HST and ‘Grid’ action Easter Saturday

Join us on Easter Saturday 31st March for a day of passenger services at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) with the Prototype High Speed Train power car working ‘top and tail’ with mighty class 56 ‘Grid’ freight locomotive 56097. Trains depart from Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545. Shelter from the holiday weather inside our comfortable Mk3 coaches, with Buffet 125 serving hot drinks and food, plus bottled wine and ale also available.

Our historic Prototype HST power car 41001 was the forerunner of the hugely successful Inter-City 125 fleet which is still running nationwide today. At 125 Group we are always interested to hear passengers’ and memories of the High Speed Train, maybe bring along that old item of classic 125 memorabelia and tell us your story. We hope you can join us for a trip over the scenic former Great Central mainline, tickets available to buy on-board the train on the day or in advance from www.gcrn.co.uk which has further information.

Ride 41001 and 47828 at GCRN Sat 24th & Sun 25th February

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches will be working passenger trains at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) this weekend Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th February. The preserved HST will operate top ‘n’ tail with 41001 at the south end and Brush Type 4 locomotive 47828 in INTERCITY Swallow livery at the north end. Services depart from Ruddington station at 1100, 1300 and 1500 running to Loughborough Viaduct and back. Tickets available to buy 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 43s, 73s, 92s and 319s often visible. Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCR(N) with many heritage transport exhibits. Car parking and bus links to Nottingham and Loughborough are available, see www.gcrn.co.uk for further information.

On all services ‘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. We hope you can join us!