All aboard!

The appeal of being lulled to sleep as a sleeper train rattles homewards is synonymous with adventure and romance, says Mary Miers

Whether Metroland breakfasts or picnics on the go, the railways have transformed how we eat forever, finds Emma Hughes

The railway has always provided inspiration for sounds and rhythms in music, from early concert hall waltzes to rock’n’roll records and beyond, says CHRIS EDWARDS

Although some perceived the advent of the locomotive as a threat to the countryside, by allowing artists a quick and easy way to travel, it broadened their choice of painting horizons, discovers Carla Passino

The railway revolution opened up new destinations, expanded our culinary horizons and dramatically improved trade. Jonathan Self takes us on a whistle-stop tour of ‘railway mania’

Some final thoughts from the team at RAIL