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National Railway Museum blog

A small handwritten booklet, nearly lost in a house clearance, revealed the life of Ethel Danby and her family, shaped by the railways of Yorkshire in the age of steam. Guest author Jonathan Winter traces the story hidden within its pages.

Sir Nigel Gresley is not the only famous British railway engineer to have their 150th birthday in 2026. Sir William Arthur Stanier, who oversaw the introduction of many classes of locomotives, units and rolling stock for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), was born in Swindon on 27 May 1876.

By Ashlynn Hudson-Welburn and Em Hudson-Welburn

The woman who gave us miniature railway models

Self-taught engineer and writer Lillian “Curly” Lawrence revolutionised miniature railways, transforming an exclusive craft into a hobby enjoyed by millions while overcoming extraordinary barriers.