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.

Tornado power for 125 Group Mk3s

Peppercorn A1 Pacific Class Steam Locomotive 60163 Tornado will be visiting Great Central Railway Nottingham and hauling public trains on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February. Coaching stock will be 125 Group’s sleek Mk3 coaches, three of which are in stunning Prototype High Speed Train livery.

A special timetable will operate with trains departing from Ruddington at 1000, 1200, 1400 and 1600 on both days. Diesel loco 47828 will be coupled to the north end of the rake and will work top ‘n’ tail with Tornado which will be on the south end. Prototype HST power car 41001 will not be in use on this occasion. This will be the first time a steam loco has hauled our Mk3 coaches in passenger service, we hope you can join us for this most unusual event!

‘Buffet 125’ will be open on all trains serving delicious hot food including bacon / sausage cobs, hot dogs, burgers and toasted sandwiches, all freshly prepared on-board in the kitchen of our catering vehicle RFM 10206. Hot and cold drinks, wines and beers including bottled ale, plus cold snacks will also be available.

Special fares apply for these dates and demand is expected to be high with only a limited number of tickets available. For full details and to book on-line, head over to the GCRN website HERE.