Passenger debut for Mk3 Coach 12087

125 Group Mk3 TSO 12087 arrived at Ruddington GCR(N) having just worked its first passenger train in preservation, the 1800 ‘Firework Spectacular Special’ from Rushcliffe Halt, 04/11/2017. © James Trebinski

125 Group is delighted to announce successful entry to passenger service of Mk3 coach Tourist Standard Open (TSO) 12087, which our volunteers have restored to working order in just over two months since it arrived at Great Central Railway (Nottingham).

12087 ran as part of the consist for the Guy Fawkes weekend GCR(N) Firework Spectacular services on Saturday 4th November, bringing local folk from Rushcliffe Halt to Ruddington for the evening firework display and taking them home again after the event. Passengers enjoyed the deep cleaned saloon, working air-conditioning / heating and air-powered internal doors, not to mention the silky smooth ride of the Mk3!

Restoration has also included roof repairs, replacement brake distributor, electrical work including a new set of batteries, air and electrical systems testing, new buckeye coupler and new vestibule carpets. Efforts will now turn to vehicles 12065 and 12134, which were purchased at the same time, and like 12087, had previously been in storage for many years.

Thankyou to everyone who has recently bought merchandise from our on-line shop, joined 125 Group, or signed up to our Direct Debit regular donations scheme. All of these contributions are greatfully received and go towards our restoration efforts and long term aim of production HST preservation.

Three more Mk3 Coaches join 125 Group Fleet

Mk3 coaches 12087 and 12065 on arrival at Ruddington GCRN © 125 Group

125 Group is very pleased to announce we have completed purchase of three additional Mk3 locomotive-hauled coaches. The vehicles were previously owned by Direct Rail Services and had been in storage at Barrow Hill. All three are Tourist Standard Open (TSO) AC2G type, individual vehicles numbers are 12065 (‘one’ base livery with National Express branding), 12087 and 12134 (both in unbranded Virgin livery). The coaches will be based at Great Central Railway Nottingham and restored by 125 Group volunteers, using skills and experience gained with our existing fleet.

The coaches have all now arrived at Ruddington following road transfer from Barrow Hill, courtesy of Reid Freight Services. They will join the air-braked fleet at GCRN and supplement our existing three Mk3s 11074, 10206 and 12092, making possible a longer train powered by Prototype HST Power Car 41001. The additional coaches will also provide reserve and spares cover enabling individual vehicles to be stood down for maintenance. We are excited about these new acquisitions which will enable 125 Group to expand operations ahead of our ultimate goal of preserving a Production High Speed Train.