RailUK Forums Boosts HST Depot Appeal

125 Group’s Depot appeal has been given a huge boost after a receiving a sizeable donation from an online railway forum. RailUK Forums has agreed to donate £4,100.01, bringing the total raised to £78,142.96, over ¾ of the way towards the target of £100,000.

125 Group, the High Speed Train preservation society and registered charity based at Great Central Railway (Nottingham), requires £100,000 for the development which will protect its InterCity 125 HST rolling stock from the ravages of the English weather.

RailUK Forums – www.railforums.co.uk – was founded in 2005 and has grown to be one of the largest internet railway forums in the country, members discuss on-line a wide spectrum of interests relating to railways as well as other forms of transport.

Since its introduction over 40 years ago, the InterCity 125 has been popular with enthusiasts, passengers and railway staff alike and is a frequent topic of conversation. With some of the fleet now destined for withdrawal, interest in HSTs has grown further, also helped by the work of 125 Group restoring Mk3 coaches and the National Railway Museum’s prototype power car 41001 to working order.

With the prospect of production power cars becoming surplus and available for preservation in the near future, 125 Group launched its HST Depot Appeal in June with the objective of constructing a small depot facility at its Ruddington base at Great Central Railway (Nottingham), where necessary maintenance and restoration work of these important vehicles and its existing fleet can be made under cover.

RailUK Forums spokesman Mike Wooldridge said “After our busiest and most successful year to date, we are delighted to be able to assist 125 Group by donating our surplus advertising revenue towards the group’s HST Depot Appeal. The InterCity 125 has an important place in railway history, and these trains are a favourite among many of our members. The new depot will provide a facility that will help ensure that people are able to experience the sight and sound of an HST for many years to come.”

Gary Heelas, Chairman of 125 Group Limited said “It is great to see such an active forum organised such that money is raised by members simply using it. 125 Group is very honoured to have been chosen by RailUK Forums and this gives our HST Depot Appeal yet another massive boost.”

125 Group welcomes private donations and corporate sponsorship for our HST Depot Appeal.
More information available: www.125group.org.uk/depot
To discuss corporate sponsorship please contact: depot@125group.org.uk

HST February Running at GCRN

SATURDAY 16th, SUNDAY 17th, SATURDAY 23rd, SUNDAY 24th FEBRUARY 2019

The Prototype High Speed Train will be running passenger services on these dates at Great Central Railway (Nottingham). Featuring historic HST Power Car 41001 which broke the world record for diesel trains in 1972 reaching 143mph, still powered by the ‘screaming’ Valenta original type engine. Coaches will be 125 Group’s sleek, air-conditioned Mk3s which provide comfortable seating with plenty of tables, perfect for railway enthusiasts and all the family, whatever the weather.

Services depart from Ruddington station, the GCRN Yellow Timetable B operates on these dates, new for 2019:
1045 and 1445 departures from Ruddington to Loughborough High Level, 90 minute return trip.
1245 and 1345 departures from Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt, 50 minute return trip.

English Electric Class 20 locomotive D8154 / 20154 is planned to be working top’n’tail with 41001 on all four dates.

After departing from Ruddington, all trains reverse at Fifty Steps (no station) then run southbound along the former Great Central Mainline through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside calling at Rushcliffe Halt station. The route continues through Barnstone Tunnel to Loughborough High Level, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline and looks down into Brush Works, with locomotives for overhaul often visible.

Our traditional ‘Buffet 125’ will be open on-board, serving (subject to availability) a selection of delicious breakfast baps and other hot foods, cold snacks, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled ciders, beers and wine. Our volunteers will be pleased to advise on availability and delighted to serve you. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train with a wide range of merchandise available. We look forward to welcoming you on-board.

Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for Great Central Railway (Nottingham) with many heritage transport exhibits, miniature and model railways, car parking and bus links to Nottingham and Loughborough. Rushcliffe Country Park is also here and overlooks the line. Train tickets can be purchased on the day or from the GCRN website which has more information HERE.