The Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre was the next stop for Inspiration, the Railway 200 exhibition train, which has been touring the country since June 2025 to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway.

On Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 April, local Warwickshire students were invited to explore the train at the 135-acre Long Marston site, which is owned by Porterbrook.

The rolling stock financier and asset management company has been a key supporter of the Railway 200 celebrations over the last two years, contributing significant funding for Inspiration’s travels around the country, and the installation of its unique livery.

140 students from Years 2 to 6 visited across the two days, including 80 pupils who were part of The Primary Engineer Rail Programme delivered by the not-for-profit organisation Primary Engineer, in partnership with Porterbrook. The Primary Engineer Rail Programme is a practical project which builds the confidence of teachers delivering STEM-based classroom activities and focus on engineering and raising the aspirations of pupils.

As part of their experience, through virtual reality headsets the children were able to “jump into” the cab of a train and drive around the site’s brand-new electrified test track, the only continuous rail loop in the UK.

A teacher from Snitterfield Primary School commented: “The children that we've brought out, they've been absolutely amazed by the train, by the grandeur of everything and they've really enjoyed showing what they've been able to do."

Joining the school’s tours of Inspiration, Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer at Porterbrook, said: “We’re delighted to welcome local students to the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre as part of this national celebration. This one-of-a-kind train reflects both the rich history of the railway, and the exciting innovations taking place today and for the future.”

More than 80,000 people have explored the Railway 200 exhibition train, which uses rare artefacts and fascinating facts to explore how railways transformed the world. It includes hands-on engineering challenges and a whistle-stop tour of interesting - and lesser-known - careers on the railways.