Preservation

Posts about 41001 and our MkIII coaches

Sunday 3rd July GCR(N) Valenta Action

The Best Looking Train in Preservation © 125 Group

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s sleek matching coaches will be in public service at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) this Sunday 3rd July. Trains depart from Ruddington at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545, operating top ‘n’ tail with 41001 at the south end of the MkIII coaches and class 73 E6016 at the north end. Tickets available to buy on the day, also on-line from the GCR(N) Website.

Great Central Railway (Nottingham) has something for all the family. The GCR(N) route is just under 10 miles long, passing through scenic countryside ending up at Loughborough Viaduct, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline plus an exclusive elevated look into Brush Locomotive Works, with class 73s and 92s often visible. Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCR(N), with a Model Railway, rides on the Miniature Railway, plus Heritage Road Transport Collection. Rushcliffe Country Park is also nearby.

On-board the HST ‘Buffet 125’ in our Mk3 coach 10206 will be serving hot bacon rolls and burgers, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled beer. The 125 Group sales stand will also be open on the train, selling HST 40 Year Anniversary merchandise including mugs, badges and commemorative souvenir programmes from the recent Bristol St.Philips Marsh HST open day. Plus of course 41001’s classic Paxman Valenta engine will be screaming for your entertainment – we hope you can join us!

Ride the Prototype HST

41001 and Mk3s Fifty Steps GCRN ©125 Group

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches are back at their operating base Ruddington on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) after yesterday’s transit move from Derby. Thanks to East Midlands Trains Etches Park Depot for looking after our HST and to Rail Operations Group for helping to return home the best looking train in railway preservation!

The preserved HST will be working passenger trains at GCR(N) on Saturday 28th May. 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. Tickets are available to buy on the day or on-line from www.gcrn.co.uk which has further information.

*** UPDATE *** Brush Type 4, class 47 number 47292 is now confirmed allocated to work the set at the north end.

The GCR(N) route is just under 10 miles long, after departing Ruddington trains reverse at Fifty Steps then run southbound calling at Rushcliffe Halt station, continuing through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside to Loughborough Viaduct, which has no station but affords a great view over Brush Locomotive Works (with class 73s and 92s often visible) and the Midland Mainline. Ruddington station is the base for GCR(N) with many heritage transport exhibits, and regular bus links to Nottingham mainline station. Rushcliffe Country Park is also nearby.

‘Buffet 125’ on-board our Mk3 coach 10206 will be serving hot bacon rolls and burgers, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled beer. The 125 Group sales stand will also be open on the train, selling our latest commemorative artwork and mugs featuring production power car 43002 ‘Sir Kenneth Grange’. We hope you can join us and experience the wonderful sounds and smells of 41001’s original Paxman Valenta engine!