Saturday HST Valenta Action

41001 with 47765 at Ruddington GCRN ©125 Group

This Saturday 27th August sees Prototype HST Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches back out working passenger services at home base Great Central Railway (Nottingham). 41001 will be operating public trains for the first time with the power car facing north on the GCR(N) mainline.

The ‘Yellow Timetable’ will be in operation with departures from Ruddington (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545, Scotrail liveried 47765 is planned to be the locomotive on the south end of the set. Join us and experience the marvellous screaming Valenta climbing all the way from Loughborough to Barnstone Tunnel on the former Great Central mainline!

Hot bacon baps, burgers, hot and cold drinks plus alcoholic beverages including bottled ale will be available from Buffet 125 on-board the train, along with our 125 Group Sales Stand – buy your HST 40YEAR badges and mugs here. For information about tickets and how to get to GRC(N), view their website www.gcrn.co.uk.

Saturday 5th May kicks-off HST Season at GCRN

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches will be working passenger trains at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) this Saturday 5th May, kicking-off a run of warm weather operating dates Saturday 26th May, Sunday 17th June and Saturday 30th June. Services depart from Ruddington station at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545 running to Loughborough High Level and back under the ‘Yellow Timetable’. The preserved HST will operate top ‘n’ tail with 41001 at the south end and a GCR(N) locomotive at the north end.  Tickets available to buy on the day.

The GCR(N) route is just under 10 miles long, after departing from Ruddington trains reverse at Fifty Steps then run southbound calling at Rushcliffe Halt station, continuing through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside to Loughborough High Level, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline and looks down into Brush Locomotive Works, with class 73s, 92s, 319s and HST power cars often visible. Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCR(N) with many heritage transport exhibits, miniature and model railways, see GCR(N) website for further information.

‘Buffet 125’ will be open on-board our Mk3 coach RFM 10206, selling hot snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled beer, our volunteers will be pleased to serve you. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train, with our latest range of merchandise available. Experience a grand day out riding comfortable air-conditioned Mk3 coaches, powered by 41001 and its original screaming Paxman Valenta engine!