41001 Withdrawn From All Forthcoming Engagements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 We have regretfully withdrawn it from all forthcoming commitments as a precaution and to prevent any major damage.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.

41001 Public Launch Weekend

We are delighted that Prototype HST Power Car 41001 will be hauling its first public passenger trains since restoration by 125 Group Project Miller, at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on Sunday 24th & Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2015.

41001 will be operating ‘top and tail’ with locomotive 56097, hauling a mixed rake of GCR(N)’s Mk2 coaches and 125 Group’s recently acquired Mk3s. Many of the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this historic power car back to life will be present, we look forward to welcoming you and showing off our iconic Valenta powered wonder! Details of fares, timetables and how to get to the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) are available at their website www.gcrn.co.uk.