Severn Valley Railway to be the first stop for Railway 200 exhibition train

The train is set to call at 60 destinations as part of its journey to promote the past, present and future of the railway and in a bid to inspire the next generation of railway talent and workers.

More than 200,000 people including school children are expected to visit the unique train as it makes its way around the national rail network.

Inspiration will be made up of four specially decorated carriages, each with their own theme and focus.

To celebrate being named as the first station to host the train, teams from Network Rail’s Central route and Severn Valley Railway (SVR) gathered at SVR’s Kidderminster station to welcome one of the heritage railway’s favourite steam trains - locomotive 75069 - as it pulled into the platform with a special Railway 200 headboard.

The famous locomotive was one of nearly 200 that took part in this year's New Year’s Day 'whistle-up' to officially signal the start of Railway 200.

Managing director of Severn Valley Railway, Gus Dunster said: "We’re delighted to have been chosen as Inspiration’s first regional venue. During its time with us, thousands of people will get the chance to find out about the fascinating history of UK rail, and learn how they might be a part of its future.

"There’ll also be a special programme of school visits to Inspiration, during which children will be able to travel on a heritage train.

“Inspiration’s 10-day stay at the SVR will coincide with the SVR’s Railway 200 weekend on July 5 and 6, with plenty of exciting attractions. There’ll be a theme of trains through the ages, and we hope to have a number of special guest vehicles spanning from the 1800s to the very latest in modern technology."

The exhibition train will head to Birmingham Moor Street for its second stop between July 8 and 10. Chiltern Railways will welcome visitors for three days before the train resumes its journey and heads to Euston station. 

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director, added: "Birmingham and the West Midlands are at the heart of Britain’s railway so it is fitting that this fantastic exhibition train, celebrating 200 years of the rail industry, is making its first two stops here.

"The railway has always been, and remains, a vital part of Britain and this train celebrates the past, present and future of an invention which changed the world. I can’t wait for it to arrive and inspire thousands of visitors from the West Midlands who will be some of the first people in Britain to see it."

Inspiration will highlight a year-long celebration of two centuries of the railway in Britain.

It has been designed to inspire school children and others to consider a career in rail by highlighting the wide range of different roles available in the industry.

The carriages consist of a 'Railway Firsts' coach which highlights landmark moments in the development of the railway as well as a 'Wonderlab on Wheels' coach which invites visitors to test their engineering skills with a range of interactive exhibits.

The 'Your Railway Future' carriage will showcase some of the more hidden roles in rail while a 'Partner Zone' will change as the train tours Britain and calls at its different locations.

Programme manager for Railway 200 - a cross-sector, Government-backed campaign - Emma Roberts 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."