Onwards to Another Grand Year!

Clockwise from top left: Presentation of cheque of raffle proceeds from ‘The Grand Farewell’ Grand Central / Branch Line Society railtour, 41001 and 125 Group Mk3s in action at Rushcliffe Halt GCR(N), interior of restored Mk3 coach 12087, ‘Buffet 125’ volunteers serving up tasty fare in kitchen of catering vehicle 10206. © 125 Group

A grand thankyou from 125 Group to Grand Central and the Branch Line Society for kindly donating raffle proceeds from the recent ‘The Grand Farewell’ railtour to our charity. BLS Fixtures Secretary Kev Adlam called in at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on 41001’s Festive Running Day to present the cheque for £1,365.80 to 125 Group Chairman Gary Heelas. We are very grateful for this donation which brings to a close another very successful year for 125 Group.

Highlights of 2017 have included maintenance and upgrade work on Prototype HST Power Car 41001’s suspension, brakes, wheelslip/slide and speedometer systems, replacement of no.7 axle bearing, plus significant work behind the scenes on maintenance and overhaul procedures for our fleet. During August we completed a major purchase of three additional Mk3 coaches, determined work by our volunteer engineers saw the first of these 12087 restored and carrying passengers just over two months later, complete with working air-conditioning. We treated our catering vehicle 10206 to high quality new flooring in the kitchen and serving area, plus lighting overhaul and panel painting, making the interior as good as new. Public running days continued throughout the year with 41001 and our Mk3 coaches at GCR(N) including the successful Summer Diesel Gala, with our ‘Buffet 125’ catering volunteers serving tasty food and drink on-board. 41001 was also exhibited at Old Oak Common open day, once its home depot. We have participated in many HST railtours including playing a key role in ‘Bound for Craigy’ with our Hon President Sir Kenneth Grange on-board and ‘The Pickering Paxman’, taking passenger HSTs to new territory. We have given talks at railway societies during the year, the roving 125 Group sales stand has travelled far and wide including the Warley Model Railway Exhibition, complimenting our increasingly busy on-line shop, all raising funds for our preservation efforts.

A massive thankyou to all individuals, organisations and companies who have worked with and supported 125 Group during 2017. We look forward to another exciting year in 2018, working towards our objective of preserving a production High Speed Train. We welcome new members, join up on-line HERE to support our cause and receive our members only magazine ‘One Two Five’ packed full of behind the scenes detail on our activities, informed articles on the current HST scene, plus a dose of nostalgia – next issue features a look back on the 10 years of Grand Central HST operation. Happy New Year from everyone at 125 Group!

Old Oak Common Open Day Success

Prototype HST power car 41001 in the Heavy Maintenance Facility at Old Oak Common Open Day, with no.1 bogie removed and positioned alongside. ©125 Group

Old Oak Common public open day on 2nd September was a fantastic success with crowds of visitors enjoying the huge collection of diesel and steam motive power on show. Our prototype HST was displayed in the Heavy Maintenance Facility on lifting jacks with number 1 bogie removed. The 125 Group team were on hand to explain the history and operation of 41001, it is always a pleasure for our volunteers to share the story of this unique power car. Other highlights included cab visits to INTERCITY liveried 43185 and the naming of 43093 ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ with dramatic bodyside design featuring ‘Legends of the Great Western’, plus the sun shone for most of the day!

A massive thankyou to the GWR organising team and many staff who worked so hard to make this excellent event such a success. Thanks also to everyone who bought tickets for the open day, raising funds for depot’s chosen charity Place2Be which provides mental health support for children. Thank you to all who came along to the 125 Group Sales Stand and purchased merchandise and joined up as new members.

GWR power car 43093 named ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ at the open day, complete with dramatic bodyside graphic design. ©125 Group

The Prototype Power Car will remain at Old Oak Common for the time being, the depot is hosting some inspection work, for which we are most grateful to Great Western Railway. 125 Group continues raising funds not only to maintain 41001 and our Mk3 coaches but also to reach our goal of preserving a Production Inter-City 125. If you are interested in HSTs then please support our cause by joining us, members receive our exclusive quarterly magazine with detailed behind the scenes information on our preservation activities plus informed articles on the changing HST scene, a full sample issue can be viewed on our website HERE. Membership is only £17 for 12 months or sign up to our direct-debit scheme for as little as £5 per month and receive free membership. JOIN HERE!