The Railway 200 Exhibition train ‘Inspiration’ is welcoming the first members of the public at Kidderminster station today.

The train was at London Paddington for a formal launch yesterday, where rail minister Lord Hendy marked the start of a national tour which will take the train to 60 places in Britain as part of the Railway 200 national festival celebrating 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington Railway hauled the first trainload of passengers behind a steam locomotive in September 1825.

Lord Hendy said: ‘I’m proud to be celebrating our heritage as the birthplace of the modern railway; to this day our railway network is the backbone of our economy, driving economic growth, jobs and homes.

‘With this train, we’re not just looking to the past, we are inspiring the diverse next generation of engineers, drivers, conductors and technicians, and shining a light on what the railway is delivering today and what it can do in future, alongside bringing services back into public ownership, laying the foundations for Great British Railways, and building a railway we can all be proud of.’

‘Inspiration’ has four coaches which commemorate the railway’s achievements past and present and also invite visitors to consider a career in the modern industry.

So far 27 visits have been announced from now until Christmas. Some of them are to heritage railways and museums, while others are at stations, including several of the London termini.

The train’s visit to the Severn Valley Railway will last until 6 July, and it will then move on to Birmingham Moor Street, where it will open on 8 July for three days.

Entry to the train is free, but visits need to be booked in advance.

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