Running days in April 2022

125 Group is delighted to announce its first running days for over two years.

With the kind agreement of our hosts at the Midland Railway – Butterley, our production HST will be making its first passenger operations since we took ownership during the weekend of 2nd and 3rd April 2022.

Running a shortened set, we will be providing the timetabled service throughout the weekend with power cars 43048 and World Speed Record Holder 43159.  This will not only be 125 Group’s first operation of our own preserved HST, but will also be the first time that an HST has operated in passenger service on the Midland Railway Trust line.

In addition to the overall operation, we will be opening Buffet 125 serving drinks and snacks in trailer car 40730, together with a good range of products available from Shop 125.

Ticket sales and revenue will support the Midland Railway Trust and development of their operations whilst all sales on board will support our ongoing preservation efforts. Come and take a ride with us through Derbyshire’s delightful countryside and enjoy some HST action.

Ride the TV Star Power Car!

Star of the recent Channel 5 TV Documentary ‘Intercity 125 – The Train That Saved Britain’s Railway’ Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches will be working passenger trains at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on Saturday 26th May. Services depart from Ruddington station at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545 running to Loughborough Viaduct and back under the Yellow Timetable.

The GCR(N) route is just under 10 miles long, after departing from Ruddington trains reverse at Fifty Steps (no station) 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 the Midland Mainline and looks down into Brush Locomotive Works, with class 43s, 73s, 92s and 319s often visible. 41001 will be at the south end of the train operating ‘top and tail’ with 47292 at the north end, as always subject to availability.

On all services ‘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. We hope you can join us!

Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCR(N) with many heritage transport exhibits, miniature and model railways, car parking and bus links to Nottingham and Loughborough. Tickets available to buy at the station, for more details see www.gcrn.co.uk