Preservation

Posts about 41001 and our MkIII coaches

41001 Withdrawn From All Forthcoming Engagements

125 Group is very sorry to advise that during operation at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Diesel and Mixed Traffic Gala, Prototype HST Power Car 41001 has shown signs of a possible engine issue which requires investigation before any further running. We have regretfully withdrawn it from all forthcoming commitments as a precaution and to prevent any major damage.

This means that 41001 will not be available to haul trains at the forthcoming Severn Valley Railway Spring Diesel Festival from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th May and Mixed Traction Day on Sunday 19th May.

The power car will instead be on static display at these events with the cab and engine room open for public visits. 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches will still be in use as planned, with Buffet 125 and the 125 Group Sales stand on-board. Replacement traction for 41001 will soon be announced by the Severn Valley Railway.

We are bitterly disappointed that 41001, which is owned by the National Railway Museum, will not be entertaining the crowds, hauling trains at the SVR. Following almost five years of reliable operation, the historic power car will be stood down from traffic pending investigation.

Prototype HST to Headline K&WVR Gala

We are delighted to announce, with thanks to the National Railway Museum, that Prototype HST Power Car 41001 will headline the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Diesel & Mixed Traffic Gala, Friday 3rd to Bank Holiday Monday 6th May. The unique locomotive will work public services between Keighley and Oxenhope, hauling five of 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches, recreating the look of the Prototype High Speed Train. The Gala will also feature other guest locomotives and the K&WVR resident fleet, for more details see the K&WVR 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.