The Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre has hosted Inspiration, the Railway 200 exhibition train, as part of its nationwide tour marking 200 years of the modern railway. The train has been travelling across the UK since June 2025.

On 14 to 15 April, 140 Warwickshire pupils from Years 2 to 6 attended the 135-acre site, owned by Porterbrook, for an interactive educational visit. Of these, 80 were participants in the Primary Engineer Rail Programme, delivered by the not-for-profit Primary Engineer in partnership with Porterbrook. The initiative supports STEM learning by equipping teachers to deliver engineering-focused activities while raising pupils’ aspirations.

Visitors engaged with a range of hands-on exhibits, including virtual reality experiences that placed them in a train cab to operate services around the site’s newly electrified test track, the UK’s only continuous rail loop.

Porterbrook, a rolling stock financier and asset manager, has played a central role in Railway 200, providing funding for the train’s national tour and its distinctive livery.

To date, more than 80,000 people have visited the exhibition train.

 “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.”

A teacher from Snitterfield Primary School.

“Primary Engineer brings the rail industry to schools, inspiring children to enjoy learning with engineering as the perfect focus bringing together curiosity, creativity, inclusivity, practical skills, and academic learning. For the last four years Porterbrook have worked with us to upskill and empower teachers to embed engineering in the curriculum and connect learning to real-world contexts. The children and teachers love visiting Long Marston and getting to visit Inspiration will only add to their knowledge and understanding of the rail industry.”

Andrew Norris, Head of Partnerships North West England.