Mk3

Mk3s Running this Saturday at GCRN

This coming Saturday 29th June, 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches including INTERCITY livery freshly repainted TSO 12134 will be running passenger trains at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) which is also holding its annual Model Railway Show.

Services depart from Ruddington GCRN station, Yellow Timetable B operates on these dates:
1045 and 1445 departures from Ruddington to Loughborough High Level, 90 minute return trip.
1245 and 1345 departures from Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt, 50 minute return trip.
Traction will be Brush Type 2 Class 31 locomotive D5830 (31463) running top and tail with a locomotive from the GCRN home fleet. 125 Group’s sleek, air-conditioned Mk3 coaches provide comfortable seating, perfect for railway enthusiasts and all the family, whatever the weather.

After departing from Ruddington, all trains reverse at Fifty Steps (no station) then run southbound along the former Great Central Mainline through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside calling at Rushcliffe Halt station. The complete route, which is almost 10 miles long, continues through Barnstone Tunnel to Loughborough High Level, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline and looks down into Brush Works, with locomotives for overhaul often visible.

Our traditional ‘Buffet 125’ will be open on-board the train, serving a selection of delicious breakfast baps and other hot foods, cold snacks, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled ciders, beers and wine, our volunteers will be pleased to serve you. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train, with latest merchandise available, including copies of our fantastic new book ‘Inter-City 125 Haynes Workshop Manual’.

Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the operating base for GCRN with car parking and bus links to Nottingham and Loughborough. This year’s Model Railway Show features the largest ever selection of visiting layouts plus a large range of trade stands. More details from GCRN available HERE.

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 125 Group can not be held liable.

TGS 44000 for 125 Group

125 Group is very pleased to announce the latest addition to our fleet of Mk3 Coaches, Trailer Guards Standard (TGS) 44000. This HST vehicle will be used to support our passenger operations at Great Central Railway Nottingham (GCRN).

44000 has been very kindly donated by leasing company Porterbrook and following road transfer from storage in Long Marston, has arrived at our operating base GCRN Ruddington. Previously the coach was in service with Great Western Railway and wears their smart base green colour. The vehicle is in good internal and external condition.

44000 was built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Derby Litchurch Lane Works. When Inter-City 125 was first introduced in 1976, the guard’s office was located in the power cars. TGS vehicles were later added to provide more passenger capacity and to give a smoother, quieter ride for the guard. 44000 is the original TGS, constructed in 1980 to lot number 30953, unique to this vehicle.

We are extremely grateful to Porterbrook for their generous donation. 44000 joins our existing Mk3 fleet of 10202, 10206, 12087, 12092 and 12134 which have all been restored to full working condition by our team of volunteers. Meanwhile, two of our existing vehicles are leaving the fleet. Mk3b FO 11074 is departing GCRN Ruddington for pastures new. Spares vehicle TSO 12065 has been stripped of all useful components and will shortly be disposed of. To find out more and keep informed as our fleet continues to evolve, join up as a member of 125 Group!

Help us achieve our goal of preserving a production Inter-City 125 power car complete with original Paxman Valenta engine. Sign up to our monthly donation scheme HERE, which includes free membership with four quality exclusive magazines delivered to you each year, detailing our preservation efforts and with informed articles on the current HST scene.