TGS 44000 for 125 Group

125 Group is very pleased to announce the latest addition to our fleet of Mk3 Coaches, Trailer Guards Standard (TGS) 44000. This HST vehicle will be used to support our passenger operations at Great Central Railway Nottingham (GCRN).

44000 has been very kindly donated by leasing company Porterbrook and following road transfer from storage in Long Marston, has arrived at our operating base GCRN Ruddington. Previously the coach was in service with Great Western Railway and wears their smart base green colour. The vehicle is in good internal and external condition.

44000 was built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Derby Litchurch Lane Works. When Inter-City 125 was first introduced in 1976, the guard’s office was located in the power cars. TGS vehicles were later added to provide more passenger capacity and to give a smoother, quieter ride for the guard. 44000 is the original TGS, constructed in 1980 to lot number 30953, unique to this vehicle.

We are extremely grateful to Porterbrook for their generous donation. 44000 joins our existing Mk3 fleet of 10202, 10206, 12087, 12092 and 12134 which have all been restored to full working condition by our team of volunteers. Meanwhile, two of our existing vehicles are leaving the fleet. Mk3b FO 11074 is departing GCRN Ruddington for pastures new. Spares vehicle TSO 12065 has been stripped of all useful components and will shortly be disposed of. To find out more and keep informed as our fleet continues to evolve, join up as a member of 125 Group!

Help us achieve our goal of preserving a production Inter-City 125 power car complete with original Paxman Valenta engine. Sign up to our monthly donation scheme HERE, which includes free membership with four quality exclusive magazines delivered to you each year, detailing our preservation efforts and with informed articles on the current HST scene.

Magnificant Severn

Today the Prototype HST Power Car is leaving the Severn Valley Railway following a magnificent weekend at their Spring Diesel Festival and Mixed Traction Day.

We are sorry, because of its engine issues, 41001 was unable to haul trains however thank you to the SVR for having us and to everyone who came along for cab and engine room visits and kindly donated to our cause. 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches worked passenger services all weekend, we hope you enjoyed the ride and thanks to those who purchased items from our sales stand and bought delicious food and drinks from Buffet 125.

Today (Monday 20th May) 41001 is leaving the SVR on GBRf transit move 0Z43 0941 Kidderminster to Derby Etches Park hauled by 60095 and 66789. The full live schedule courtesy of Realtime Trains can be found HERE.

Tuesday 21st May, 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches 10206, 11074, 12087, 12092 and 12134 will be leaving the SVR on transit move 0811 from Kidderminster to Hotchley Hill/Ruddington GCRN. The full live schedule courtesy of Realtime Trains can be found HERE.

These are the planned timings, traction and routing, all of which can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, and trains may run early or late. As always, plans are made and this information is provided in good faith, however all arrangements in railway preservation are subject to alteration in the event of changing circumstances, for which we can not be held liable. 125 Group is custodian of 41001 which is owned by the National Railway Museum.