Young Trainspotter Austin Enjoys Exclusive LNER Experience at Leeds

A young train enthusiast from Suffolk was treated to a unique behind-the-scenes experience at Leeds station thanks to LNER. Eight-year-old Austin, who travels the country with his father Ashley documenting their railspotting adventures on social media through ‘Austin’s Rail Adventures’, was given the opportunity to explore the world of professional train operations firsthand. Their online posts have attracted over 5,600 followers who share their love of trains.

During the visit, Austin met Sadie Stewart, Driver Team Manager at LNER, and had the chance to operate a lifelike LNER Azuma simulator, experiencing speeds of up to 125mph along the East Coast Main Line. He then toured the driver’s cab of a real train and explored the engine room of a Class 91 locomotive, part of LNER’s InterCity 225 fleet, giving him an insight into how the trains he follows are operated in real life.

Austin said:

“I have had an amazing day with LNER and I have loved learning how to drive an Azuma train in the simulator before sitting in the driver’s seat of a real train. I like spending time with my dad, seeing lots of different trains, and taking pictures of them on our journeys.”

Sadie Stewart added:

“It has been a privilege to welcome Austin to Leeds station today, show him round behind-the-scenes, and, hopefully, give him an experience he’ll remember for a long time. When we heard about Austin's story, we wanted to let him know that we're mad about trains too and that having a passion for something is really cool and never something to be embarrassed about. At LNER, we always aim to put our customers at the heart of everything that we do, and we hope that, today, we have done that for a very special young man.”

Image: LNER