D400 seen from 41001’s cab during transit from GCRN to MNR 31st March 2016 (c)125 Group
High Speed Train Prototype Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches 12092, 10206 and 11074 have arrived safely at the Mid-Norfolk Railway, following transit from their home base Ruddington GCR(N). They will be taking part in the MNR’s Spring Diesel Gala this weekend, working passenger trains on Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April.
Mk3s 10213 and 12092 at Dereham, Mid Norfolk Railway 31st March 2016 (c)125 Group
Highlights include 41001 hauling the longest rake of Mk3 coaches in Preservation, special run-pasts at Hardingham station, ‘The Breckland Fryer’ breakfast trains, plus many other diesel locomotives including no less than three English Electric class 50s. Come and experience the Prototype HST fitted with the original classic Paxman Valenta engine, bringing to life the sights and sounds of the 1970s. Full details including special timetables, locomotive rosters and ticketing information can be found on the MNR website.
The Prototype High Speed Train Power Car and our matching coaches are ready for their exciting Springtime visits around the UK. 41001 and Mk3s 11074, 10206 and 12092 have been undergoing routine maintenance and examination at their home base of Ruddington on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) and are ready to go on-tour.
Mid Norfolk Railway – Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd April 2016 The very first away visit for 41001 and matching three coaches is to the MNR Spring Diesel Gala where they will be the stars of this diesel traction packed 3 day event, working passenger services through the beautiful rolling Norfolk countryside between Wymondham Abbey, Dereham and Hoe. Highlights include operation with the MNR’s own Mk3s making a set of 5 similar vehicles, Saturday and Sunday breakfast trains plus on Friday very special calls at the private Hardingham station complete with run-bys passing the splendidly restored signal box – remember to wave to the signalman! ‘Buffet 125’ will be open for refreshments and hot food at selected times. For more details and to purchase tickets check out the MNR website.
Nene Valley Railway – Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th April 2016 We are pleased that 41001 and Mk3s are planned to visit the NVR Diesel Gala, operating passenger services between Yarwell, Wansford and Peterborough NV on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th only. This event features a wide range of visiting locomotives, plus hot food and draught ales will be available from the on-board ‘Buffet 125’. For full information and to buy tickets, see the NVR website.
St.Philips Marsh Open Day – Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2016 Prototype power car 41001 is the fore-runner of the enormously successful production Inter-City 125 fleet which is now celebrating 40 years in traffic. Great Western Railway are marking this historic milepost by hosting an open day at Bristol St.Philips Marsh depot, featuring a gathering of locomotives and power cars from operators far and wide, plus pioneer 41001 which will be a static exhibit. Very special power car naming and livery unveiling events make this an open day not to be missed! For more information and to purchase tickets see the Open Day website.
The 125 Group Sales Stand will feature on all of the above visits, come along and speak to the team, purchase HST related merchandise and join up as a member (you can do this on-line too). 41001 and the Mk3 coaches should be departing from Ruddington GCR(N) this Thursday 31st March on the first leg of their tour. We will endeavour to provide advance movement gen on this website and 125 Group facebook and twitter. PLEASE NOTE : All dates and information supplied in good faith, but as always, may be subject to alteration due to operational circumstances. We can not be held responsible for losses resulting from cancellation of operating days or changes to this programme.
