MHR / The Watercress Line - Railway 200 Inspiration Train & Magic of Locomotion | 20/02/26

The Magic of Locomotion at the Mid Hants Railway is a magical event that lasts during February Half Term. On Friday 20th February 2026, I was required to attend this event to see the Inspiration Train in Ropley. The train services were hauled by SR Rebuilt Merchant Navy Class 35005 ‘Canadian Pacific’ owned by The Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust and LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T 41312 owned by MHR Limited, which recently received a fresh repaint into an early British Railways livery during their winter break. Unfortunately, none of the magical elements were included in this video. The Inspiration Train is a special exhibition train that is touring the UK as part of the Railway 200 celebrations. Rail 200 marks 200 years since the Stockton and Darlington Railway first ran in 1825, and the Inspiration Train is bringing the stories of railways to life, with interactive exhibits. This week in February 2026, the Inspiration Train visited Ropley, and I was able to visit on the second day, which was Friday 20th February 2026. In this video, you can see me having fun with the interactive exhibits.