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41001 for Mid-Norfolk Railway Diesel Event

31st January 2019

On a previous visit to the Mid-Norfolk Railway for the 2016 Diesel Gala, the Prototype HST accelerates north towards Hardingham station, viewed from the signal box. Track alterations have since been made here including a new passing loop. ©125 Group

The Mid-Norfolk Railway Spring Diesel Event takes place Friday 5th to Sunday 7th April and we are very pleased to announce Prototype HST Power Car 41001 and four of our Mk3 coaches will be taking part. The historic Power Car is fitted with the original type Paxman Valenta engine, famous for its glorious screaming sound. The High Speed Train will work public services over this scenic route alongside other guest locomotives and the Mid-Norfolk Railway resident fleet, for more details see the MNR website HERE.

The Prototype HST was built in 1972 as fore-runner to the hugely successful InterCity 125 Production HST fleet which revolutionised long distance UK rail travel. 41001 is part of the National Collection, restoration was funded and carried out by 125 Group under the ‘Project Miller’ banner after the power car had spent over 25 years as a static exhibit at York NRM. 41001 is no stranger to the Mid-Norfolk Railway, having visited in 2016 and over the recent festive period. We are very pleased to be bringing the Valenta scream back to Norfolk!

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.

Prototype HST to Headline K&WVR Gala

10th September 202330th January 2019

We are delighted to announce, with thanks to the National Railway Museum, that Prototype HST Power Car 41001 will headline the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Diesel & Mixed Traffic Gala, Friday 3rd to Bank Holiday Monday 6th May. The unique locomotive will work public services between Keighley and Oxenhope, hauling five of 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches, recreating the look of the Prototype High Speed Train. The Gala will also feature other guest locomotives and the K&WVR resident fleet, for more details see the K&WVR website HERE.

The Prototype HST was built in 1972 and during testing between York and Darlington in 1973 smashed the UK rail and world diesel speed record reaching 143.2mph. It was the fore-runner to the hugely successful InterCity 125 Production HST fleet which revolutionised long distance UK rail travel. 41001 is part of the National Collection, restoration was funded and carried out by 125 Group under the ‘Project Miller’ banner after the power car had spent over 25 years as a static exhibit at York NRM. The power car is fitted with a ‘screaming’ Paxman Valenta engine of the type which originally powered all HSTs.