Here is a montage of the best captures of 2024 , Railways in England are celebrating 200 Years! 1825 - 2025!

200 Years of British Railways: A Journey Through Time

In 2025, we celebrate 200 years of British Railways—a milestone that marks two centuries of engineering marvels and the transformative impact of railways on towns and cities across the UK. From the age of steam to the modern era, this anniversary is a chance to reflect on the rich heritage of the railways, especially in places like Hartlepool, and to showcase the incredible legacy they leave behind.

Hartlepool: From Steam Giants to Modern Classics

Hartlepool, once a thriving industrial hub, has a deep connection to the railway. During the age of steam, powerful locomotives such as the A4 Pacifics graced its tracks, pulling long passenger services and freight through the town's busy lines. The thunder of steam engines was replaced in later years by the unmistakable growl of the Class 55 Deltics, dominating the East Coast Mainline with their unmatched power and speed.

The town also became a hotspot for rail enthusiasts during East Coast Mainline diversions, offering a rare spectacle: Class 91s hauled by Class 67s, along with full-set HST Class 43s, creating unforgettable moments for those lucky enough to capture the action. These sights will forever remain part of Hartlepool’s railway history.

York National Railway Museum and Shildon: A Celebration of Rail Heritage

The National Railway Museum in York serves as the heart of British railway history. Its unparalleled collection includes legends like the Mallard, the Flying Scotsman, and Stephenson’s Rocket, all displayed alongside interactive exhibits that bring the railway's story to life.

Shildon, as part of the NRM family, focuses on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world’s first passenger railway that started it all in 1825. At Shildon, visitors can explore beautifully preserved locomotives and learn how railways revolutionized transportation and industry. It’s a fitting tribute to the birthplace of the railway revolution.

Special Railtours for the Bicentenary

To mark 200 years of railways, a series of special railtours have been organized, giving enthusiasts the chance to celebrate this milestone on the tracks themselves:

Gloucester to Bishop Auckland Railtour (Saturday, May 31, 2025)
This diesel-powered journey, led by a Class 43, travels through scenic Weardale and stops at Shildon, offering passengers a chance to visit Locomotion as part of this anniversary celebration.

The Tynesider (Saturday, June 7, 2025)
Running from London King’s Cross to Morpeth, this tour combines electric traction with Class 86259 Les Ross and steam power from the Carnforth Pool, blending nostalgia with modernity.

The Railway 200 Special (Saturday, September 27, 2025)
A stunning diesel and steam-hauled journey from Carnforth to Stanhope, promising breathtaking scenery and a fitting celebration of the bicentennial.


Celebrating with the Best Train Videos: Part 1

As part of the 200-year celebrations, this is Part 1 of the best train videos I’ve captured to honor this historic anniversary. These videos showcase some of the most iconic and memorable moments in rail history, from the roar of a Deltic to the beauty of steam and modern classics.

Starting this September, these handpicked selections of videos will go live, capturing the spirit of the anniversary and sharing the magic of the railways with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for more as we journey together through two centuries of British Railways!