Saturday 5th May kicks-off HST Season at GCRN

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 Saturday 5th May, kicking-off a run of warm weather operating dates Saturday 26th May, Sunday 17th June and Saturday 30th June. Services depart from Ruddington station at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545 running to Loughborough High Level and back under the ‘Yellow Timetable’. The preserved HST will operate top ‘n’ tail with 41001 at the south end and a GCR(N) locomotive at the north end.  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 High Level, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline and looks down into Brush Locomotive Works, with class 73s, 92s, 319s and HST power cars often visible. Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCR(N) with many heritage transport exhibits, miniature and model railways, see GCR(N) website 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 comfortable air-conditioned Mk3 coaches, powered by 41001 and its original screaming Paxman Valenta engine!

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.