What were the dangers of early rail travel? How did the arrival of steam power shape our landscape? What will the train of the future look like? The museum team unravel questions like these to tell the story of the railways.
In line with Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee, three of our placement students from Macquarie University, Sydney, have looked into British royal tours in Australia in the 19th and 20th centuries. Here are some of the fascinating stories they unearthed.
Conservation intern Shoun Obana explains the delicate process of handling an old document.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, Chris shares the story of a couple with a unique connection to our museum’s collections.
Chris explores how railways were used to transport the bodies of the departed.
Chris delves into the stranger subjects of our drawing collection to celebrate the launch of his new book.
Travel history writer Martyn delves into the history of luggage on the railways
To mark the start of Black History Month in the UK, Assistant Director & Head Curator Andrew McLean explores the legacy of Asquith Xavier, who successfully fought to become the first black worker employed as a train guard at London Euston station in 1966.
Andrew tells us about the significance of Locomotion No.1, which made a momentous journey on 27 September 1825.
Peter explores the history of the printed version of the National Rail Timetable as it reaches the end of its life.
Anne McLean delves into the fascinating story behind a seemingly mundane letter recently found within the museum’s archive collections.
A trawl through the Yorath Lewis archive sheds light on an experimental railway design built for 1924’s British Empire Exhibition.
Take a look at our free online course, in partnership with the University of Strathclyde.