Pete Waterman Adds Miniature Exhibition Train to Record-Breaking Railway

Pete Waterman OBE has expanded his record-breaking model railway with an unexpected new addition: a miniature replica of the travelling exhibition train currently touring the UK as part of the Railway 200 celebrations.

The idea was sparked by Inspiration, a free exhibition train designed to bring the story of the railways to life through historic objects, interactive displays and games. The exhibition forms part of Railway 200, marking two centuries since the birth of the modern railway.

Measuring just 209cm from end to end, the new model is a precise scaled-down version of the full-size Inspiration train, which stretches to 159 metres. Despite being 76 times smaller, the model matches the original exactly, reproduced down to the millimetre.

The build took more than 300 hours and was completed by model maker Andrew Willsher. He painstakingly matched every colour, produced bespoke components using 3D printing and applied close to 350 individual graphics by hand using tweezers, some measuring only 1mm in height.

Pete said

“Railway 200 is about people, 200 years of people giving dedicated public service. Railway men and women have always gone beyond the call of duty. If you want a fantastic day out, nip down and see Inspiration. Best of all, it’s free – there’s some inspiration for you!”

Andrew said the response to the model has made the effort worthwhile.

Andrew said:

“It’s an amazing project to be involved in. I’m really chuffed with myself and the positive response it’s had.”

The model will be operated by Pete and his fellow enthusiasts, known as the Railnuts, on what is billed as the world’s largest portable model railway. It will be run at events throughout the year, including this weekend while Inspiration is visiting Crewe.

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said:

“When it comes to music, Pete has never been short of inspiration. Now he’ll have a little Inspiration whenever he needs it, thanks to Andrew’s fantastic work. Railways are a British innovation that fundamentally changed the world. Our exhibition train celebrates that pioneering spirit while showcasing the fantastic careers available on the railway.”

The full-size Inspiration train is currently in Crewe until Monday, before continuing its national tour with stops planned in Bury, East Anglia and along the south coast, with further dates to be announced. Around 60,000 people have already visited the exhibition during its 60-stop journey, which has covered more than 7,000 miles and taken in locations ranging from the Cairngorms to Southampton and Llandudno.

The exhibition was co-curated with the National Railway Museum. Visitor Tara Jones Ulla, who attended the exhibition in Somerset, described it as “brilliant”, adding: “It was so informative without being overwhelming, with lots of interactive and hands-on exhibits. I came away so happy!”

Image: Network Rail