FUN activities for children will be held at the Steam Museum during the half term as a new exhibit explores the modernisation of the Great Western Railway.

‘Changing Trains’ will feature three new temporary displays to coincide with the 130th anniversary of a major change to GWR.

In its early days, the network used wider track than the rest of the country, which caused big problems at some stations when two separate lines met, because passengers and goods had to change trains to continue their journeys.

The GWR then began to convert its track onto the standard narrow gauge in line with other tracks, completing this work in 1892. The new programme of exhibitions will focus on the end of the broad gauge track, the age of diesel and the electrification of the railway.

The first one, ‘High Voltage – Electrification of the Western Network’, opens on February 19.

More than 100 bridges and tunnels were either demolished or modified to accommodate the new overhead power lines, while several stations required redeveloping and upgrading. High Voltage reveals the story behind the electrification scheme and explores the obstacles which confronted the engineers.

On February 22, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery’s Art on Tour project is delivering a free drop-in family activity day between 10am and 3pm. Creative workshops themed around railways will be held in Steam’s Hawksworth Hall. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities including linocut making, storytelling and postcard making.

A Create a Comic Workshop will be taking place on the day, where eight to 13 year olds can create their own comics in a workshop with illustrator and cartoonist Jack Brougham. The workshop takes place between 3pm and 5pm and costs £2 per child.

Families can learn more about electrical circuits on February 24 when education specialists STEMWorks will be conducting action-packed electricity workshops for children aged seven to 12 years. Sessions last two hours and cost £7 per child.

On February 25, families can learn about Morse code, semaphore signals and the art of deciphering secret messages. Children can become code breakers, send their own private messages and uncover clues to find hidden secrets. The cost of the session is £2 per person, on top of the museum admission.

Coun Robert Jandy said: “There is a superb range of educational activities taking place this half-term at STEAM, covering core educational subjects such as science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

“The sessions will really bring the history of the railway to life for younger visitors and I would urge all families to visit the museum with their children this February half-term.”

Tickets are now available to book at www.steam-museum.org.uk