Prototype recall
Two power cars donated to 125 Group following NRM decision to end loan of HST prototype.
THE future of two Class 43 High Speed Train power cars donated to the 125 Group could include continued main line use, depending upon their condition.
Porterbrook donated 43048 T.C.B Miller and 43089 (currently operated by East Midlands Railway) to the Group on October 11, two days after the National Railway Museum confirmed it was not extending the eight-year loan agreement with the Group for prototype HST power car 41001. In that period, the group returned it to running order.
Spokesman John Zabernik told RAIL: “We are still digesting the sad news about 41001 and the fantastic gift of 43048 and 43089 from Porterbrook. Plans for the new power cars are still being developed.
“125 Group’s main objective has always been to secure at least one production power car and restore it to Paxman Valenta operation. Therefore, as a first step and subject to timing and condition, this will be in line for either 43048 or 43089.” Both are currently fitted with VP185 engines.
Zabernik said work would be carried out to make sure the Group’s fleet of Mk 3s, which contains both locomotive-hauled and HST vehicles, would be modified to be compatible with the ‘43s’.
At least one power car will be painted in Intercity Swallow livery.
He added: “Regarding main line status and railtour use, it’s really too early to say. A big factor will be the timing and condition of the power cars at hand-over.”
There is uncertainty as to when the ‘43s’ will be available, as no decision has yet been taken regarding the EMR HST fleet (see pages 6-7).
The prototype is currently out of traffic, having suffered an engine failure at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway earlier this year. On October 9, the 125 Group released a statement saying: “125 Group is very sad to announce that unique Prototype power car 41001 will be returning to its owner, the National Railway Museum at York, in early November at the end of the current operating agreement.
“Despite best efforts, 125 Group and the Science Museum Group have been unable to reach a new agreement and the Science Museum Group has made the decision to terminate the loan.
“41001 has been on a considerable journey in the eight years since 125 Group took custodianship and, under Project Miller, restored the vehicle from a static exhibit to full working order.”
The following day, the NRM released a statement to RAIL saying: “It is with regret that the National Railway Museum will not renew the 125 Group’s operational loan agreement for HST prototype No 41001 and Valenta power unit.
“The decision has not been taken lightly and follows repeated and serious breaches of conditions in the loan agreement. These include a failure to ensure the security and safety of the power car, refusal to give museum representatives access to the vehicle when requested, and unprofessional conduct. The power car will now return to the custodianship of the National Railway Museum. We would like to thank members of the 125 Group for their efforts over several years.”
Speaking to RAIL the same day, NRM Assistant Director Andrew McLean declined to explain in detail what the breaches of the loan were, as well as what constituted unprofessional conduct.
However, he denied that the ‘41’ would become a static exhibit. McLean told RAIL that it would be moved to Locomotion, Shildon, where it will initially be exhibited alongside the APT-E and prototype DELTIC.
He added that the decision to not renew the loan did not mean similar deals could not happen in the future.
Responding to the claims from the NRM, the 125 Group said in a statement: “The relationship to date has had a positive outcome and has allowed 41001 to be displayed and operated in a variety of locations and to a wide audience, in line with the objectives 125 Group agreed with the NRM at the outset of the loan.
“The Trustees of 125 Group are shocked by the recent SMG/NRM statement and do not recognise the accusations made that it has been negligent in its custodianship of 41001, nor had they been made aware prior to being advised that the agreement would not be extended, or any material breach to the terms of the existing agreement. The Trustees were expecting to enter into a period of negotiation over a new agreement and therefore this recall to York has been something of a surprise to us all.
“We have always cared for 41001 as it was our own power car. While it is regrettable that this decision has been reached, 125 Group will work to redeliver the vehicle back to the NRM at York and to the SMG in accordance with the existing and soon-to-expire loan agreement.”