Aura Brand Solutions is proud to announce its role in the transformation of the Railway 200 Inspiration Exhibition Train, unveiled on Thursday 26th July at London Paddington Station as part of the national celebrations marking 200 years of the railway industry.
Working in close collaboration with Railway 200, Network Rail, Leith Design Agency, DG8, Derby Engineering, and Loram, Aura delivered a complete brand overhaul for five MK3 carriages, including infill painting, full exterior wraps, interior wraps, graphics and signage. The project aims to commemorate the rich history of the UK’s railways and inspire future generations of engineers, passengers, and enthusiasts.
Months in the making, the transformation began with stripping and repairs to prepare the train for an extensive interior refurbishment. Aura then applied five full exterior wraps along with interior graphics and architectural finishes across four carriages. This included the use of 3M DI-NOC™, infill painting, and bespoke graphics to bring the creative concept to life inside and out.
John Bekalo, Head of Rail at Aura Brand Solutions says, “This has been one of the most meaningful rail projects we’ve ever delivered. We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in marking such a milestone for the industry. The rebrand reflects the legacy of the railway and its enduring importance to the UK and the innovation that will shape its future.”
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200 says, “The Railway 200 exhibition train is a tribute to the ingenuity, resilience, and progress of the UK’s rail industry over the last two centuries. It was vital that the design reflected both the heritage and the future of rail, and the end result exceeded all expectations. Working with Aura and the wider rail team has been a fantastic experience and we’re thrilled with the result. It’s a true celebration of our industry’s legacy and potential.”
The Railway 200 initiative celebrates two centuries since the world’s first passenger railway opened in 1825. The exhibition train will now serve as a travelling tribute on its year long campaign tour of the country, showcasing how the industry has evolved over the last two centuries and offering a compelling vision for its future.
Aura Brand Solutions extends its thanks to all the partners involved for their trust and collaboration in delivering this ambitious and historic project.