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’

Chugging and chuffing their way around heritage lines across the country, steam locomotives continue to capture our imagination, says Octavia Pollock

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

TIM DUNN takes us on a journey through cinematic history - with the railway as the ultimate muse

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

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