railway Museum spokesperson Charlotte Kingston added: “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.”

Admission to the train will be free but normal entry charges to heritage sites and museums will apply. Prior booking is required, with early registrations of interest now open. Register to receive updates about Inspiration.

A virtual tour of the exhibition experience is planned for those who are unable to visit.