Great Central Railway Nottingham

Prototype HST February Running

Prototype HST power car 41001’s Paxman Valenta engine is started in the yard at Ruddington GCR(N). ©125 Group

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches will be working passenger trains at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on half-term weekends Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th also Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th February. Services depart from Ruddington station at 1100, 1300 and 1500 running to Loughborough Viaduct and back. The preserved HST will operate top ‘n’ tail with 41001 at the south end and a GCR(N) locomotive at the north end. Our recently restored Mk3 coach TSO 12087 will also be part of the train. Tickets available to buy on-board, on the day.

The GCR(N) route is just under 10 miles long, after departing from Ruddington trains reverse at Fifty Steps then run southbound calling at Rushcliffe Halt station, continuing through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside to Loughborough Viaduct, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline and looks down into Brush Locomotive Works, with class 73s, 92s and 319s often visible. Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCR(N) with many heritage transport exhibits, see www.gcrn.co.uk for further information.

‘Buffet 125’ will be open on-board our Mk3 coach RFM 10206, selling hot snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled beer, our volunteers will be pleased to serve you. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train, with our latest range of merchandise available. Experience a grand day out riding our warm comfortable Mk3 coaches, powered by 41001 and its original screaming Paxman Valenta engine!

Three more Mk3 Coaches join 125 Group Fleet

Mk3 coaches 12087 and 12065 on arrival at Ruddington GCRN © 125 Group

125 Group is very pleased to announce we have completed purchase of three additional Mk3 locomotive-hauled coaches. The vehicles were previously owned by Direct Rail Services and had been in storage at Barrow Hill. All three are Tourist Standard Open (TSO) AC2G type, individual vehicles numbers are 12065 (‘one’ base livery with National Express branding), 12087 and 12134 (both in unbranded Virgin livery). The coaches will be based at Great Central Railway Nottingham and restored by 125 Group volunteers, using skills and experience gained with our existing fleet.

The coaches have all now arrived at Ruddington following road transfer from Barrow Hill, courtesy of Reid Freight Services. They will join the air-braked fleet at GCRN and supplement our existing three Mk3s 11074, 10206 and 12092, making possible a longer train powered by Prototype HST Power Car 41001. The additional coaches will also provide reserve and spares cover enabling individual vehicles to be stood down for maintenance. We are excited about these new acquisitions which will enable 125 Group to expand operations ahead of our ultimate goal of preserving a Production High Speed Train.