Old Oak Common Open Day Success

Prototype HST power car 41001 in the Heavy Maintenance Facility at Old Oak Common Open Day, with no.1 bogie removed and positioned alongside. ©125 Group

Old Oak Common public open day on 2nd September was a fantastic success with crowds of visitors enjoying the huge collection of diesel and steam motive power on show. Our prototype HST was displayed in the Heavy Maintenance Facility on lifting jacks with number 1 bogie removed. The 125 Group team were on hand to explain the history and operation of 41001, it is always a pleasure for our volunteers to share the story of this unique power car. Other highlights included cab visits to INTERCITY liveried 43185 and the naming of 43093 ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ with dramatic bodyside design featuring ‘Legends of the Great Western’, plus the sun shone for most of the day!

A massive thankyou to the GWR organising team and many staff who worked so hard to make this excellent event such a success. Thanks also to everyone who bought tickets for the open day, raising funds for depot’s chosen charity Place2Be which provides mental health support for children. Thank you to all who came along to the 125 Group Sales Stand and purchased merchandise and joined up as new members.

GWR power car 43093 named ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ at the open day, complete with dramatic bodyside graphic design. ©125 Group

The Prototype Power Car will remain at Old Oak Common for the time being, the depot is hosting some inspection work, for which we are most grateful to Great Western Railway. 125 Group continues raising funds not only to maintain 41001 and our Mk3 coaches but also to reach our goal of preserving a Production Inter-City 125. 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, a full sample issue can be viewed on our website HERE. Membership is only £17 for 12 months or sign up to our direct-debit scheme for as little as £5 per month and receive free membership. JOIN HERE!

Visit 125 Group Sales Stand at Old Oak Common

Prototype Power Car 41001 is one of the star exhibits at Old Oak Common open day. During 1975 the Prototype HST was based at the depot while on Western Region passenger service trials, seen here at Didcot E Jn on a Weston-Super-Mare to Paddington service 2nd July 1975. ©Robin Patrick

New Exclusive HST World Speed Record 30th Anniversary Artwork and Mugs

Be sure to visit the 125 Group Sales Stand at Old Oak Common open day where we have a wide range of High Speed Train merchandise available including our NEW EXCLUSIVE World Speed Record HST Artwork and Mugs celebrating the 30th Anniversary of power cars 43102 and 43159 reaching 148.5mph on 1st November 1987, setting the world speed record for diesel traction which still stands today. Produced for us by Stuart Black, the high quality artwork and mug are priced at £9 each item. Don’t miss out, come and see us on stand O0 (that’s Oscar – Zero in phonetic alphabet!)

Open Day Tickets Still Available

Tickets are still available on-line for Great Western Railway Old Oak Common public open day Saturday 2nd September 2017, celebrating over 111 years of train maintenance and servicing at this West London depot. Prototype High Speed Train power car 41001 is one of the star exhibits plus a unique collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives, sales stands, children’s activities, fun fair, entertainers plus locomotive naming ceremonies. This will be a very special event and the weather forecast is sun sun sun (at the moment!) Full information about the open day, including how to get there and to buy tickets on-line, all on the event website www.oocopenday.com