Valenta Returns to Scotland!

41001 Crossing the Border 21st July 2016 ©125 Group

Prototype Power Car 41001 is now in Scotland, its first visit in preservation, together with 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches passed over the border on the ECML at Marshall Meadows at 1801 this evening. The historic HST is heading for the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway where it will be starring in their Summer Diesel Gala this weekend. The transit is running under schedule 5S20 12+14 York Holgate Sidings – Bo’ness Junction Exchange Siding hauled by superb locomotives 20189 + 20205. Follow progress courtesy of Realtime Trains here: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K91057/2016/07/21/advanced.

At the time of posting (2030 Thu) the convoy is running 76 minutes early passing Polmont, having been routed via Edinburgh Waverley station instead of the planned Suburban line. The train is expected to run through to Cadder Loop as booked, we can not be sure if the early running will be maintained or not.  Once at Bo’ness Junction Exchange Siding, the Class 20s will propel the train down the link line and are then expected to haul the HST to Bo’ness itself.

Join us at the B&KR Summer Diesel Gala this weekend and experience 41001’s fantastic Paxman Valenta engine, the screaming type originally fitted to all Inter-City 125s. The HST will be working passenger trains on all three days Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July. More information, including ticket prices and a link to the special timetable and LOCOMOTIVE ROSTERS are available at the B&KR website HERE.

Valenta comes to Wansford!

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and our matching Mk3 coaches have arrived safely at the Nene Valley Railway, ready to star in this weekend’s Diesel Gala where they will be working passenger trains on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April. During Friday 8th the HST will be on display at Wansford, hopefully in the sunshine!

Start Valenta! 41001 at Wansford NVR 7th Apr 2016 ©125 Group

The gala promises great variety with visiting locomotives 31452, 47192, 47712, 50008, 56006, 56098 and 60066 all now arrived at Wansford, operating base of the NVR. However, the best looking train around 41001 with its screaming Paxman Valenta engine and sleek matching Mk3 coaches are ready to steal the show! Whatever your taste in traction we hope to see you on board the iconic HST, our Buffet 125 will be serving hot sausage and bacon baps and burgers, plus cider and real ale as long as supplies last. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on-board, join up as a member and help our mission to preserve a production Inter-City 125 and put a Valenta back inside that too!

For full information on how to get to the Nene Valley Railway, up-to-date special timetables and traction rosters, also to buy tickets on-line, see the NVR website.