John Zabernik

Mk3 Loco-Hauled action at GCR(N)

125 Group’s Mk3 Coaches at Ruddington GCR(N) © 125 Group

125 Group’s Mk3 coaches will be running public services at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) hauled by classic diesel locomotives while Prototype HST power car 41001 is away at Old Oak Common. Sleek prototype liveried matching FO 11074, RFM 10206 and TSO 12092 will be in service on these dates:

Sunday 15th October 2017  –  GCR(N) Blue Timetable with departures from Ruddington at 1100, 1300 and 1500 hauled top and tail by 56097 and 47765.

Sunday 22nd October 2017  –  GCR(N) Yellow Timetable with departures from Ruddington at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545 hauled top and tail by 47292 and 47765.

Buffet 125 available on-board serving drinks and snacks plus 125 Group Sales Stand will be open on the train. Locomotives subject to confirmation, for more details see GCR(N) website HERE.

Happy 41st Birthday HST!

High Speed Train power car W43014 leads the 13.00 Paddington to Swansea Inter-City 125 service into Reading station, 4th Dec 1976. © Richard Clayton

41 Years Ago today, 4th October 1976 saw the launch of regular 125mph passenger running in the UK when the new fleet of High Speed Trains was introduced on timetabled services between London Paddington, Bristol and South Wales. The streamlined Inter-City 125s transformed long distance rail travel, bringing new levels of comfort and shrinking journey times. Over the past 41 years the iconic HST has become a firm favourite with railway passengers, staff and enthusiasts however big changes are now afoot with the impending introduction of new generation trains to Great Western and East Coast Main Lines.

125 Group is working hard raising funds to achieve our goal of preserving a production HST powered by the original Valenta type engine. Established in 1994 we are now a registered charity with a proven track record, having restored prototype 41001 from static museum exhibit to working order, Sir Kenneth Grange is our Hon President. If you are interested in HSTs then please support our cause by joining us, members receive our exclusive quarterly magazine with detailed behind the scenes information on our preservation activities plus informed articles on the changing HST scene. Membership is £17 for 12 months or sign up to our direct-debit scheme for as little as £5 per month, this really helps our preservation efforts and includes free membership. JOIN HERE!