The Screaming Valentas – Saturday 17th November 2018

A special, low cost railtour with a difference as 125 Group partners with the Branch Line Society and East Midlands Trains (EMT) to take a newly refurbished EMT (ex-Grand Central) six coach HST set from Derby to the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), using the connection off the mainline at Loughborough South Jn.  Traction is expected to be two EMT buffer fitted powercars including 43423 ‘VALENTA 1972-2010’ as far as Ruddington, where one EMT power car will be removed in favour of 125 Group operated prototype powercar, 41001.

First Class passengers will benefit from inclusive hot drinks and light snacks and free Wi-Fi, whilst a range of drinks and light refreshments will be available to purchase from the Buffet Car, including a choice of real ales.  The charter will be raising funds for 125 Group in support of their recently launched HST Depot Appeal.  See www.125group.org.uk for details.  A 125 Group and Branch Line Society sales stand will be provided, with iconic industrial designer Sir Kenneth Grange on hand to autograph your souvenirs and memorabilia.  As usual, a charity raffle will take place with some fantastic prizes on offer.

Timings and routing are confirmed:

Derby P6 (pick up 08:29) – Chaddesden Sidings (carriage roads 1, 3 or 4 requested) (reverse) – Pilot Line – Derby P7/service platform – Pilot Line – Loughborough South Jn (reverse) – Rushcliffe Up Platform – 50 Steps (reverse) – Ruddington Fields P1

Whilst at GCR(N) a number of unusual moves are planned to include Ruddington Relief Road, Rushcliffe Up Loop in full including use of Rushcliffe bay platform, both sides of 50 Steps Loop and both main platforms at Rushcliffe Halt.

Ruddington Fields P1 – 28 Points (reverse) – Ruddington Fields P2 (reverse) – 50 Steps (reverse) – Loughborough South Jn – Leicester Up & Dn Slow – Knighton Jn (reverse) – Leicester P1 (set down time 17:41) – Up & Dn Goods (Humberstone Road) – Toton High Level Goods – Ilkeston Jn (reverse) – Toton Centre – Derby P5 (set down 18:53)

FARES:
Standard Class  **FULL**
First Class  **FULL**
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and benefit from a £20.00 reduction in all fares.
All ticket bookings are being handled by the Branch Line Society.
https://www.branchline.uk/current-fixtures.php

The railtour is now FULLY BOOKED and regretably we can take no further bookings.

Please do not contact East Midlands Trains directly about this railtour, they are not selling tickets. Please direct all enquiries to the Branch Line Society.

Thank you for your support!

The Midland Venturer

A railtour almost 30 years in the making!

125 Group are thrilled to announce the first main line rail tour using our very own HST!

Running on SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 2023, the trip will start in the Midlands with calls at Ilkeston, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield before running along its former route to London St Pancras.

After a break in the capital, we retrace our steps with set downs at Loughborough (connections available for Derby and Sheffield), Nottingham and Ilkeston.

Outbound: Ilkeston (PU 07.48) – Codnor Park Jn – Trowell Jn – Radford Jn – Nottingham P1 (PU 08.30 / RM) – Radford Jn – Trowell Jn – Alfreton – Chesterfield P3 (PU 09.04) – Beighton Jn – Woodburn Jn – Sheffield P8 (PU 09.35) – Chesterfield P2 – Derby P6 (PU 10.16) – Loughborough P2 – Leicester P3 (PU 10.56) – Kettering – Bedford – Luton – London St Pancras P3 (SD 12.06 / break)*

Return: London St Pancras P3 (PU 16.19) – Flitwick P4 – Bedford P2 – Wellingborough P3 – Kettering P2 – Leicester P2 (SD 17.54) – Loughborough P3 (SD 18.14) – Nottingham P3 (SD 18.40 / RM) – Radford Jn – Trowell Jn – Ilkeston (SD 19.16)*

The train will be formed of six trailer vehicles (4 standard, 1 caterer and 1 first class) with power cars MTU 43159 in its stunning Midland Mainline livery and VP185 43089 in EMT colours providing the power. The coaches will utilise our recently installed tanked toilet system to comply with Network Rail standards and our catering vehicle will supply hot and cold food and drinks throughout the trip. The menu for the railtour can be found here. A limited number of first class places are available and a selection of light refreshments will be included in the booking price for First Class (Update: FC is now full).

Bookings are being handled for us by our good friends at the Branch Line Society. 125 Group members are asked to add their membership number on the booking which can be made here.

*Please note the routing and timings are subject to change and are correct at time of posting.