About Railway 200 Celebrations

Join us at Thinktank as part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations – marking 200 years since the dawn of the railway age! As we celebrate this incredible milestone in transport history, we’re also shining a spotlight on Birmingham’s proud railway heritage.

Did you know Birmingham played a key role in shaping the railways? From historic engineering to cutting-edge innovation, our city has always been on track with rail progress. And here at Thinktank, we’re home to one of the stars of the story – the iconic City of Birmingham locomotive, a magnificent symbol of the city's industrial past and rail legacy.

To celebrate, we're hosting a day packed with fun, hands-on activities and experiences the whole family will enjoy!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Mini Steam Train Rides 
Climb aboard a real mini steam-powered locomotive from There and Back Light Railway - included with admission!

Model Railway in Action 
Watch our intricate model railway come to life before your eyes.

Cardboard Train Creations 
Colour and decorate your own cardboard train, then set your imagination in motion.

Train-Themed Make & Take 
Get crafty and create a unique train-themed souvenir to take home.

City of Birmingham Taster Talks 
Hear the fascinating story behind our famous locomotive and Birmingham’s railway heritage.

Come explore, create, and celebrate 200 years of railway wonder – right here in the heart of Birmingham!

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