Month: May 2019

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.

GWR Inter-City 125 Farewell

Sir Kenneth Grange with his namesake power car 43002 before departure of the last HST service train from Paddington.  ©125 Group

This evening Great Western Railway celebrated the end of High Speed Trains serving Paddington after 43 years. Introduced in 1976, the Inter-City 125 was an immediate success and transformed long distance rail travel in the UK.

The event was marked by the last four HST services being lined up side by side in platforms 1 to 4, with the final 125 formed of power cars 43198 and 43002 working the 1830 to Exeter St.Davids. Sir Kenneth Grange, designer of the High Speed Train and 125 Group Hon President was VIP guest at Paddington and travelled on the final service. Thank you to GWR for working so hard behind the scenes to mark this historic occasion in style!

Now in our 25th year, 125 Group is the High Speed Train preservation group, our aim is to preserve at least one production class 43 power car and reinstall the original Valenta engine type. For the past seven years we have been custodians of the National Railway Museum’s prototype HST power car 41001, which we restored to working order with funds raised by us and the kind help of the railway industry.

Help us achieve our goal of preserving an Inter-City 125. 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.