Prototype HST Running Days at GCRN

SATURDAY 25TH AUGUST – 1030, 1215, 1400 & 1545 departures from Ruddington
SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER – 1030, 1215, 1400 & 1545 departures from Ruddington

Historic Prototype HST Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s sleek Mk3 coaches will be running passenger trains on these dates at Great Central Railway (Nottingham). Services depart from Ruddington station to Loughborough Viaduct and back under the ‘Yellow Timetable’. 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 (no station) then run southbound along the former Great Central Mainline 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.

Buffet 125 will be open on-board our Mk3 coach RFM 10206, selling hot snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including wine and bottled beer, our volunteers will be pleased to serve you. 41001 is powered by the original screaming Valenta type engine and our comfortable carriages are fully air-conditioned, perfect for a hot English summer day. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train, with latest merchandise available, including copies of our fantastic book ‘125 Enduring Icon’. Our Trustees will also be on-hand to talk about our exciting HST Depot Appeal. We look forward to welcoming you on-board.

Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCRN with many heritage transport exhibits, miniature and model railways, car parking and bus links to Nottingham and Loughborough. Rushcliffe Country Park is also here and overlooks the line. More information on the GCR(N) website.

Prototype HST Reincarnated

This weekend for the first time in preservation, Prototype HST Power Car 41001 worked passenger trains coupled to our Mk3 coaches freshly repainted in matching livery, recreating the look of the original 1972 High Speed Train, running in 2016 at Great Central Railway (Nottingham). Everyone at 125 Group is delighted with the result, we hope you agree our retro-image train looks fantastic!

41001 125 Group Mk3s Barnstone Tunnel GCR(N) 1100 Ruddington to Loughborough 14Feb2016 ©Jason Cross

Power Car 41001 and Mk3 coaches First Class 11074, Restaurant Buffet 10206 and Standard Class 12092 operated the GCR(N) timetable on Saturday and Sunday, conveying passengers between Ruddington and Loughborough Viaduct, with classic electro-diesel locomotive E6016 (73110) providing traction for the opposite direction. The coaches had arrived back at GCR(N) on Friday evening following top quality repainting by Wabtec Rail Scotland at their Caledonia Works in Kilmarnock. 125 Group would like to thank everyone who has sent warm words and congratulations, plus a very special thank you to those who have made transformation of the Mk3s and return to Ruddington possible.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMkqxZy_wBo&align=right&rel=0&h=410&w=240 ]

41001 is part of the National Collection and is on long-term loan from the National Railway Museum to 125 Group. This last remaining Prototype Power Car was restored to working order by 125 Group between 2011 and 2015 under the ‘Project Miller’ banner, funded by donations and with expert help from kind folk and companies in the railway industry. 125 Group is owner of the Mk3 coaches which we purchased in 2015 to run with 41001. Our long-term aim is to preserve a production Inter-City 125, powered by the original Valenta engine, and to this end we have acquired many major components. We welcome new members and volunteers who share our aims, you can join up on this website and help our cause by subscribing to our Direct Debit scheme which includes free membership and our exclusive quarterly magazine www.125group.org.uk/donate.

The short video clip included here was filmed inside the engine room of 41001 on 14th February and captures the power of Valenta engine S508 opening up along the line.

To sample this for real 41001 and the Mk3s will be running again this coming weekend Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February at GCR(N), on public passenger trains departing from Ruddington at 1100, 1300 and 1500. All are welcome, tickets can be purchased on the day, we hope to see you! For more details see the GCR(N) website: www.gcrn.co.uk  We have many other operating dates planned, including visits to other heritage railways, see this page of our website for more information www.125group.org.uk/where-to-see-us-in-2016

41001 125 Group Mk3s Stanford Cutting GCR(N) 1300 Ruddington to Loughborough 14Feb2016 ©James Trebinski