125 Group is absolutely delighted to confirm that two mainline power cars will be joining us on a permanent basis, thanks to a fantastic donation by leasing company Porterbrook.
High Speed Train production power cars 43048 and 43089 owned by Porterbrook and currently operated by East Midlands Railway will be handed over at the end of their careers in front line service.
125 Group was founded in 1994 with the aim of preserving a working Inter-City 125 for future generations. Our volunteers and trustees have given their valuable time, sweat and passionate commitment over the past 25 years, fundraising and building a sound reputation in preservation and with the railway industry, working towards this goal. We are extremely grateful to Porterbrook for their wonderful, generous donation!
125 Group’s Mk3 coaches will be running passenger trains at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on Half Term weekends Sat 15th/Sun 16th and Sat 22nd/Sun 23rd February. Rostered traction will be Class 20 locomotive D8154/20154 and Class 31 D5830/31463 working top and tail, subject to availability/confirmation.
Blue Timetable A operates on these dates with departures from Ruddington GCRN station at 1045, 1245 and 1445, all running through to Loughborough High Level, a 90 minute return trip. 125 Group’s sleek, air-conditioned Mk3 coaches provide comfortable seating, perfect for railway enthusiasts and all the family, whatever the weather and feature two vehicles 12087 and 12134 painted in INTERCITY Swallow livery.
After departing from Ruddington, 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 is almost 10 miles long and 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 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 serve you. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train with a wide range of HST merchandise available.
Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the operating base for GCRN with car parking and bus links to Nottingham and Loughborough. More details from GCRN available HERE. 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.
