Month: April 2019

HST Easter Saturday at GCRN

Easter Saturday 20th April at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) features Prototype High Speed Train power car 41001 hauling passenger services with 125 Group’s sleek, air-conditioned Mk3 coaches which provide comfortable seating, 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.

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.

41001 is owned by the National Railway Museum and was restored back to life by 125 Group, this very first HST power car is powered by the original ‘screaming’ Valenta engine type fitted to all Inter-City 125s when built. Our traditional ‘Buffet 125’ will be open on-board the train, serving 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 with a children’s play area which overlooks the line. Train tickets can be purchased on the day or from the GCRN website which has more information HERE.

Marvellous Mid-Norfolk!

Driver’s view from 41001 between Dereham and Worthing, Mid-Norfolk Railway, 07/04/2019. ©125 Group

The Prototype HST Power Car and 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches have completed a marvellous weekend of passenger running at the Mid-Norfolk Railway Spring Diesel Gala. Thank you to everyone who came along and bought tickets to travel, we hope you enjoyed the event as much as we did. The 125 Group team would like to offer special thanks to all at the Mid-Norfolk Railway for their usual warm welcome.

41001 and the Mk3s are today (Monday 8th April) leaving the MNR bound for home base Great Central Railway (Nottingham). The HST is expected to depart from Dereham at 0930 hauled by 47367 to Wymondham Loop from where 50008 will work the train, running as 5Q41 via Thetford (1139), Ely North Curve, March, Peterborough (1303-1308), Oakham, Syston Jns, Loughborough South Jn to Rushcliffe Halt GCRN (Hotchley Hill) arriving at 1508. The full consist will be 50008 + 10206 + 12092 + 11074 + 12134 + 41001. From Rushcliffe Halt, 47292 is then planned to haul the set to Ruddington GCRN. Full detailed live schedule for the movement can be found HERE.

These are the planned timings, routing and traction, all of which can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, and the train 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 125 Group can not be held liable.