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.

Record Breaker HST Artwork Print & Mug

The Inter-City 125 High Speed Train is holder of the World Speed Record for Rail Diesel Traction, 148.5mph set by power cars 43102 and 43159 between Northallerton and York during test running on 1st November 1987. To mark the 30th Anniversary of this historic achievement, we have a fantastic artwork print and matching mug available for purchase, featuring the two record breaking power cars in the liveries they carried on the day: 43102 in the then new ‘INTERCITY Swallow’ livery, and 43159 painted in ‘Executive’ livery.

Artwork Print – 45cm by 32cm – £12.00          Matching Mug – Dishwasher safe – £11.50

Produced for us by Stuart Black, these high quality items are available from the 125 Group on-line shop HERE. Prices include postage and packing. 125 Group is raising funds to secure a Production HST, which we will power with the original Paxman Valenta type engine, all profits from our on-line shop go towards our preservation efforts.