My preference is for a railway system which is efficient, consistent and even beautiful, bearing in mind that form follows function. A personal view by Railnews editor Sim Harris.

The Railway 200 exhibition train ‘Inspiration’ is going west this spring, because some of the latest dates announced for visits include stations in Devon and Cornwall for the first time since Inspiration’s nationwide tour began last summer at the Severn Valley Railway. Since then it has visited stations and heritage railways in most parts of Britain, and welcomed 60,000 visitors to see a celebration of the railway industry’s 200-year heritage while also finding out what the railway offers today and tomorrow, with an emphasis on the many careers which the industry offers.