ISAMBARD Kingdom Brunel is a role model for present and future generations, according to the present boss of the company that runs trains on his famous line.

Alison Forster, managing director of First Great Western, cut a special stovepipe hat-shaped 200th birthday cake for Brunel, together with Swindon Mayor Ray Fisher, at the opening of two new commemorative exhibitions at the Steam Museum.

She said: "This exhibition is fantastic and reminds us of the drive, passion and risk-taking he had and that we need more of in this world.

"It also makes me realise what an important legacy we are carrying on."

One of the exhibitions is a recreation of the great man's office at 18 Duke Street in London.

The second is an illustrated explanation of the Battle of the Gauges.

Brunel advocated the 7ft broad gauge, as opposed to the standard 4ft 8 and-a-half inch narrow gauge.

The exhibition includes Brunel's walking stick and Sir Daniel Gooch's letter of application to work for Brunel.

Gooch was the engineer who argued that the Great Western Railway locomotive repair factory should be sited near the village of Swindon.

Both Brunel and Gooch turned up at the opening, albeit played by actors.

Sir Gooch told the Advertiser: "Swindon wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me."

He admitted feeling resentful that history has not left him as famous as his former employer.

He said: "That's why I became a member of parliament. I thought I'd get back at the people in another way."

Brunel was in expansive mood, dressed in 19th Century costume, complete with his trademark hat and cigar.

He said: "This is the first time I've been to Swindon.

"I built the place and got Gooch to design the locomotives but there is no recorded instance of me coming here.

"I did once drink a coffee at the train stop near here but I never came back.

"But I'm here now to help Swindon celebrate my 200th birthday.

"The town has vastly improved since I built it."

Coun Fisher said: "This is tremendous. I've met Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

"There are several events on over this weekend and the kids are going to love him."

Brunel's Birthday Party continues at the Steam Museum over the weekend.

The party will include games, crafts and cakes and youngsters can meet the Brunel look-a-like.

The activities will be going on from 10am to 5pm today and tomorrow.

For more information contact the museum on 01793 466646.