Prototype HST 41001 for Old Oak Common Open Day

Prototype HST on test at Didcot station, with power car 41001 (43000) nearest the camera, February 1975. ©Dave Hird

125 Group is delighted to announce that Prototype High Speed Train power car 41001 is planned to be one of the star exhibits at Great Western Railway Old Oak Common public open day on Saturday 2nd September 2017, celebrating over 111 years of train maintenance and servicing at this West London depot. On display will be a unique collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives also merchandise stalls including the 125 Group Sales Stand, children’s activities, fun fair, entertainers plus locomotive naming ceremonies.

Tickets are now on sale and demand is expected to be high for this unique event. All proceeds will go to the depot’s chosen charity Place2Be, providing mental health support for children and whose patron is the Duchess of Cambridge. 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

Old Oak Common has an illustrious history, including being home to iconic Inter-City 125s since introduction. The prototype HST is no stranger to Old Oak, it was based at the depot in 1975/6 during Western Region passenger service trials. After withdrawal, power car 41001 entered the National Collection, 125 Group became custodians in 2012 and we restored it back to working order under the ‘Project Miller’ banner. The historic power car is now based at GCR(N) Ruddington where it works public trains together with our matching Mk3 coaches.

Please note that 41001 is advertised in good faith but is subject to transfer rail movements. Should problems arise we can not be held responsible for losses (and disappointment!) arising from non-appearance. The 125 Group team are very much looking forward to this fantastic event and hope to see you there!

HST Diagrams Summer 2017

GWR HST power car 43010 emerges from Narberth tunnel on the scenic Pembroke Dock branchline, on service 1L90 1455 Pembroke Dock-Paddington, 1st August 2015. ©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. 2017 will be the last summer of full HST operation on Great Western Railway, with the first new Hitachi units planned to enter traffic later this year. Summer Saturdays see HSTs straying off the main Intercity routes to visit scenic branch lines and seaside resorts including GWR to Weymouth and Pembroke Dock, EMT to Skegness, XC to Paignton and Penzance plus daily GWR to Newquay, these workings are all included in the diagrams, available from our website homepage HERE.

HST withdrawals will soon be upon us, 125 Group needs your help raising funds to preserve a Production HST to join Prototype 41001. Please subscribe as a member or sign up to our regular donations scheme and receive free membership, details HERE.