Railway's 200 years to be marked by exhibit train

The train also features hands-on displays on railway engineering and how the future of the industry might look

An interactive train exhibit celebrating two centuries of the modern railway is heading to three stations across Sussex and Surrey.

Called Inspiration, it marks the anniversary of the world's first public railway to use steam, the Stockton and Darlington railway, which began running in 1825.

The latest stops on its ongoing national tour have been announced as Tattenham Corner in Epsom, Worthing and Hastings, all of which take place in February and March next year.

Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: "Inspiration is a fun, free and fascinating way to learn about the past, present and future of rail."

A project by Railway 200, the national campaign marking the landmark moment, Inspiration reveals how railways transformed the UK and, ultimately, the world by revolutionising travel, supercharging economies and enabling mass tourism.

Co-curated with the National Railway Museum, the train also features hands-on displays on railway engineering and how the future of the industry might look.

"There's something for everyone, whether you're a rail enthusiast or simply curious about a British innovation that changed everything," added Ms Roberts.

The inside of the train features interactive exhibits on the history of the railway

Angie Doll, chief executive officer of Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern Railway - the host for the Worthing and Epsom dates said: "The inventions, science and technology that created modern rail makes for fascinating learning.

"Especially when there's an exhibition train sitting on the same platforms from which our modern, comfortable fleet runs," she said.

"Working together, we hope to educate and inspire young people in rail's past and future."

Inspiration's stop in Hastings will be hosted by Southeastern, whose general manager, Kevin Warn, said: "We look forward to seeing our community climb aboard for this unique experience."

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