A GROUNDBREAKING new exhibition has opened in the gallery space of York’s National Railway Museum.

Playing Trains which runs until September 6 explores the childhood fascination with playing trains.

Children can sell their own train tickets, build their own railway track, and wear railway fancy dress. The museum has installed a unique interactive on the gallery floor where children can draw their imaginary train.

A spokesman for the museum said: “The exhibition appeals to children but also evokes childhood memories in adults. It’s completely different to anything that the museum has done before and is sure to be popular with visitors.”

Visitors can learn about the past of railway play through nostalgic stories in the exhibition’s quiet area.

Playing Trains also features a stunning centrepiece of a 1934 child’s bed set, designed to look like a luxury carriage, donated to the museum by Christopher Oldham.

The attraction has been working with Sam Usher, a children’s illustrator, to create the artwork on the inside and entrance to the gallery.

Mr Usher said: "It was an opportunity that was impossible to refuse. I hope visitors have as much fun exploring as I had creating the pictures."

York Press:
Dawn Theaker tries out one of the exhibition’s features