Fleet Update – May 2023

A lot has been happening over the past few months. A number of volunteers undertook the task of both interior and exterior cleaning on our MK3’s at Swanwick in early April ensuring these are clean and fit for service in the near future.

Meanwhile, 43159 (thanks to the kindness of the Midland Railway diesel group) entered the diesel shed at Swanwick for some much needed cosmetic attention. With the powercar under cover, the opportunity was taken to make some overdue repairs to the van roof. The mammoth task of repainting was then started! As May 2023 happens to be the 20 year anniversary since commencement of Midland Mainline’s “Project RIO” services from St. Pancras to Manchester Piccadilly, we chose the latter MML “Ocean Blue” livery, which 43159 carried as a RIO power car for the repaint.

Last but no means least, May 1st saw 43025 officially join the 125 Group fleet, thanks to a generous donation by one of our members. 43025 is in good condition despite being stored for 4 years and will provide a 2nd MTU engined example to complement 43159. As always, updates on restoring 43025 to mainline operation will be featured in our Members Magazine OTF.

Festive HST Valenta Action

Prototype HST Power Car 41001 on the south end of the coaches at Ruddington, Great Central Railway (Nottingham). © 125 Group

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches will be working a full day of passenger services at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on Thursday 28th December, the perfect antidote to Xmas turkey sandwiches and sales overload!

Trains run from GCR(N)’s main station at Ruddington with car parking available, postcode NG11 6JS. The ‘Yellow Timetable’ will be in operation with departures at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545.  Tickets can be purchased on-line or on-board the train, for more information see the GCR(N) website www.gcrn.co.uk. ‘Buffet 125’ will be open all day on the train, serving hot snacks, hot and cold drinks plus alcoholic beverages including wine and bottled ale, the 125 Group Sales Stand will also be on-board.

Power Car 41001 has recently been turned and is now on the south end of the coaches (buffer stops end at Ruddington), a GCR(N) locomotive will be on the north end of the set working in top and tail mode. Come and experience southbound Valenta engine thrash on the former Great Central Mainline – we hope you can join us!