Prototype HST

Prototype HST Power Car 41001 to return to York

125 Group is very sad to announce that unique Prototype Power Car 41001 will be returning to its owner, the National Railway Museum at York in early November, at the end of the current operating agreement. Despite best efforts, 125 Group and the Science Museum Group have been unable to reach a new agreement and the Science Museum Group has made the decision to terminate the loan.

41001 has been on a considerable journey in the 8 years since 125 Group took custodianship and, under Project Miller, restored the vehicle from a static exhibit to full working order. The power car has operated successfully for almost 5 years, regularly hauling public passenger trains at its home railway Great Central Railway (Nottingham), plus numerous visits to other preserved railways around the UK.

We are grateful to the National Railway Museum for having the foresight and confidence in us, allowing 125 Group to take 41001 on loan and bring her back to life, and are very disappointed that the work undertaken by us will no longer be of use in the future.

Sincere thank you to all of our members, hard working volunteers and loyal supporters who have generously given their own time and funded our operation of 41001. We remain indebted to the multitude of companies in the Railway Industry who have provided substantial valuable help and expert advice which made restoration possible, we are eternally grateful. Thanks also to our hosts throughout 41001’s operations, Great Central Railway (Nottingham).

125 Group was formed 25 years ago with the long term objective of preserving the HST. We already own, maintain and operate a small fleet of Mk3 coaches and hope to acquire at least one Production Power Car in the near future to continue our journey in preservation.

Prototype HST Planned for SVR Visit

Subject to final agreement from the National Railway Museum, we are hoping to have Prototype HST Power Car 41001 at the Severn Valley Railway Spring Diesel Festival from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th May and Mixed Traction Day on Sunday 19th May.

Unique 41001 is planned to work public services between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, hauling five of 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches, recreating the look of the Prototype High Speed Train. 

The air-braked Mk3 vehicles planned to attend are First Open 11074, Standard 12087, 12092 and recently restored 12134, plus catering car 10206 which will be serving delicious hot and cold drinks and snacks from Buffet 125. The weekend will also feature other guest locomotives and the Severn Valley Railway resident fleet, for more details see the SVR website HERE. 

The Prototype HST was built in 1972 and during testing between York and Darlington in 1973 smashed the UK rail and world diesel speed record reaching 143.2mph. It was the fore-runner to the hugely successful InterCity 125 Production HST fleet which revolutionised long distance UK rail travel. 41001 is part of the National Collection, restoration was funded and carried out by 125 Group under the ‘Project Miller’ banner after the power car had spent over 25 years as a static exhibit at York NRM. The power car is fitted with a ‘screaming’ Paxman Valenta engine of the type which originally powered all HSTs.

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. 41001 appears courtesy of and subject to final approval by its owners the NRM. As soon as final confirmation is received it will be announced on 125 Group and SVR websites and social media.