Sir Kenneth Grange

Multi-Coloured HST Convoy

HST Convoy ready to depart Rushcliffe Halt GCRN ©125 Group

The convoy of High Speed Train power cars and coaches of many liveries is currently on the last leg of its marathon journey, heading from Rushcliffe Halt GCRN for Bristol and tomorrow’s public open day at St.Philips Marsh depot, celebrating 40 Years of the Inter-City 125. 5Z43 is 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. You can follow its progress courtesy of Realtime Trains here: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96085/2016/05/01/advanced

All on-line tickets for the open day are now SOLD OUT. A LIMITED number will be available on the day with CASH only please, from 10:30am and entry will be managed against capacity on the site. The event is being hosted by Great Western Railway in aid of Springboard Opportunity Group. For more information CLICK HERE.

 

Bristol VIP Sir Kenneth Grange

Sir Kenneth Grange with 41001 ©125 Group

The 40th Anniversary of the High Speed Train will be celebrated in style this Bank Holiday Monday at Great Western Railway’s Bristol St.Philips Marsh public Open Day. Special guest will be Sir Kenneth Grange, designer of the styling and livery of both Prototype and Production HSTs back in the 1970s. This is a rare opportunity to see inside a major train maintenance depot and to meet the man behind the iconic 125 nosecone. Sir Kenneth is Honorary President of 125 Group and will be signing autographs in return for donations to the event charity Springboard Opportunity Group.

Many locomotives will be on view, including 41001 and HSTs of different operators, also at about 11.30 a special livery will be unveiled plus a naming which no 125 fan will want to miss. The non-passenger convoy of Virgin’s 43300 + Network Rail’s 43013 + Grand Central’s 43423 + Virgin’s First Class coach 41190 has arrived safely at Derby Etches Park and transit is expected to continue on Sunday as planned, see previous posting for details.

A few tickets are still available to buy on-line plus there will be a limited number on sale at the gate (cash only), for more information and to book tickets CLICK HERE.