Railway 200 : 'Inspiration' touring train

[RKynaston]

Network Rail have finally released details of the exhibition train for Railway 200 - to be known as 'Inspiration'.

Artists impressions and details of the dates are available on the press release click here. However, the release says "The touring train, named Inspiration, is expected to visit 60 locations across Britain over 12 months up to summer 2026, creating a buzz of interest and excitement at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight sites. Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, it will be the only exhibition train on the rail network and will promote the past, present and future of the railway, helping to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.

Sporting an eye-catching livery, Inspiration will comprise four smartly reconfigured Mark 3 coaches, procured by Network Rail."

Does anyone know which Mk3 vehicles they have acquired?

Richie

 

[Defiance149]

Does anyone know which Mk3 vehicles they have acquired?

10406, 11092, 11093, 11101 are being converted at Loram, Derby.

 

[RKynaston]

10406, 11092, 11093, 11101 are being converted at Loram, Derby.

Thanks!

 

[fgwrich]

Network Rail have finally released details of the exhibition train for Railway 200 - to be known as 'Inspiration'.

Artists impressions and details of the dates are available on the press release click here. However, the release says "The touring train, named Inspiration, is expected to visit 60 locations across Britain over 12 months up to summer 2026, creating a buzz of interest and excitement at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight sites. Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, it will be the only exhibition train on the rail network and will promote the past, present and future of the railway, helping to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.

Sporting an eye-catching livery, Inspiration will comprise four smartly reconfigured Mark 3 coaches, procured by Network Rail."

Does anyone know which Mk3 vehicles they have acquired?

Richie

Thanks for that. Interesting list, but it’s a shame there’s nothing for the South West, Wales or Scotland on that list (so far).

 

[anthony263]

Thanks for that. Interesting list, but it’s a shame there’s nothing for the South West, Wales or Scotland on that list (so far).

It does say though it will visit Wales and Scotland. Sounds like they still putting other puzzle pieces to the plan together so hopefully we'll see. More news in the next few months

 

[wickham]

Extract from the Network Rail site: "Bookings will open shortly after Easter".
What ? You will need to book to visit an exhibition train, whatever next !! They can count me out then........

 

[birchesgreen]

Nice might go to it at Moor Street, reminds me of when i was taken to a rail exhibition train there as a kid in the late 70s, though all i can remember is that it had a pointy nose!

 

[RKynaston]

Extract from the Network Rail site: "Bookings will open shortly after Easter".
What ? You will need to book to visit an exhibition train, whatever next !! They can count me out then........

Not unreasonable and given its walking through a train, I suspect it is more managing numbers than anything - itsa free exhibition.

Thanks for that. Interesting list, but it’s a shame there’s nothing for the South West, Wales or Scotland on that list (so far).

Remember this is a 12-month tour ... they have said its going to all regions in Great Britain, and I think West Somerset is a stop so I am told (not confirmed) so I am sure there'll be more to follow.

 

[trainmania100]

Maybe this needs its own thread. Gbrailfreight operated railtour of a "Wonderlab on Wheels", starting at Severn Railway and travelling across the UK. Formed of 4 MK3 coaches and will call at the below places;

Welcome to Inspiration

Discover the past, present and future of railways on our incredible exhibition train, Inspiration, touring Britain from 27 June 2025

railway200.co.uk

I'm guessing this will be class 73s top and tail for the bluebell railway section, the gaps in between suggest layover in depots etc for cleaning, possibly loco changeover

Personally I'm more interested in seeing the traction itself rather than being an attendee which is more for kids.

It will comprise of four reconfigured Mark 3 coaches that have been procured by Network Rail. - https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/33689097/new-uk-train-tour-hundreds-years-rail-travel-celebration/

Date	Location
27 June – 6 July 2025	Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
8 – 10 July 2025	Birmingham Moor Street station
12 – 15 July 2025	London Euston station
18 – 19 July 2025	London Waterloo station
20 – 21 July 2025	Margate station, Kent
23 – 29 July 2025	Bluebell Railway, Sussex
1 – 3 August 2025	Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site, Derby (for ‘The Greatest Gathering’)
7 – 10 August 2025	Norwich station, Norfolk
11 – 14 August 2025	Lowestoft station, Suffolk
16 – 17 August 2025	Freightliner Doncaster Railport, South Yorkshire
23 – 31 August 2025	National Railway Museum, York
10 – 17 September 2025	Darlington station, County Durham
20 September – 1 October 2025	Locomotion Museum, Shildon, County Durham

 

[Class15]

Already a thread here https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/railway-200-inspiration-touring-train.282577/

 

[43096]

Maybe this needs its own thread. Gbrailfreight operated railtour of a "Wonderlab on Wheels", starting at Severn Railway and travelling across the UK. Formed of 4 MK3 coaches and will call at the below places;

Welcome to Inspiration

Discover the past, present and future of railways on our incredible exhibition train, Inspiration, touring Britain from 27 June 2025

railway200.co.uk

I'm guessing this will be class 73s top and tail for the bluebell railway section, the gaps in between suggest layover in depots etc for cleaning, possibly loco changeover

Personally I'm more interested in seeing the traction itself rather than being an attendee which is more for kids.

