UK railways row erupts as heritage train blasts ‘American whistle’
A train designed to celebrate 200 years of UK railways has sparked controversy before its full journey even began, all because of its whistle.
Rail buffs were expecting the unmistakable tone of classic British steam. Instead? A sound more familiar to fans of the Wild West. That’s right, an American-style whistle.
The locomotive in question, named Inspiration, was unveiled as part of a nationwide tour honouring two centuries of railway history.
Billed as a mobile museum, it features interactive exhibits, hands-on science displays, and a colourful livery designed to capture the public’s imagination. But for some, the debut left a sour note.
Railway historian Nigel Wilson didn’t hold back. “It sounded very American to me. The low tone and in particular the bells ringing in the background on the original clip is something you hear in North American railways, not something you hear in the UK,”
“So, it was a bit of a shame that we got a whistle from the other side of the Atlantic when we’re celebrating the UK’s 200 years.”
Wilson aired his frustration on BBC’s Broadcasting House, and he’s not alone. The whistle debate has divided trainspotters and engineers alike.
Despite the furore, a source told the Daily Mail that the controversial sound may not be permanent. The whistle might simply be part of a thematic exhibit within the train, rather than a permanent feature of the engine itself.
Curated by the National Railway Museum, Inspiration isn’t just about nostalgia. One carriage houses the Wonderlab on Wheels, a moving science centre giving visitors a glimpse into the innovations that defined and continue to shape Britain’s rail network.
Other sections spotlight future careers in rail, aiming to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians.
The locomotive made a splash at The Greatest Gathering event in Derby last weekend and is already steaming ahead. Next stop? Norwich Station this Thursday. It’ll then make appearances in Lowestoft, Doncaster and York’s National Railway Museum throughout August.
Over the next year, Inspiration is expected to visit 60 locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Its journey will culminate in a grand celebration on 27 September, marking the exact 200th anniversary of the launch of the modern railway in the UK.
While the debate over the whistle rumbles on, the train’s mission remains on track: to educate, entertain, and honour the legacy of the British railway system.
Network Rail has yet to issue a comment on the whistle choice.
