41001 and Mk3s head for GCR(N)

41001 and Mk3s Hotchley Hill GCRN ©125 Group

After the excitement of attending Bristol St.Philips Marsh open day, the Prototype HST Power Car and 125 Group’s matching coaches will be completing their journey home to Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on Monday 23rd May. 41001 and the Mk3s have been receiving expert attention from the professional folk at East Midlands Trains Etches Park depot.

Under the charge of Rail Operations Group, they are planned to be hauled by 37884 running as 5Z37 departing from Derby at 1510, heading up the Midland Mainline and onto GCR(N). The live schedule courtesy of Realtime Trains is available HERE.

The historic preserved High Speed Train will be running at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on Saturday 28th May. Passenger services will depart from Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545. Trains will operate top ‘n’ tail with 41001 at the south end of the Mk3 coaches and either 47292 or E6016 (73110) at the north end. Tickets are available to buy on the day or on-line from www.gcrn.co.uk.

Multi-Coloured HST Convoy

HST Convoy ready to depart Rushcliffe Halt GCRN ©125 Group

The convoy of High Speed Train power cars and coaches of many liveries is currently on the last leg of its marathon journey, heading from Rushcliffe Halt GCRN for Bristol and tomorrow’s public open day at St.Philips Marsh depot, celebrating 40 Years of the Inter-City 125. 5Z43 is formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + NMT Power Car 43013 + Grand Central Power Car 43423 + Prototype Power Car 41001 + 125 Group Mk3s 12092 + 10206 + 11074 + Virgin Trailer First 41190 + East Midlands Trains Power Car 43048. You can follow its progress courtesy of Realtime Trains here: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96085/2016/05/01/advanced

All on-line tickets for the open day are now SOLD OUT. A LIMITED number will be available on the day with CASH only please, from 10:30am and entry will be managed against capacity on the site. The event is being hosted by Great Western Railway in aid of Springboard Opportunity Group. For more information CLICK HERE.