High Speed Train

Record Breaker HST Artwork Print & Mug

The Inter-City 125 High Speed Train is holder of the World Speed Record for Rail Diesel Traction, 148.5mph set by power cars 43102 and 43159 between Northallerton and York during test running on 1st November 1987. To mark the 30th Anniversary of this historic achievement, we have a fantastic artwork print and matching mug available for purchase, featuring the two record breaking power cars in the liveries they carried on the day: 43102 in the then new ‘INTERCITY Swallow’ livery, and 43159 painted in ‘Executive’ livery.

Artwork Print – 45cm by 32cm – £12.00          Matching Mug – Dishwasher safe – £11.50

Produced for us by Stuart Black, these high quality items are available from the 125 Group on-line shop HERE. Prices include postage and packing. 125 Group is raising funds to secure a Production HST, which we will power with the original Paxman Valenta type engine, all profits from our on-line shop go towards our preservation efforts.

Happy 41st Birthday HST!

High Speed Train power car W43014 leads the 13.00 Paddington to Swansea Inter-City 125 service into Reading station, 4th Dec 1976. © Richard Clayton

41 Years Ago today, 4th October 1976 saw the launch of regular 125mph passenger running in the UK when the new fleet of High Speed Trains was introduced on timetabled services between London Paddington, Bristol and South Wales. The streamlined Inter-City 125s transformed long distance rail travel, bringing new levels of comfort and shrinking journey times. Over the past 41 years the iconic HST has become a firm favourite with railway passengers, staff and enthusiasts however big changes are now afoot with the impending introduction of new generation trains to Great Western and East Coast Main Lines.

125 Group is working hard raising funds to achieve our goal of preserving a production HST powered by the original Valenta type engine. Established in 1994 we are now a registered charity with a proven track record, having restored prototype 41001 from static museum exhibit to working order, Sir Kenneth Grange is our Hon President. If you are interested in HSTs then please support our cause by joining us, members receive our exclusive quarterly magazine with detailed behind the scenes information on our preservation activities plus informed articles on the changing HST scene. Membership is £17 for 12 months or sign up to our direct-debit scheme for as little as £5 per month, this really helps our preservation efforts and includes free membership. JOIN HERE!