HST 41001 Reaches The North Pole

Prototype HST Power Car 41001 at Dereham ready to depart with The Polar Express™ bound for The North Pole. ©125 Group

Prototype 41001 has broken new ground for High Speed Trains by reaching The North Pole. The historic power car hauled The Polar Express™ on the Mid-Norfolk Railway taking children and families from Dereham all the way to The North Pole where Santa was waiting to greet them.

HST Power Car 41001 is part of the National Collection, restored by 125 Group and is helping out on the MNR over the Festive Season. As well as pulling the 9 coach train on selected dates, the power car’s 850 Volt DC electric train supply is keeping the carriages warm and air-conditioned for all the excited travellers. 125 Group drivers and technical staff have also been provided to look after the national treasure.

125 Group is really pleased to be supporting the Mid-Norfolk Railway for their The Polar Express™ train ride operations this Christmas. Travel is strictly limited to Mid-Norfolk Railway The Polar Express™ customers only and no on the door passenger fares will be obtainable. Tickets MUST be booked in advance on the Mid-Norfolk Railway website here: https://midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com

HST 40th Celebrations at York NRM

43002 ‘Sir Kenneth Grange’ at York NRM ©125 Group

Today’s High Speed Train 40th Anniversary public event at York National Railway Museum saw hundreds of enthusiasts celebrate the birthday of the most successful British train ever – the Inter-City 125. Great Western Railway’s specially reliveried power cars 43002 in original ‘flying banana’ blue and yellow, and 43185 wearing ‘INTERCITY Swallow’ were the traction star attractions. Nose-cone designer and 125 Group Hon President Sir Kenneth Grange was VIP guest, in his speech thanking the engineers who made possible this iconic train. The ceremonial focus of this memorable day was the handover of a designated mounted ’40 YEARS’ plaque from GWR to the NRM. 125 Group is very pleased to have assisted with planning and was delighted to take part. Thank you to Great Western Railway for supporting such a successful day, thanks also to the National Railway Museum for hosting, and to everyone who came along to join in the party!

Stylish ’40 YEARS’ pin badges of the same design as worn by 43002 and friends, plus other official HST40 merchandise is available to buy from the 125 Group website shop HERE with all proceeds going towards our preservation efforts.

Sir Kenneth Grange signs his design! Filming in progress for BBC Arts at York NRM. ©125 Group