A train enthusiast has called out an a locomotive launched to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway after it was apparently fitted with an American-style whistle. To mark the special anniversary, an Exhibition Train called Inspiration will embark on a year-long tour of Britain.

Sporting an eye-catching livery, Inspiration's carriages will act as a roving museum telling the past like never before. The train will showcase groundbreaking innovations in railway history and offer engaging hands-on activities. A package all about the service was broadcast on BBC’s Broadcasting House show but received some early criticism.

Rail expert Nigel Wilson was left frustrated after admitting the whistle sounded like "something you hear in North American railways" instead of the UK.

He told the BBC: "It sounded very American to me. The low tone and in particular the bells ringing in the background on the original clip is something you hear in North American railways, not something you hear in the UK.

"So, it was a bit of a shame that we have got a whistle from the other side of the Atlantic when we're celebrating the UK's 200 years."

However, according to the Daily Mail, a source close to the attraction said the whistle may have been part of an exhibit on the train. Inspiration’s carriages have been carefully curated by the National Railway Museum with the locomotive fitted with a Wonderlab on Wheels.

The coach is packed with exhibits which help visitors "explore the science and engineering behind the railway". The train also offers exhibits on the future of the railway, uncovering some of the hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to consider a career in the industry.

After attending The Greatest Gathering in Derby over the weekend, Inspiration will now head to Norwich Station on Thursday. During the rest of August, the locomotive will also visit Lowestoft Station, Freightliner Doncaster Railport and York’s National Railway Museum.

Inspiration is set to visit some 60 locations across England, Scotland and Wales over 12 months, including every region in England. Enthusiasts are set to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway next month on 27 September.

The Daily Express has contacted Network Rail for comment.