InterCity 125

HST Easter Saturday at GCRN

Easter Saturday 20th April at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) features Prototype High Speed Train power car 41001 hauling passenger services with 125 Group’s sleek, air-conditioned Mk3 coaches which provide comfortable seating, perfect for railway enthusiasts and all the family, whatever the weather. Services depart from Ruddington station, the GCRN Yellow Timetable B operates on these dates, new for 2019:
1045 and 1445 departures from Ruddington to Loughborough High Level, 90 minute return trip.
1245 and 1345 departures from Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt, 50 minute return trip.

After departing from Ruddington, all trains reverse at Fifty Steps (no station) then run southbound along the former Great Central Mainline through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside calling at Rushcliffe Halt station. The route continues through Barnstone Tunnel to Loughborough High Level, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline and looks down into Brush Works, with locomotives for overhaul often visible.

41001 is owned by the National Railway Museum and was restored back to life by 125 Group, this very first HST power car is powered by the original ‘screaming’ Valenta engine type fitted to all Inter-City 125s when built. Our traditional ‘Buffet 125’ will be open on-board the train, serving a selection of delicious breakfast baps and other hot foods, cold snacks, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled ciders, beers and wine. Our volunteers will be pleased to advise on availability and delighted to serve you. The 125 Group sales stand will also be on the train with a wide range of merchandise available. We look forward to welcoming you on-board!

Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for Great Central Railway (Nottingham) with many heritage transport exhibits, miniature and model railways, car parking and bus links to Nottingham and Loughborough. Rushcliffe Country Park is also here with a children’s play area which overlooks the line. Train tickets can be purchased on the day or from the GCRN website which has more information HERE.

Prototype HST Planned for SVR Visit

Subject to final agreement from the National Railway Museum, we are hoping to have Prototype HST Power Car 41001 at the Severn Valley Railway Spring Diesel Festival from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th May and Mixed Traction Day on Sunday 19th May.

Unique 41001 is planned to work public services between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, hauling five of 125 Group’s Mk3 coaches, recreating the look of the Prototype High Speed Train. 

The air-braked Mk3 vehicles planned to attend are First Open 11074, Standard 12087, 12092 and recently restored 12134, plus catering car 10206 which will be serving delicious hot and cold drinks and snacks from Buffet 125. The weekend will also feature other guest locomotives and the Severn Valley Railway resident fleet, for more details see the SVR website HERE. 

The Prototype HST was built in 1972 and during testing between York and Darlington in 1973 smashed the UK rail and world diesel speed record reaching 143.2mph. It was the fore-runner to the hugely successful InterCity 125 Production HST fleet which revolutionised long distance UK rail travel. 41001 is part of the National Collection, restoration was funded and carried out by 125 Group under the ‘Project Miller’ banner after the power car had spent over 25 years as a static exhibit at York NRM. The power car is fitted with a ‘screaming’ Paxman Valenta engine of the type which originally powered all HSTs.

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 125 Group can not be held liable. 41001 appears courtesy of and subject to final approval by its owners the NRM. As soon as final confirmation is received it will be announced on 125 Group and SVR websites and social media.