The East Midlands 125 Farewell – Thursday 13th May 2021

The Branch Line Society is delighted to announce, in partnership with East Midlands Railway and 125 Group, The East Midlands 125 Farewell, raising funds for Railway Children and Railway Benefit Fund. Operated by EMR using Mark Three HST coaching stock, our special train is expected to feature two celebrity EMR Class 43 power cars, 43102 and 43274, of course subject to availability.  This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the life of the high-speed train on the Midland Mainline, and their sterling work to revolutionise services since October 1982.

Our journey will take us from St Pancras International to Bedford and Kettering before taking the diversionary route via Corby and Manton to Leicester. There will be an opportunity for photographs at Leicester before we reverse and return to London once again via Corby.

There will be a charity raffle with a range of fantastic prizes, with all proceeds going to 125 Group. We hope to be able to provide a number of ‘money can’t buy’ auction items too!  

Seating will be allocated in line with Government social distancing guidelines and EMR Coronavirus Travel Information procedures, details of which can be found here: 

https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/covid-19

Where possible, families, household groups and those in ‘social bubbles’ from separate households should make a single booking for their entire party. Please rest assured we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment on board, whilst adhering to all Public Health regulations. Our team will be following an enhanced programme of cleaning for your safety.

The Buffet Car will not be available but passengers are welcome to bring food and drink on board.  There are a wide range of retail outlets open at St Pancras International.


Our expected mid-afternoon arrival time back in to London will allow for a relaxing journey home, having celebrated the end of an era with our friends from East Midlands Railway.

Please note that all times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings will be confirmed two days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket. As part of our procedures, part fares and pay on the day fares will NOT be available.

Our route in detail:

St Pancras International P1 (PU 10.21) – Bedford – Wellingborough P1 – Kettering P2 – Corby (avoid platform) – Syston North Jn – Leicester P4 (12.05 – 12.19 photo stop / RM) – Syston East Jn – Corby P1 – Kettering P1 – Wellingborough P4 – Bedford – St Pancras International P2 (SD 14.19)

Fares: £43 Standard Class, £125 First Class.

Book here

TGS 44000 for 125 Group

125 Group is very pleased to announce the latest addition to our fleet of Mk3 Coaches, Trailer Guards Standard (TGS) 44000. This HST vehicle will be used to support our passenger operations at Great Central Railway Nottingham (GCRN).

44000 has been very kindly donated by leasing company Porterbrook and following road transfer from storage in Long Marston, has arrived at our operating base GCRN Ruddington. Previously the coach was in service with Great Western Railway and wears their smart base green colour. The vehicle is in good internal and external condition.

44000 was built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Derby Litchurch Lane Works. When Inter-City 125 was first introduced in 1976, the guard’s office was located in the power cars. TGS vehicles were later added to provide more passenger capacity and to give a smoother, quieter ride for the guard. 44000 is the original TGS, constructed in 1980 to lot number 30953, unique to this vehicle.

We are extremely grateful to Porterbrook for their generous donation. 44000 joins our existing Mk3 fleet of 10202, 10206, 12087, 12092 and 12134 which have all been restored to full working condition by our team of volunteers. Meanwhile, two of our existing vehicles are leaving the fleet. Mk3b FO 11074 is departing GCRN Ruddington for pastures new. Spares vehicle TSO 12065 has been stripped of all useful components and will shortly be disposed of. To find out more and keep informed as our fleet continues to evolve, join up as a member of 125 Group!

Help us achieve our goal of preserving a production Inter-City 125 power car complete with original Paxman Valenta engine. Sign up to our monthly donation scheme HERE, which includes free membership with four quality exclusive magazines delivered to you each year, detailing our preservation efforts and with informed articles on the current HST scene.