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Aura Brand Solutions custom-wrapped the ‘Inspiration’ train, which was launched by Network Rail to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway
Aura Brand Solutions, a UK fleet, rail, and architectural graphics supplier, has revealed details of a custom train livery it created as part of the bicentenary of the railway.
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, specifically the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, the first passenger railway to use trains to transport passengers.
As part of this celebration, dubbed ‘Railway 200’, Network Rail commissioned a five-carriage train to be made into a free ‘moving exhibition’, with a range of themed carriages showcasing railway history through interactive activities.
The entire exterior of the train was wrapped by Aura Brand Solutions including its windows, with eye-catching designs featuring the names of each themed carriage – namely Inspiration, Past, Present, Future, and Together.
As part of the installation, Aura spent time colour matching elements of the wraps with the paint on the window and door frames, allowing these elements of the design to blend in seamlessly.
The commercial graphics company also installed a wide range of interior wraps throughout the carriages, including informational graphics that supplement the exhibition. This included a number of interior window wraps, which Aura tested extensively to make sure that the prints would retain their vibrancy while still allowing plenty of natural light in.
Aura chose 3M films for much of the project, but utilised Contra Vision printable window film for the interior window wraps. According to its manufacturer, Contravision boasts the ability to achieve vibrant prints and strong adhesive qualities, alongside quick removal abilities with minimal tearing.
The Railway 200 exhibition train, christened ‘Inspiration’, made its maiden journey from London Paddington on June 26th, with a media event held before its public debut at the Severn Valley Railway Station.
The free exhibition has now begun a tour of destinations around the UK which will continue until the end of 2025. It will be housed at Severn Valley Railway until June 6th, at which point it will move onto Birmingham Moor Street.
A full list of tour dates are available on the Railway 200 website.
In a video detailing the creation of the Railway 200 exhibition train, John Bekalo, head of rail sales at Aura Brand Solutions, says: “It’s exciting because obviously 200 years is an incredible amount of time, and I’m sure the railways will be going in another 200 years.
“It’s essential to the economy, and we’re just absolutely delighted to be here and be involved in the project.”
Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, adds: “This special exhibition train is set to become a new national visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable experience for hundreds of thousands of people across Britain, including many schoolchildren.
“It will excite, enlighten, entertain, and inspire them to take a fresh look at the railway as part of its anniversary celebrations.”