Date	Location
27 June – 6 July 2025	Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
8 – 10 July 2025	Birmingham Moor Street station
12 – 15 July 2025	London Euston station
18 – 19 July 2025	London Waterloo station
20 – 21 July 2025	Margate station, Kent
23 – 29 July 2025	Bluebell Railway, Sussex
1 – 3 August 2025	Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site, Derby (for ‘The Greatest Gathering’)
7 – 10 August 2025	Norwich station, Norfolk
11 – 14 August 2025	Lowestoft station, Suffolk
16 – 17 August 2025	Freightliner Doncaster Railport, South Yorkshire
23 – 31 August 2025	National Railway Museum, York
10 – 17 September 2025	Darlington station, County Durham
20 September – 1 October 2025	Locomotion Museum, Shildon, County Durham

I’m intrigued as to how they will get them down to Margate and the Bluebell Railway given the restrictions on Mark 3s in that part of the world.

 

[RGM654]

There's a second thread with a schedule https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/wonderlab-on-wheels-2025.282715/

 

[Jan Mayen]

I’m intrigued as to how they will get them down to Margate and the Bluebell Railway given the restrictions on Mark 3s in that part of the world.

Don't know about Margate, but for the Bluebell they could simply relay the line from Ardingly to Horsted Keynes.

 

[trainmania100]

Don't know about Margate, but for the Bluebell they could simply relay the line from Ardingly to Horsted Keynes.

Or run the same way they did with the sleeper coaches, via east grinstead

 

[Class15]

Depends on what types of Swing Links are used on those coaches I assume.

 

[43096]

Depends on what types of Swing Links are used on those coaches I assume.

You’d hope someone would have thought of that. But then again…

 

[AY1975]

There's a second thread with a schedule https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/wonderlab-on-wheels-2025.282715/

That link doesn't seem to work.

Already a thread here https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/railway-200-inspiration-touring-train.282577/

That's this thread!

 

[Class15]

That's this thread!

I wrote that message before the threads were merged!

 

[NER1621]

Depends on what types of Swing Links are used on those coaches I assume.

Yep, the type of swing links in use is definitely the most important thing to discuss about this once-in-200-years-event exhibition.

 

[43096]

Yep, the type of swing links in use is definitely the most important thing to discuss about this once-in-200-years-event exhibition.

If the train is going to go to some of the places on the list, then it is rather important. Be a bit embarrassing if it couldn’t go.

Do you actually know what swing links are and the restrictions with them?

 

[Class15]

Yep, the type of swing links in use is definitely the most important thing to discuss about this once-in-200-years-event exhibition.

As @43096 has quite rightly pointed out, it’s pretty important. If LSL (Long Swing Link) bogies are used, the train can’t get to some of the advertised venues.

 

[Trainguy34]

Isn't it anywhere with 3rd rail?

 

[cj_1985]

Isn't it anywhere with 3rd rail?

The aforementioned Margate and Waterloo stations

 

[TFT YouTube]

Anyone know what it's running with?

 

[Sun Chariot]

Anyone know what it's running with?

No but I'm keen to find out too.

I've received email notification that the majority of the train's planned locations, will open for ticket bookings on 24th April (attached).

 

[trainswitheddy]

Surely it will be HSTs traction wise? Seems easier than lugging around a generator carriage for a loco hauled train, seeing as though the Mk3s are (I think) HST Mk3s?

Edit: Nevermind! They're loco hauled. Check before you speak Eddy...

That makes haulage interesting then.

 

[AnthonyRail]

Will it visit Somersetshire

 

[Sun Chariot]

Will it vusut Somersetshire

No - based on the locations in post #25's attachment.

 

[43055]

Will it visit Somersetshire

No - based on the locations in post #25's attachment.

It is a 12 month tour so there maybe a chance. Not all locations and dates have been announced yet.

 

[Sun Chariot]

It is a 12 month tour so there maybe a chance.

I thought "Inspiration" only runs June to October - unless you've found different info to what's on their site? Can you direct me to the source you've got for it being 12 months?
Seems odd that it would run until May 2026: 201st year.