HST Diagrams Summer 2016

GWR HST at Penally heading for Pembroke Dock ©125 Group

Up to date High Speed Train diagrams are now available on the 125 Group website, showing full listings of services for each passenger TOC for all days of the week. This year will be the last of full HST operation on Great Western Railway, with the first new Hitachi units planned to enter traffic during 2017. Summer Saturdays see HSTs straying off the mainlines to visit seaside resorts including GWR to Weymouth and Pembroke Dock, EMT to Skegness, plus daily GWR to Newquay supplemented by XC at weekends, these workings are all included in the diagrams. 125 Group needs your help raising funds to preserve a production HST, to join Prototype 41001. We currently have stylish HST40 badges in stock with the same design featured on the side of 43002 ‘Sir Kenneth Grange’, these have already become collectors items, click HERE.

HST Charity Railtour – Book Now!

*** UPDATE 23/01/2017 – 1st Class has already SOLD OUT! however Standard Class Seats are still available. ***
*** There will be a full buffet and catering trolley service on board the railtour. BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment! ***

The Branch Line Society in conjunction with Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC), 125 Group and PLEG is delighted to announce ‘Bound for Craigy’, an exciting HST special celebrating 40 years of the iconic train, raising money for Railway Children.  Travelling from Kings Cross to Edinburgh and return on Saturday 18th March, the nine coach set will be taking an unusual route visiting Bounds Green and Craigentinny depots along the way, covering the Hertford loop and the Blyth and Tyne route for good measure.  To add a little more interest, we pay two visits to Millerhill Yard and cover the Edinburgh Suburban line too, plus many unusual loops along the East Coast Mainline!

This VTEC HST will be powered by one regular Virgin MTU power car and one Paxman VP185 power car, courtesy of East Midlands Trains. Looking for a little more fun?  OK then let’s throw in the use of FOUR Class 08 shunting locomotives to haul our train – two on each depot.  Free Wi-Fi throughout the train?  Of course!  Ok so what about food then – ‘cos it’s going to be a long day!  Well, for Standard Class we will have trolley service throughout the train of drinks and light refreshments or stretch your legs and pop down to the Café Bar for some hot stuff.  First Class?  Well, strap yourself in for a full English breakfast on the way out, a lovely two course light lunch and an amazing three course dinner on the way home with complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks.  Real ale?  You bet!!

Tickets are available NOW! We hope you can join us on this very special charity railtour, discounted fares are available for 125 Group members and our roving sales stand will also be on-board. All bookings for this train are being handled by the Branch Line Society. Please note tickets are not available from Virgin Trains East Coast or 125 Group. For full details and to buy tickets, download the Branch Line Society booking form HERE.