This weekend for the first time in preservation, Prototype HST Power Car 41001 worked passenger trains coupled to our Mk3 coaches freshly repainted in matching livery, recreating the look of the original 1972 High Speed Train, running in 2016 at Great Central Railway (Nottingham). Everyone at 125 Group is delighted with the result, we hope you agree our retro-image train looks fantastic!
Power Car 41001 and Mk3 coaches First Class 11074, Restaurant Buffet 10206 and Standard Class 12092 operated the GCR(N) timetable on Saturday and Sunday, conveying passengers between Ruddington and Loughborough Viaduct, with classic electro-diesel locomotive E6016 (73110) providing traction for the opposite direction. The coaches had arrived back at GCR(N) on Friday evening following top quality repainting by Wabtec Rail Scotland at their Caledonia Works in Kilmarnock. 125 Group would like to thank everyone who has sent warm words and congratulations, plus a very special thank you to those who have made transformation of the Mk3s and return to Ruddington possible.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMkqxZy_wBo&align=right&rel=0&h=410&w=240 ]
41001 is part of the National Collection and is on long-term loan from the National Railway Museum to 125 Group. This last remaining Prototype Power Car was restored to working order by 125 Group between 2011 and 2015 under the ‘Project Miller’ banner, funded by donations and with expert help from kind folk and companies in the railway industry. 125 Group is owner of the Mk3 coaches which we purchased in 2015 to run with 41001. Our long-term aim is to preserve a production Inter-City 125, powered by the original Valenta engine, and to this end we have acquired many major components. We welcome new members and volunteers who share our aims, you can join up on this website and help our cause by subscribing to our Direct Debit scheme which includes free membership and our exclusive quarterly magazine www.125group.org.uk/donate.
The short video clip included here was filmed inside the engine room of 41001 on 14th February and captures the power of Valenta engine S508 opening up along the line.
To sample this for real 41001 and the Mk3s will be running again this coming weekend Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February at GCR(N), on public passenger trains departing from Ruddington at 1100, 1300 and 1500. All are welcome, tickets can be purchased on the day, we hope to see you! For more details see the GCR(N) website: www.gcrn.co.uk We have many other operating dates planned, including visits to other heritage railways, see this page of our website for more information www.125group.org.uk/where-to-see-us-in-2016
