Preservation

Posts about 41001 and our MkIII coaches

Porterbrook’s generous donation completes HST story showcase

With the recent handover of 43102 (one of the power cars involved in the 1987 record breaking test run) to the National Collection at Shildon, the other power car 43159, has  faced a less certain future, having been in store for a prolonged period since retirement from Great Western operation.

125 Group is delighted to announce today that Porterbrook, the power car’s owner, has made a fantastic donation of this second world diesel speed record holder 43159, to 125 Group.

While we have always selected our vehicles based on condition and availability, rather than painted number, the historical significance has certainly played a large part in this case, but 125 Group still satisfied itself that the vehicle was in good overall condition before confirming to Porterbrook that they wished to proceed.

This puts 125 Group in a unique position, as not only one of the few owners of preserved HST vehicles, but the only one that can show such a wide range of the HST’s history; 43159 of-course being fitted with an MTU engine as part of its return to service with First Great Western in 2007.

The Group’s plan for the fleet will see a Valenta fitted, Marston cooled power car (43044), two VP185 fitted power cars with Brush coolers (43048 & 43089) and an MTU powered example with Voith cooler (43159).  All are planned to be maintained in an operational condition with main line certification.  These power cars will be utilised in conjunction with the nine HST trailer vehicles owned by the Group, allowing a variation of formations and uses depending on the market need.

125 Group again wishes to place on record its sincerest gratitude to Porterbrook for their amazing generosity in supporting our aims, but also wishes to thank its own members, for their support and financial backing to bring this small fleet of HSTs into the preservation circle. 

Ongoing support to our engineering/operational teams, or financial support towards the upkeep and operation of these fabulous vehicles, can be made through our Direct Debit schemes, or Group membership, as detailed on our website.  https://www.125group.org.uk/you-can-help/ 

43159 Life History

1 Dec 1978Ordered by British Rail under Lot No 30946.
14 Mar 1981Delivered from Crewe Works.
19 Apr 1981Accepted into traffic as part of set 254036, with 43160. The first allocation was to Leeds Neville Hill.
Nov 1983First overhaul, a ‘Light’ at Derby Locomotive Works.
1 Nov 1987Sets a new world diesel rail speed record of 148mph with 43102 whilst running a test train for the Mark 4 coach SIG bogies between Darlington and York.
28 Mar 1988Sector codes first allocated, with 43159 going to the East Coast IECP fleet.
14 May 1989Transferred from East Coast to Midland Main Line IMLP pool at Neville Hill.
6 May 1990Transferred to the Great Western IWRP fleet at Plymouth Laira depot.
12 Apr 1992Transferred to Cross-Country’s ICCP fleet, still at Laira.
1 Apr 1994Ownership transfers to Porterbrook Leasing as part of privatisation.
Jun 2000Repainted into Virgin livery during a ‘F’ exam at Neville Hill.
4 Oct 2002Transferred to Longsight as part of Virgin’s “Challenger” fleet.
3 Mar 2003Arrives at Brush, Loughborough for “Project Rio” upgrade.
13 May 2003 Released from Brush after upgrade and re-livery to MML’s blue livery.
16 May 2003Transferred to Midland Mainline’s “Rio” fleet (IMRL) at Neville Hill depot.
29 Aug 2004Named “Rio Warrior” at Longsight without ceremony.
14 Sep 2004Taken off-lease.
11 Nov 2004Back on lease to Midland Mainline’s IMLP pool, again based at Neville Hill
17 Jan 2005Off-leased again and transferred back to Porterbrook’s off lease SBXL pool.
27 May 2006Taken on lease by First Great Western (IWRP pool) and transferred to Laira.
11 Dec 2006Pool code altered to EFPC.
1 Feb 2007Arrives at Brush for re-engineering and repaint into FGW colours.
26 Jul 2007Released from Brush following MTU conversion.
Jun 2012Following an ‘F’ exam and repaint at Laira, is exhibited at the NRM’s “Railfest” exhibition.
7 Apr 2019Last day for GWR, working 5A81 1000 LA-PLY, 1A81 1100 PLY-PAD, 1C20 1527 PAD-BRI, 5C20 1722 BRI-LA with 43018 and set LA72.
16 June 2021Donated by Porterbrook to 125 Group.

Magnificant Severn

Today the Prototype HST Power Car is leaving the Severn Valley Railway following a magnificent weekend at their Spring Diesel Festival and Mixed Traction Day.

We are sorry, because of its engine issues, 41001 was unable to haul trains however thank you to the SVR for having us and to everyone who came along for cab and engine room visits and kindly donated to our cause. 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches worked passenger services all weekend, we hope you enjoyed the ride and thanks to those who purchased items from our sales stand and bought delicious food and drinks from Buffet 125.

Today (Monday 20th May) 41001 is leaving the SVR on GBRf transit move 0Z43 0941 Kidderminster to Derby Etches Park hauled by 60095 and 66789. The full live schedule courtesy of Realtime Trains can be found HERE.

Tuesday 21st May, 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches 10206, 11074, 12087, 12092 and 12134 will be leaving the SVR on transit move 0811 from Kidderminster to Hotchley Hill/Ruddington GCRN. The full live schedule courtesy of Realtime Trains can be found HERE.

These are the planned timings, traction and routing, all of which can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, and trains may run early or late. 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 we can not be held liable. 125 Group is custodian of 41001 which is owned by the National Railway Museum.