Three more Mk3 Coaches join 125 Group Fleet

Mk3 coaches 12087 and 12065 on arrival at Ruddington GCRN © 125 Group

125 Group is very pleased to announce we have completed purchase of three additional Mk3 locomotive-hauled coaches. The vehicles were previously owned by Direct Rail Services and had been in storage at Barrow Hill. All three are Tourist Standard Open (TSO) AC2G type, individual vehicles numbers are 12065 (‘one’ base livery with National Express branding), 12087 and 12134 (both in unbranded Virgin livery). The coaches will be based at Great Central Railway Nottingham and restored by 125 Group volunteers, using skills and experience gained with our existing fleet.

The coaches have all now arrived at Ruddington following road transfer from Barrow Hill, courtesy of Reid Freight Services. They will join the air-braked fleet at GCRN and supplement our existing three Mk3s 11074, 10206 and 12092, making possible a longer train powered by Prototype HST Power Car 41001. The additional coaches will also provide reserve and spares cover enabling individual vehicles to be stood down for maintenance. We are excited about these new acquisitions which will enable 125 Group to expand operations ahead of our ultimate goal of preserving a Production High Speed Train.

Prototype HST 41001 on site for OOC111 Open Day

47828, 41001 and 57604 arrived at Old Oak Common. © 125 Group

Prototype High Speed Train power car 41001 has safely arrived at Old Oak Common ready for the open day this Saturday 2nd September, following rail transfer from home base Great Central Railway Nottingham. 41001 and 125 Group crew powered the move from Ruddington GCRN last Sunday hauling 47828 and The Class 37 Loco Group’s 37003 as far as Rushcliffe Halt where 57604 and Rail Operations Group took over for the run to Old Oak, dropping off 37003 at Leicester. Thanks to ROG for their usual professional service.

Tickets are still available for the public open day, celebrating over 111 years of train maintenance and servicing at this historic West London depot. On display will be a unique collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives also merchandise stalls, including the 125 Group Sales Stand, children’s activities, fun fair, entertainers plus locomotive naming ceremonies. All proceeds will go to the depot’s chosen charity Place2Be, providing mental health support for children and whose patron is the Duchess of Cambridge.

To view full information about the open day, including how to get there and to buy tickets on-line, see the event website www.oocopenday.com