HSTs Head for Bristol

41001 on GCR(N) ‘Mainline’ ©125 Group

High Speed Train power cars of many colours will be departing from all over the UK for Bristol over this weekend, heading for St.Philips Marsh public Open Day on Monday 2nd May.  Prototype 41001 and 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches are also being prepared for the trip from their home base at Ruddington Great Central Railway (Nottingham) to the Great Western Railway.

Tickets are still available for what promises to be a very memorable open day celebrating 40 Years of HSTs. The event is being hosted by Great Western Railway in aid of Springboard Opportunity Group.  For more information and to book tickets CLICK HERE.

This is a summary of the non-passenger convoys planned however 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. Live schedule links are shown where available courtesy of Realtime Trains.

Saturday 30th April

0750 Craigentinny to Heaton, formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + Virgin Trailer First 41190 + NMT Power Car 43013. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96080/2016/04/30/advanced

1339 Heaton to Etches Park, formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + NMT Power Car 43013 + Grand Central Power Car 43423 + Virgin Trailer First 41190. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96081/2016/04/30/advanced

Sunday 1st May

5Z42 1619 Etches Park to Hotchley Hill (GCRN Rushcliffe Halt), formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + NMT Power Car 43013 + Grand Central Power Car 43423 + Virgin Trailer First 41190 + East Midlands Trains Power Car 43048. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96084/2016/05/01/advanced

Prototype Power Car 41001 + 125 Group Mk3s 12092 + 10206 + 11074 are expected to depart from Ruddington at 1645 heading for Rushcliffe Halt, including a run-round at 50 Steps.

5Z43 1925 Hotchley Hill (GCRN Rushcliffe Halt) to Bristol St.Philips Marsh, formed of Virgin Power Car 43300 + NMT Power Car 43013 + Grand Central Power Car 43423 + Prototype Power Car 41001 + 125 Group Mk3s 12092 + 10206 + 11074 + Virgin Trailer First 41190 + East Midlands Trains Power Car 43048. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96085/2016/05/01/advanced

The convoy is planned to return north from Bristol early on Tuesday 3rd May.

St.Philips Marsh Open Day

High Speed Train Inter-City 125 ©Barry Johnson

St.Philips Marsh High Speed Train depot in Bristol opens its doors this Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May for a public open day Celebrating 40 Years of the Inter-City 125. Our Prototype power car and matching Mk3 coaches will be on display, along with Production HSTs from many of the current operators, plus varied diesel and steam traction. The unveiling of a special power car livery will take place at about 11.30am with a very special guest. This is a rare opportunity to get up close to your favourite trains, some with driving cabs open for visit.

The 125 Group sales stand will also be on site, along with other trade and food stalls, a free bus shuttle will run from Bristol Temple Meads station. We hope you can join us for what will be a very memorable event which no High Speed Train fan will want to miss! The open day is being hosted by Great Western Railway in aid of Springboard Opportunity Group.  For more information and to book tickets CLICK HERE.