Train-mad youngster Zach Smith was given a tour of Network Rail’s Birmingham signalling centre as a birthday treat.
The Walsall youngster, who has cystic fibrosis and autism, can tell what type of train is passing just by the sound of the engine.
He met some of the team and had a go in a train signalling simulator at the Duddestone operating centre.
This was followed by a ride in the cab of a Network Rail vehicle and a behind-the-scenes tour of Birmingham New Street station, where staff gave Zach a ‘happy birthday’ greeting on the public announcement system.
Martin Colmey, Network Rail’s local operations director, said: “We heard about Zach’s love for trains and had to organise something special for his birthday. We really hope today has inspired him to consider a career in rail when he’s older.”
Zach’s mum Vickie added: “We are so grateful to Network Rail for giving Zachy the opportunity to go behind the scenes and expand his knowledge further. He has his cystic fibrosis and autism but we never let this stop him from doing anything he wants to do.
“He has care plans to manage his health and we teach him: no matter what or how hard things may seem, he can do anything he wants to do in his life and can achieve anything.”
