Following on from the Whistle-Up which took place across the globe on New Year’s Day, on the second day of the New Year, the Royal Mint has unveiled a new £2 coin to mark 200 years since passengers first travelled by train.

The coin featuring ‘Locomotion’ pulling a train of wagons loaded with passengers will no doubt be a hit with railway enthusiasts and coin collectors.

The design encapsulates “a journey that changed the world forever” when the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) opened in 1825.

The £2 coin will be available to collect later in the year.

It is one of five styles of coins the Royal Mint produce annually celebrating milestones and anniversaries across the Commonwealth.

“Coming down the tracks this year is a bumper programme of exciting initiatives and shared storytelling for everyone to get involved with and enjoy.

Railway 200 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the railway, its people and communities to shout long, loud and proud about rail’s many achievements and plans for a more sustainable future.

It will cover the past, present and future of the railway.  As well as showcasing rail’s pioneering pedigree, it will excite and invite more people to consider a career in the railway.”

Emma Robertson, programme manager for Railway 200, a cross-sector, partner-led campaign

The commencement of the railway’s double centenary celebrations took place on New Year’s Day. A global Whistle-Up featuring 200 locomotives across five continents took part sounding their whistles and horns.

There are many more activities taking place around the globe this year related to this milestone achievement. Here in the UK, a regularly updated interactive map on https://railway200.co.uk/search-for-activities-and-events/ shows where and when in the country various events, exhibitions, and seminars are taking place relating to Railway 200 Anniversary celebrations.

People are also being asked to share their stories for a project called ‘Railway 200’s Great Rail Tales’. Anyone can submit a story, whether it’s from those who have worked in the railway industry to those who are enthusiasts who enjoy a particular journey or have taken an unforgettable trip by train. These will be kept and will be shared with the many generations to come when they take a look back at the railways of the past.

Finally, with such a big gathering it’s important to take a moment to highlight the many railway charities that do unbelievable work behind the scenes to help those who have fallen on hard times. A charity collective made up of Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Children, Transport Benevolent Fund, Rail Benefit Fund and the Railway Mission will be working to raise £200,000 this year, to help continue their efforts and help others.

For those who want to get involved with Railway 200 celebrations, there is still time. www.railway200.co.uk has a toolkit and materials for those who want to celebrate or hold their celebrations in style.