MKIIIs

Mk3 Coach Restoration Progress

125 Group Mk3 TSO 12087 on test at Rushcliffe Halt GCRN with 56097 and 5376, 15/10/2017. ©K.Baldwin
Working lights inside Mk3 TSO 12087 ©B.Webber

125 Group is delighted to announce major restoration progress with the first of our recently purchased Mk3 coaches at Great Central Railway (Nottingham).

Tourist Standard Open (TSO) 12087 has been the focus of initial efforts. Following completion of roof repairs to make the vehicle watertight, a replacement brake distributor was installed plus some rectification work to PASSCOM pipework, allowing brakes and air systems to be tested and commissioned. Electrical work was then tackled, the coach has been treated to a new set of batteries, individual circuits were livened up and checked, including the lights. 12087 was then placed (locked out of use) at the end of the GCR(N) service train consist on Sunday 15th October and completed 60 miles of fault free running. During the last trip, our engineers allowed the Motor Alternator and Air-Conditioning System to operate on the move from Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt, which all functioned normally, the batteries charging healthily at 109.3 volts.

Prior to acquisition by 125 Group, the vehicles had been stored out of use for many years. This major progress in less than two months has been possible through the dedication and determined efforts of our volunteers. Further work required to 12087 includes a new buckeye coupler and external door, toilet restoration plus some attention to flooring and carpets. We plan for the coach to re-enter public service on Saturday 4th November and look forward to welcoming passengers on-board!

Easter Saturday HST Valenta action at GCRN

Prototype HST Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 Coaches at Barnstone on the scenic Great Central Railway-Nottingham ©Jason Cross

Easter Saturday 15th April sees Prototype HST Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s matching Mk3 coaches working passenger services for the first time this year at Great Central Railway-Nottingham, following important winter maintenance. The ‘Yellow Timetable’ will be in operation with departures from Ruddington at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545, Class 25 locomotive D7629 is planned to be on the south end of the set.

Services depart from Ruddington and head through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside almost 10 miles southwards to Loughborough High Level where there is no station but the train gives a great view of the Midland Mainline and BRUSH Locomotive Works with class 73s and 92s usually on display. Ruddington station (parking available, sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the operating base of GCRN with attractions for all the family, historic rolling stock under restoration plus a working ride-on miniature railway and model railway to watch, Rushcliffe Country Park is also close by. Trains also call at Rushcliffe Halt in the village of East Leake (sat-nav postcode LE12 6JT) where parking is also available.

Prototype Power Car 41001 is part of the National Collection and was restored to working order by 125 Group under the ‘Project Miller’ banner, GCRN is our home base. 41001 is fitted with a Paxman Valenta engine, the type originally used in all production Inter-City 125s. Join us on Easter Saturday and experience the marvellous screaming Valenta powering our historic HST on the former Great Central mainline!

Hot and cold drinks, also snacks will be available on-board the train, plus 125 Group sales items. Buy your ‘Bound for Craigy’ pin badges and quality HST merchandise here. For more information about tickets, timetables and how to get to GCRN, view their website www.gcrn.co.uk.