12134

Mk3s Running this Saturday at GCRN

This coming Saturday 29th June, 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches including INTERCITY livery freshly repainted TSO 12134 will be running passenger trains at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) which is also holding its annual Model Railway Show.

Services depart from Ruddington GCRN station, Yellow Timetable B operates on these dates:
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.
Traction will be Brush Type 2 Class 31 locomotive D5830 (31463) running top and tail with a locomotive from the GCRN home fleet. 125 Group’s sleek, air-conditioned Mk3 coaches provide comfortable seating, perfect for railway enthusiasts and all the family, whatever the weather.

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 complete route, which is almost 10 miles long, 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 the train, serving 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 serve you. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train, with latest merchandise available, including copies of our fantastic new book ‘Inter-City 125 Haynes Workshop Manual’.

Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the operating base for GCRN with car parking and bus links to Nottingham and Loughborough. This year’s Model Railway Show features the largest ever selection of visiting layouts plus a large range of trade stands. More details from GCRN available HERE.

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.

Passenger debut for Mk3 Coach 12087

125 Group Mk3 TSO 12087 arrived at Ruddington GCR(N) having just worked its first passenger train in preservation, the 1800 ‘Firework Spectacular Special’ from Rushcliffe Halt, 04/11/2017. © James Trebinski

125 Group is delighted to announce successful entry to passenger service of Mk3 coach Tourist Standard Open (TSO) 12087, which our volunteers have restored to working order in just over two months since it arrived at Great Central Railway (Nottingham).

12087 ran as part of the consist for the Guy Fawkes weekend GCR(N) Firework Spectacular services on Saturday 4th November, bringing local folk from Rushcliffe Halt to Ruddington for the evening firework display and taking them home again after the event. Passengers enjoyed the deep cleaned saloon, working air-conditioning / heating and air-powered internal doors, not to mention the silky smooth ride of the Mk3!

Restoration has also included roof repairs, replacement brake distributor, electrical work including a new set of batteries, air and electrical systems testing, new buckeye coupler and new vestibule carpets. Efforts will now turn to vehicles 12065 and 12134, which were purchased at the same time, and like 12087, had previously been in storage for many years.

Thankyou to everyone who has recently bought merchandise from our on-line shop, joined 125 Group, or signed up to our Direct Debit regular donations scheme. All of these contributions are greatfully received and go towards our restoration efforts and long term aim of production HST preservation.