A celebratory cacophony of train locomotive whistles and horns took place at midday on 1 January to signal the start of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
The Railway 200 Whistle-Up, spearheaded by the Heritage Railway Association (HRA), involved more than 50 heritage railways in the UK and abroad, including Tanfield, Weardale and Middleton Railways in the North East, as well as Locomotion museum in Shildon and Darlington Railway Preservation Society, blowing the whistles of nearly 200 vintage steam and diesel locomotives to herald a year-long celebration.
Railways in other countries, including Holland, South Africa and Sierra Leone, also took part, some with British-built locos. The HRA claims it to be the biggest railway heritage mass participation event ever. Train engine horns at mainline stations also sounded off at the appointed hour to welcome in the anniversary year.
At the other end of the scale, train modellers Hornby got a variety of model trains to toot and whistle on their track layouts. There was also be a special appearance on social media from everyone’s favourite blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine.
Railway 200 is a year-long celebration of 200 years of the modern railway. It will explore how rail has shaped national life and encourage more people to consider a career in the railway.
The anniversary commemorates the launch of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. In tribute, at the adjoining Locomotion museum in Shildon, the whistle of the North Eastern Railway’s locomotive 910 sounded once more.
The 910 is currently undergoing restoration, ahead of its display next year, and is the only locomotive to have appeared in all three of the previous S&DR anniversaries, in 1875, 1925 and 1975.
Welcoming the start of Railway 200, Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “The world changed forever in 1825 with the birth of the modern railway in Britain, and rolled out across the globe.
“Railway 200’s celebrations are a unique opportunity to honour a groundbreaking moment in our history while looking boldly towards the future.
“The Whistle-Up event marked the start of a year that will showcase how the railway continues to transform lives, connect communities, and create growth, jobs, housing and tourism.”
For information on Railway 200 and to get involved in next year’s rail anniversary celebrations visit railway200.co.uk. To search for local heritage railways visit hra.uk.com/directory.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
