Train celebrating 200 years of UK railways takes to tracks - but enthusiast confused

A locomotive launched to celebrate 200 years of the modern railwayhas taken to the train tracks. To mark the special anniversary, an Exhibition Train called Inspiration will embark on a year-long tour of Britain with the special anniversary service already underway.

Sporting an eye-catching livery, Inspiration's carriages will act as a roving museum telling the past like never before. The train will showcase groundbreaking innovations in railway history and offer engaging hands-on activities. A package all about the service was broadcast on BBC’s Broadcasting House show.

But rail expert Nigel Wilson was left frustrated after claiming a whistle he heard in the background sounded like "something you hear in North American railways" instead of the UK.

He told the BBC: "It sounded very American to me. The low tone and in particular the bells ringing in the background on the original clip is something you hear in North American railways, not something you hear in the UK.

"So, it was a bit of a shame that we have got a whistle from the other side of the Atlantic when we're celebrating the UK's 200 years."

However, Network Rail told the Daily Express the whistle heard by the rail enthusiast was not the real one fitted to the train.

Instead, they confirmed the noise was part of the background in one of the many exhibitions onboard the train. Specifically, it was heard from the Sandscapes exhibit, an engineering display where visitors move sand around to build tracks, bridges and tunnels.

Inspiration’s carriages have been carefully curated by the National Railway Museum with the locomotive fitted with a Wonderlab on Wheels.

The coach is packed with exhibits which help visitors "explore the science and engineering behind the railway". The train also offers exhibits on the future of the railway, uncovering some of the hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to consider a career in the industry.

After attending The Greatest Gathering in Derby over the weekend, Inspiration will now head to Norwich Station on Thursday. During the rest of August, the locomotive will also visit Lowestoft Station, Freightliner Doncaster Railport and York’s National Railway Museum.

Inspiration is set to visit some 60 locations across England, Scotland and Wales over 12 months, including every region in England. Enthusiasts are set to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway next month on 27 September.

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager of Railway 200, said: “Inspiration, Railway 200’s travelling exhibition train, tells the story of our railways and has already been a hit with thousands of attendees. The whistle in question is a sound effect from one of several interactive exhibits inside the train. Inspiration is hauled by two Class 66 locomotives, each fitted with the same horn as other Class 66s operating across the UK.

“Entry to Inspiration is free, and visitors can explore the fascinating past, present and future of an invention that transformed the UK – and the world – forever.”