Inter-City 125

Happy 41st Birthday HST!

High Speed Train power car W43014 leads the 13.00 Paddington to Swansea Inter-City 125 service into Reading station, 4th Dec 1976. © Richard Clayton

41 Years Ago today, 4th October 1976 saw the launch of regular 125mph passenger running in the UK when the new fleet of High Speed Trains was introduced on timetabled services between London Paddington, Bristol and South Wales. The streamlined Inter-City 125s transformed long distance rail travel, bringing new levels of comfort and shrinking journey times. Over the past 41 years the iconic HST has become a firm favourite with railway passengers, staff and enthusiasts however big changes are now afoot with the impending introduction of new generation trains to Great Western and East Coast Main Lines.

125 Group is working hard raising funds to achieve our goal of preserving a production HST powered by the original Valenta type engine. Established in 1994 we are now a registered charity with a proven track record, having restored prototype 41001 from static museum exhibit to working order, Sir Kenneth Grange is our Hon President. If you are interested in HSTs then please support our cause by joining us, members receive our exclusive quarterly magazine with detailed behind the scenes information on our preservation activities plus informed articles on the changing HST scene. Membership is £17 for 12 months or sign up to our direct-debit scheme for as little as £5 per month, this really helps our preservation efforts and includes free membership. JOIN HERE!

Old Oak Common Open Day Success

Prototype HST power car 41001 in the Heavy Maintenance Facility at Old Oak Common Open Day, with no.1 bogie removed and positioned alongside. ©125 Group

Old Oak Common public open day on 2nd September was a fantastic success with crowds of visitors enjoying the huge collection of diesel and steam motive power on show. Our prototype HST was displayed in the Heavy Maintenance Facility on lifting jacks with number 1 bogie removed. The 125 Group team were on hand to explain the history and operation of 41001, it is always a pleasure for our volunteers to share the story of this unique power car. Other highlights included cab visits to INTERCITY liveried 43185 and the naming of 43093 ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ with dramatic bodyside design featuring ‘Legends of the Great Western’, plus the sun shone for most of the day!

A massive thankyou to the GWR organising team and many staff who worked so hard to make this excellent event such a success. Thanks also to everyone who bought tickets for the open day, raising funds for depot’s chosen charity Place2Be which provides mental health support for children. Thank you to all who came along to the 125 Group Sales Stand and purchased merchandise and joined up as new members.

GWR power car 43093 named ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’ at the open day, complete with dramatic bodyside graphic design. ©125 Group

The Prototype Power Car will remain at Old Oak Common for the time being, the depot is hosting some inspection work, for which we are most grateful to Great Western Railway. 125 Group continues raising funds not only to maintain 41001 and our Mk3 coaches but also to reach our goal of preserving a Production Inter-City 125. If you are interested in HSTs then please support our cause by joining us, members receive our exclusive quarterly magazine with detailed behind the scenes information on our preservation activities plus informed articles on the changing HST scene, a full sample issue can be viewed on our website HERE. Membership is only £17 for 12 months or sign up to our direct-debit scheme for as little as £5 per month and receive free membership. JOIN HERE!