GCRN

Prototype HST Bound for Bo’ness

HST Bubblebath ©125 Group

This weekend Prototype HST Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches will be starring at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Summer Diesel Gala, hauling passenger trains on the south bank of Firth of Forth between Bo’ness and Manuel. This will be the first time for 41001 working public trains in Scotland, the historic Valenta powered HST will be running on all three days Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July. This exciting event will also feature other visiting locos plus the home diesel fleet. More information, including ticket prices and a link to the special timetable loco roster are available at the B&KR website HERE.

Our volunteers have been busy preparing the HST ready for the trip from its home base Great Central Railway (Nottingham) to Scotland. Traction for the mainline movements is planned to be 20189 + 20205, below is a summary of the booked workings with live schedule links courtesy of Realtime Trains:

Wednesday 20th July 2016

0Z20 14+56 Tyseley – Hotchley Hill/Rushcliffe Halt (arrive 17+36) via Nuneaton, Leicester, Loughborough South Jn 16/56. 20189 + 20205. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R41096/2016/07/20/advanced

5Z41 16+30 Ruddington – Hotchley Hill/Rushcliffe Halt (arrive 17+15) via Fifty Steps (reverse), power car 41001 hauling Mk3 coaches 11074+10206+12092.

5M20 20+05 Hotchley Hill/Rushcliffe Halt – Derby (arrive 22+38) via Loughborough South Jn 20/45, Humberstone Road (run round/reverse). 20189 + 20205 hauling 41001, 11074, 10206 and 12092. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K91059/2016/07/20/advanced

Thursday 21st July 2016

5S20 08+24 Derby – Bo’ness Junction Exchange Siding via Chesterfield, Beighton Jn, Moorthorpe, Milford, York Avoiding Line, East Coast Mainline, Newcastle, Dunbar, Monktonhall Jn, Millerhill, Suburban Line, Falkirk High, Cadder Down Passenger Loop (run round/reverse), Falkirk High, booked to arrive Bo’ness Junction Exchange Siding 23+32. 20189 + 20205 hauling 41001, 11074, 10206 and 12092. Note this movement is booked to be recessed in many loops for a great deal of time, see schedule for the full timing details. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K91057/2016/07/21/advanced

Please note, as always, all of this information is provided in good faith but these movements, traction and consists can change at short notice on the day subject to operational constraints, the trains may run early or late or be cancelled.

Sunday 3rd July GCR(N) Valenta Action

The Best Looking Train in Preservation © 125 Group

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s sleek matching coaches will be in public service at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) this Sunday 3rd July. Trains depart from Ruddington at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545, operating top ‘n’ tail with 41001 at the south end of the MkIII coaches and class 73 E6016 at the north end. Tickets available to buy on the day, also on-line from the GCR(N) Website.

Great Central Railway (Nottingham) has something for all the family. The GCR(N) route is just under 10 miles long, passing through scenic countryside ending up at Loughborough Viaduct, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline plus an exclusive elevated look into Brush Locomotive Works, with class 73s and 92s often visible. Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCR(N), with a Model Railway, rides on the Miniature Railway, plus Heritage Road Transport Collection. Rushcliffe Country Park is also nearby.

On-board the HST ‘Buffet 125’ in our Mk3 coach 10206 will be serving hot bacon rolls and burgers, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled beer. The 125 Group sales stand will also be open on the train, selling HST 40 Year Anniversary merchandise including mugs, badges and commemorative souvenir programmes from the recent Bristol St.Philips Marsh HST open day. Plus of course 41001’s classic Paxman Valenta engine will be screaming for your entertainment – we hope you can join us!