Prototype HST Power Car 41001 to return to York

125 Group is very sad to announce that unique Prototype Power Car 41001 will be returning to its owner, the National Railway Museum at York in early November, at the end of the current operating agreement. Despite best efforts, 125 Group and the Science Museum Group have been unable to reach a new agreement and the Science Museum Group has made the decision to terminate the loan.

41001 has been on a considerable journey in the 8 years since 125 Group took custodianship and, under Project Miller, restored the vehicle from a static exhibit to full working order. The power car has operated successfully for almost 5 years, regularly hauling public passenger trains at its home railway Great Central Railway (Nottingham), plus numerous visits to other preserved railways around the UK.

We are grateful to the National Railway Museum for having the foresight and confidence in us, allowing 125 Group to take 41001 on loan and bring her back to life, and are very disappointed that the work undertaken by us will no longer be of use in the future.

Sincere thank you to all of our members, hard working volunteers and loyal supporters who have generously given their own time and funded our operation of 41001. We remain indebted to the multitude of companies in the Railway Industry who have provided substantial valuable help and expert advice which made restoration possible, we are eternally grateful. Thanks also to our hosts throughout 41001’s operations, Great Central Railway (Nottingham).

125 Group was formed 25 years ago with the long term objective of preserving the HST. We already own, maintain and operate a small fleet of Mk3 coaches and hope to acquire at least one Production Power Car in the near future to continue our journey in preservation.

41001 Leaving Leeds

Prototype HST Power Car 41001 is heading south today, departing from Leeds Neville Hill depot bound for Derby Etches Park. The unique Power Car has been receiving care from our friends at East Midlands Trains and more recently East Midlands Railway, for which we are most grateful. 41001 is expected to return to home base Ruddington GCRN in the near future. The power car requires further engine and cooling system work before it can return to traffic, as usual 125 Group members will be the first to receive updates.

41001 is being hauled by East Midlands Railway power cars 43465 and 43467 on transit move 0Z52 11+16 Neville Hill to Etches Park via Leeds, Wakefield Westgate, Moorthorpe (12/05), Swinton, Beighton Jn, Chesterfield (1310-26), Alfreton, Toton, Spondon, booked to arrive Etches Park at 1455. The full live schedule courtesy of Realtime Trains can be found HERE. Sincere thanks from 125 Group to East Midlands Railway for their hospitality and help moving 41001 which is part of the National Collection.

These are the planned timings, traction and routing, all of which can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, the train may run early or late. 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 we can not be held liable. 125 Group is custodian of 41001 which is owned by the National Railway Museum.

For the detailed behind the scenes story of 41001 and our fleet of Mk3 coaches, join 125 Group and receive our exclusive quarterly magazine. Signing up to our monthly donation scheme includes free membership and really helps our preservation efforts. Join HERE.