Hitachi Rail has announced it will host a Railway 200 ‘Open Day’ on 4 October at its Newton Aycliffe factory, as part of the national celebrations marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.
Tickets are due to go on sale on 16 May at 9:00am. They will be available via this ticketing website – www.ticketsource.co.uk/hitachirail. Due to limited availability, it is advisable to book early on 16 May to secure a spot.
This will be the first time Hitachi Rail has opened the doors of their UK factory to the public, coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the factory opening.
The event promises a unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK’s most advanced train manufacturing facilities, alongside a range of heritage and family-friendly activities designed to celebrate the past, present and future of rail.
Attractions include:
- Locomotion No.1 replica – the world’s first Locomotive to run on a public steam powered railway steam will be on site, with potential for photos and rides on Hitachi’s test track.
- The Railway 200 Exhibition Train ‘Inspiration’ – an interactive travelling exhibition showcasing the wide range of careers available in the modern rail industry
- Factory tours – offering a rare chance to see Hitachi’s pioneering trains up close, and speak directly with the team that make them.
The Open Day will also feature food stalls, family activities, heritage displays and talks, and the opportunity to meet some of the people shaping the next generation of rail travel.
Nigel King, Head of UK Manufacturing & Delivery at Hitachi Rail said: “Our Railway 200 ‘Open Day’ is a chance for local communities, families, and rail enthusiasts to come together and celebrate 200 years of world-leading railway innovation. From Locomotion No.1 to cutting-edge Hitachi trains, the day will showcase just how deep rail runs in our region’s DNA.”
“We can’t wait to open our doors and celebrate with the local community, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Hitachi brought train manufacturing back to its North East home, and hopefully inspire the next generation.”
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