The Greatest Gathering welcomed 40,000 fans to Alstom’s Derby Works, showcasing steam, diesel, and high-speed trains in a landmark celebration of railway history. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Greatest Gathering brought historic locomotives to Derby as 40,000 visitors celebrated 200 years of UK railways with Alstom and industry legends.
Image credits: Ian Castledine

The Greatest Gathering Brings Iconic Locomotives to Derby

Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works hosted a historic departure as steam and diesel locomotives rolled out after The Greatest Gathering, the world’s largest-ever rail celebration. Four iconic steam locomotives began their journey to Carnforth on the morning of August 5, 2025, following a widely acclaimed three-day showcase.

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The event featured SR Merchant Navy Class No. 35018 British India Line, LMS Jubilee Class Nos. 46115 Scots Guardsman and 45627 Sierra Leone, and LMS Stanier Class 5 No. 44932. These engines, courtesy of West Coast Railways, symbolized Britain’s proud rail legacy and captivated both experts and visitors alike.

Moments later, crowds gathered again to witness the departure of an InterCity 125 High Speed Train. This diesel-powered legend featured power cars No. 43159 Rio Warrior, still the world’s fastest diesel, and No. 43060. Its Mark 3 coaches—originally built at the Derby site—served as a tribute to British Rail engineering. The 125 Group made this exhibit possible, further anchoring the event in rail history.

The Greatest Gathering Celebrates Railway 200 Milestone

The Greatest Gathering was part of the nationwide Railway 200 initiative, honoring the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s opening in 1825. That moment ignited two centuries of global railway innovation.

From August 1 to 3, Alstom welcomed over 40,000 visitors to its 90-acre site—marking the first public access to the Derby facility in nearly 50 years. The charity-driven event offered rare access to rolling stock and workshops, aligning historical reverence with modern engineering pride.

Because the factory has produced generations of passenger trains, including those still running across the UK, its inclusion in The Greatest Gathering deepened the event’s authenticity. It also affirmed Alstom’s industry leadership and commitment to public engagement.

So, by blending spectacle, education, and technology, this event set a new standard for large-scale railway festivals. It reinforced trust in British engineering while cultivating public appreciation for rail transport.

Source: railuk.com

FAQ

What is The Greatest Gathering?

The Greatest Gathering is a record-setting railway event held by Alstom in Derby, showcasing historic and modern trains to celebrate 200 years of UK railways.

How many visitors attended The Greatest Gathering?

Over 40,000 people visited the Derby site during the three-day event from August 1 to 3, 2025.

Can you see the trains featured in The Greatest Gathering elsewhere?

Yes, trains like the InterCity 125 and heritage steam locomotives often appear at events hosted by West Coast Railways and the 125 Group.

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