125 Group

Valenta comes to Wansford!

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and our matching Mk3 coaches have arrived safely at the Nene Valley Railway, ready to star in this weekend’s Diesel Gala where they will be working passenger trains on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April. During Friday 8th the HST will be on display at Wansford, hopefully in the sunshine!

Start Valenta! 41001 at Wansford NVR 7th Apr 2016 ©125 Group

The gala promises great variety with visiting locomotives 31452, 47192, 47712, 50008, 56006, 56098 and 60066 all now arrived at Wansford, operating base of the NVR. However, the best looking train around 41001 with its screaming Paxman Valenta engine and sleek matching Mk3 coaches are ready to steal the show! Whatever your taste in traction we hope to see you on board the iconic HST, our Buffet 125 will be serving hot sausage and bacon baps and burgers, plus cider and real ale as long as supplies last. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on-board, join up as a member and help our mission to preserve a production Inter-City 125 and put a Valenta back inside that too!

For full information on how to get to the Nene Valley Railway, up-to-date special timetables and traction rosters, also to buy tickets on-line, see the NVR website.

UPDATED: The Summer Riviera – Sat 8th Aug 2026

125 Group are pleased to announce that we will be taking our HST to Bristol, Exeter & Paignton on Saturday 8th August 2026.

Our day starts at Manchester Victoria before heading via Reddish South to Crewe. From here we take the West Coast to the Birmingham area and the Cross Country route down the Lickey to our destinations of Bristol, Exeter or Paignton allowing you to choose between great cities or lovely seaside. As always, you can choose between First or Standard class accommodation and Buffet 125 will be open selling our usual array of hot and cold food along with a selection of drinks & snacks.

Pick up/set down points are Reddish South, Stockport, Crewe, Stafford, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter St. Davids.

We will be offering a limited option for travel from Bristol to Paignton & return. Tickets are now on sale from our booking agent Retro Railtours including some amazing bargain fares for the kids:

*A £10 supplement for children aged between 5-15. One supplement per accompanying adult booking. This offer is only valid for Standard Class tickets. Children under 5 may travel free of charge. Please put a note on the booking if bringing under 5s.

Timings from Network Rail

Manchester Victoria        07.35                         23.17

Reddish South              08.00                         22.38

Stockport                   08.08                         22.28

Crewe                     08.57                         22.00

Stafford                      09.18                         20.59

Birmingham New Street     09.54                        20.27

Bristol Temple Meads       11.37-11.47                18.29-18.35

Exeter St Davids           12.48-12.53                17.18-17.33

Paignton                   13.34                        16.45