41001 for Mid-Norfolk Railway Diesel Event

On a previous visit to the Mid-Norfolk Railway for the 2016 Diesel Gala, the Prototype HST accelerates north towards Hardingham station, viewed from the signal box. Track alterations have since been made here including a new passing loop. ©125 Group

The Mid-Norfolk Railway Spring Diesel Event takes place Friday 5th to Sunday 7th April and we are very pleased to announce Prototype HST Power Car 41001 and four of our Mk3 coaches will be taking part. The historic Power Car is fitted with the original type Paxman Valenta engine, famous for its glorious screaming sound. The High Speed Train will work public services over this scenic route alongside other guest locomotives and the Mid-Norfolk Railway resident fleet, for more details see the MNR website HERE.

The Prototype HST was built in 1972 as fore-runner to the hugely successful InterCity 125 Production HST fleet which revolutionised long distance UK rail travel. 41001 is part of the National Collection, restoration was funded and carried out by 125 Group under the ‘Project Miller’ banner after the power car had spent over 25 years as a static exhibit at York NRM. 41001 is no stranger to the Mid-Norfolk Railway, having visited in 2016 and over the recent festive period. We are very pleased to be bringing the Valenta scream back to Norfolk!

As always, plans are made and this information is provided in good faith, however all arrangements in railway preservation are subject to alteration in the event of changing circumstances, for which 125 Group can not be held liable.

41001 departing for Old Oak Common

41001 on GCR(N) ‘Mainline’ ©125 Group

On Sunday 27th August, Prototype High Speed Train power car 41001 will be setting off from its home base Ruddington on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) heading for Old Oak Common and the Great Western Railway public Open Day which takes place on Saturday 2nd September.

41001 together with 47828 + 37003 are expected to depart from Ruddington at approx 0830 Sunday 27th August heading for Rushcliffe Halt which is also known as East Leake/Hotchley Hill. They will be collected by 57604 with schedule planned 0Z58 1000 Hotchley Hill – Leicester Depot to set down 37003 then onward as 0Z59 1530 Leicester Depot – Old Oak Common via Oakham 16/14, Peterborough 16/45, Huntingdon 17/30, Potters Bar 18/30, Finsbury Park 1848-1932, Camden Road 19/51, Willesden Jn High Level 20/09, Acton Mainline 2012-2017, Old Oak Common 2047.

Live schedules can be found here, courtesy of our friends at Realtime Trains. Please note, as always, this information is provided in good faith but these movements can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, the trains may run early or late or be cancelled.

0Z58  http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R73450/2017/08/27/advanced

0Z59  http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O22593/2017/08/27/advanced

Tickets are still available for what promises to be a very memorable open day celebrating 111 years of Old Oak Common. 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