EMR

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

41001 Leaving Leeds

Prototype HST Power Car 41001 is heading south today, departing from Leeds Neville Hill depot bound for Derby Etches Park. The unique Power Car has been receiving care from our friends at East Midlands Trains and more recently East Midlands Railway, for which we are most grateful. 41001 is expected to return to home base Ruddington GCRN in the near future. The power car requires further engine and cooling system work before it can return to traffic, as usual 125 Group members will be the first to receive updates.

41001 is being hauled by East Midlands Railway power cars 43465 and 43467 on transit move 0Z52 11+16 Neville Hill to Etches Park via Leeds, Wakefield Westgate, Moorthorpe (12/05), Swinton, Beighton Jn, Chesterfield (1310-26), Alfreton, Toton, Spondon, booked to arrive Etches Park at 1455. The full live schedule courtesy of Realtime Trains can be found HERE. Sincere thanks from 125 Group to East Midlands Railway for their hospitality and help moving 41001 which is part of the National Collection.

These are the planned timings, traction and routing, all of which can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, the train may run early or late. As always, plans are made and this information is provided in good faith, however all arrangements in railway preservation are subject to alteration in the event of changing circumstances, for which we can not be held liable. 125 Group is custodian of 41001 which is owned by the National Railway Museum.

For the detailed behind the scenes story of 41001 and our fleet of Mk3 coaches, join 125 Group and receive our exclusive quarterly magazine. Signing up to our monthly donation scheme includes free membership and really helps our preservation efforts. Join HERE.