Tickets to visit the Railway 200 exhibition train at Birmingham Moor Street this July are now available to book.
Birmingham Moor Street will be the second stop for the exhibition train – named Inspiration – on its venture across the nation later this year.
Tickets to visit the much-anticipated train in Birmingham are for 15-minute periods where guests can board the train and view its four special carriages. Through a partnership with Network Rail, tickets are free for the flagship exhibition which celebrates the 200th anniversary of the railway.
The Inspiration train will be at Birmingham Moor Street for three days between Tuesday 8 and Thursday 10 July.
As the centrepiece of the Railway 200 programme – the train is part of a year-long, nationwide celebration marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. The second stop at Birmingham Moor Street follows its inaugural visit to Severn Valley Railway, placing the West Midlands at the start of this major national campaign.
Comprising four specially designed carriages, Inspiration brings to life the past, present and future of Britain’s railways. Highlights include:
- ‘Railway Firsts’ – a look at historic moments that changed the course of rail travel.
- ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’ – an interactive coach designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.
- ‘Your Railway Future’ – a career-focused zone, shining a light on the many careers available within the rail industry.
- ‘Partner Zone’ – A customised carriage led by industry partners from across the region.
Tony Baxter, Operations Director at Chiltern Railways, said:
“We are delighted to showcase this celebratory train at Birmingham Moor Street to acknowledge the rich history of the UK railways and look towards the future of rail travel in the West Midlands and beyond. Inspiration will tell the story of the railway’s development through the centuries and its significance in modern history.
“Birmingham Moor Street is a special station in the heart of the West Midlands and with tickets available now, it is fitting that this celebratory train will be showcased at one of the most renowned stations on the Chiltern network.”
Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central Route Director, said: “With Birmingham and the West Midlands at the heart of Britain’s railway network, it is only fitting that the Railway 200 exhibition train tour begins here.
“Moor Street is such an iconic station and a perfect destination for visitors to see the railway’s importance in Britain’s history, today and the future. Grab your ticket and be one of the first to see what this unique train has to offer.”
Chiltern Railways, who operate services from Birmingham Moor Street to London Marylebone, will host Inspiration in collaboration with organisers of the train including Network Rail, the National Railway Museum and GB Railfreight The train is expected to reach more than 60 destinations and welcome over 200,000 visitors throughout its tour.
Visitors can secure their free place to visit the touring train which is expected to draw thousands from across the West Midlands and beyond, via the Railway 200 website here.