A souvenir of my first HST journey

With the InterCity 125 celebrating 40 years in operation this year I thought you might be interested in the attached, and wonder if any of the new rolling stock that is being introduced at the moment is celebrated in the way as BR did back in October 1978.

Monday October 2 1978 was a local public holiday that just happened to coincide with the introduction of the new service, and myself and a friend booked our seats in anticipation of a great day out.

I can still recall the gleaming new HST set as it rolled into a tired and dingy Dundee station, and all the certificates celebrating the day available at each seat. I somehow managed to keep mine in very good condition during our day trip to Edinburgh, and through many house moves over 40 years. I recall a significant number that were not collected as we alighted at Edinburgh, which may make this one something of a rarity.

The certificate was blank, but I asked my father to sign it for me as his style of handwriting was perfect for the occasion.

I was envious of those passengers who were travelling further than my friend and I, but absolutely delighted that I had travelled on the first day of the service in my own back yard.

This journey sparked an enthusiasm with the railways that has only grown in the intervening period. Richard Binnie, Angus