Train enthusiasts have hit out after a new Exhibition Train launched to mark 200 years of the National Railway has been fitted with an American whistle.
The train named ‘Inspiration’ will travel to 60 locations to showcase the rich history of the British railway despite being fitted with an American whistle.
After listening to a segment of Broadcasting House that featured the Railway 200 Exhibition Train, a railway enthusiast spotted the vital mistake.
Nigel Wilson, told Broadcasting House: ‘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.’
As part of celebrations to mark 200 years of the National Railway the Exhibition Train called Inspiration will be embarking on a year-long tour of Britain.
The Stockton and Darlington Railway – the first passenger railway to use steam trains to transport passengers – was officially launched on September 27, 1825.
It was hailed as ‘the first public railway in the world’ – a line that kickstarted the global railway revolution.
At the time, more than 10,000 spectators watched as it puttered along its inaugural 25-mile journey at 15 mph.
The new touring train hopes to reinstall this pride towards trains into the nation and includes four specially-designed carriages, each with a different theme.
The ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’ coach will allows visitors to test their engineering skills with various interactive exhibits.
Meanwhile ‘Your Railway Future,’ will showcase less visible roles in rail and encourage a consideration of careers in the industry for the future.
‘Partner Zone,’ will change as the train travels across Britain and stops at different locations.
And the ‘Railway Firsts’ coach, will highlight significant moments in the development of the railway.
More than 200,000 visitors are expected to visit the train, which aims to encourage new interest in railway careers.
The Daily Mail has contacted Network Rail for comment.
