Steam into the 40s

Join us as we move back in time to the 1940's and see what life would have been like on the railways during the war. Railways were the most important transport system of the time and moved everything across the country.

There will be a programme of events over the course of the weekend to include:-

• We will be showing troop movements on both our display lines. 
• Enjoy a programme of talks throughout the day in our Air Raid Shelter.
• Find out about medals won during the conflict by British military and civilians.
• Meet a wide variety of period characters and interact with them - on the platform, on the trains, in the waiting room.
• These include Nurse, ARP Warden, Home Guard, Women's Voluntary Service, St John's Ambulance, Police, Civilian Doctor, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Regular Army, Military Bagpiper and the Womens Land Army.
• Find out about Hobart's Funnies and 79 Armoured Div.
• Have a go at Signals and Ciphers.
• See our vintage motorbike display.
• Special Wartime photographic opportunities throughout the day will be staged.
• Welcome the troops returning from conflict with tea served by the ladies of the YMCA in Eynsham Station.
• Enjoy period entertainment with Lili Redman and Stuart Boston from the back of a railway wagon near the Turntable.

A full timetable of events will be given a our gate when you arrive.

• Stroll around the 1932 Engine Shed housing our unique collection of operational and cosmetically-restored locomotives. Find 5900 Hinderton Hall, climb onto the footplate and listen to Archie, the driver, and Stan, the fireman, prepare their loco! Listen out for the sounds of a working engine shed and see if you can hear Stan fetch his supplies from Jonah, the storeman.
• Visit the carriage and wagon display of restored rolling stock from Victorian times to the 1940s, including the VIP Saloon reputed to have been used by General Eisenhower during the preparations for D-Day and later used in the GWR Royal Train, and our restoration workshops
• Marvel at Brunel's Broad Gauge railway, locomotives, coaches and transfer shed and don't miss a section of his not entirely successful 'Atmospheric Railway'
• Get hands-on in The Signalling Centre where you can find out how trains have been controlled through the ages.  The Swindon Panel is demonstrated on certain specified dates.
• Descend into a shelter built to keep Didcot's enginemen safe in WWII and experience an air raid
• Immerse yourself in the huge and varied collection of fascinating, smaller items in the Museum. 
• Discover some GWR road vehicles in the Road Transport Hangar.

Children can make tracks to the outdoor play area or dress up as a station master. You can relax over lunch or enjoy a snack in the refreshment rooms and don't forget to pick up a souvenir in the gift shop. The modern trains running past the centre complete the picture and mean you can experience over 180 years of railway progress in just one day.