HST for NVR Gala / Mk3 Day Trip

41001 and 125 Group’s Mk3s at Leicester Depot with D6836 and 56006 also planned to appear at the NVR Gala ©125 Group

Nene Valley Railway Diesel Gala – This coming weekend Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches will be the Star Guests at the Nene Valley Railway Diesel Gala operating public passenger trains between Yarwell Junction, Wansford and Peterborough NV.

The event is planned to feature a wide range of visiting locomotives including D6836 (37905), 56006 and 56098, hot food and draught ales will be available including from on-board ‘Buffet 125’ in our RFM vehicle 10206.  The gala takes place over three days from Friday 8th April however the iconic HST will only be in service on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April. For full information on how to get to the Nene Valley Railway, special timetables and traction rosters, also to buy tickets on-line, see the NVR website.

Mk3s Midlands Day Trip – 125 Group’s prototype HST livery Mk3 coaches 11074, 10206 and 12092 are expected to have a day out on the mainline tomorrow Wednesday 6th April as part of non-passenger convoy 5Z07 1055 from Leicester Depot to Barrow Hill via Derby and 6Z37 1518 return. Click the headcodes for live schedules courtesy of Realtime Trains.

HST Transfer to NVR – Power car 41001 and our matching Mk3s are expected to depart for the NVR on Thursday 7th April as part of non-passenger convoy 5Z41 1034 from Leicester Depot running via Melton Mowbray (11/15), Peterborough ECML (1225-1227), passing from Fletton Junction over the link onto the Nene Valley Railway arriving Orton Mere at 1236.  As always, information is provided in good faith and all of these planned movements can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, the trains may run early or late or be cancelled.

HST February Running at GCRN

SATURDAY 16th, SUNDAY 17th, SATURDAY 23rd, SUNDAY 24th FEBRUARY 2019

The Prototype High Speed Train will be running passenger services on these dates at Great Central Railway (Nottingham). Featuring historic HST Power Car 41001 which broke the world record for diesel trains in 1972 reaching 143mph, still powered by the ‘screaming’ Valenta original type engine. Coaches will be 125 Group’s sleek, air-conditioned Mk3s which provide comfortable seating with plenty of tables, perfect for railway enthusiasts and all the family, whatever the weather.

Services depart from Ruddington station, the GCRN Yellow Timetable B operates on these dates, new for 2019:
1045 and 1445 departures from Ruddington to Loughborough High Level, 90 minute return trip.
1245 and 1345 departures from Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt, 50 minute return trip.

English Electric Class 20 locomotive D8154 / 20154 is planned to be working top’n’tail with 41001 on all four dates.

After departing from Ruddington, all trains reverse at Fifty Steps (no station) then run southbound along the former Great Central Mainline through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside calling at Rushcliffe Halt station. The route continues through Barnstone Tunnel to Loughborough High Level, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline and looks down into Brush Works, with locomotives for overhaul often visible.

Our traditional ‘Buffet 125’ will be open on-board, serving (subject to availability) a selection of delicious breakfast baps and other hot foods, cold snacks, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled ciders, beers and wine. Our volunteers will be pleased to advise on availability and delighted to serve you. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train with a wide range of merchandise available. We look forward to welcoming you on-board.

Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for Great Central Railway (Nottingham) 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. Train tickets can be purchased on the day or from the GCRN website which has more information HERE.