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All the latest news stories from 125 Group

Visit and donation from Crosscountry

We recently had David Jones and John Robson from Crosscountry trains visit our set with a kind donation of several hundred first class headrest covers (antimacassars). During the visit, the opportunity was taken to test fit these to one of our first class coaches (image below) as well as discuss the possiblility of future collaboration, especially as May 2022 sees the 40th anniversary of BR’s introduction of HSTs on the North East – South West/South Wales services. Many thanks to Crosscountry for the kind donation which will be put to good use.

Image of First Class coach interior with XC Antimacassars fitted

Mainline Manoeuvres

43159 has now joined 125 Group’s operational fleet at Swanwick Junction. On Saturday 5th February our power cars 43089 and 43048  worked from Swanwick to Leicester LIP.  Once they arrived, they were wrapped around a collection of Mk3 loco hauled coaches including a MK3 DVT for onward transfer to Loughborough works on behalf of DATS and UKRL, the latter now working out of the ex-Brush works.  Having deposited the Mk3 vehicles, 43048 and 43089 then worked to LORAM’s facilities at Derby where 43159 was attached to the formation and then hauled back to Swanwick Junction.

43159 is seen nose to nose with 43048 after arrival at Swanwick Junction.

Whilst away, LORAM undertook a number of jobs for 125 Group on 43159, including replacement of not one but four secondary springs, a full TPWS/AWS test as well as an Ultrasonic Axle Test (UAT) which was due.

Now that 43159 has completed this move, 43089 has been temporarily stood down for maintenance until late spring.

Much more detailed information will be provided in the next edition of 125 Group’s One Two Five magazine.