Original Valenta power engine to be fitted to 43044

A production High Speed Train power car is to be fitted with an original Valenta power engine, after 43044 was secured by the 125 Group.

The former East Midlands Railway Class 43 is currently stored at Neville Hill, having been withdrawn earlier this year. It is fitted with a VP185 engine, but that is defective.

The Group has confirmed that one of its stored Valenta engines, which were fitted to the ‘43s’ when built in 1976-82, will be installed in 43044. The removed VP185 will then be used for spares for 43048/089, also owned by the Group and which retain their VP185 engines.

Longer term, it’s planned that an MTU-fitted Class 43 will be acquired.

The Group has also acquired two more HST Mk 3 coaches, meaning that it has a set of eight that it can use. One of the two new purchases is planned to be used for spares, although depending on its condition it could yet be returned to service.

The latest coaches acquired, again from the former EMR fleet, are Trailer First 41067 and Trailer

Standard 42120 (the latter is planned as a spares donor). These join Trailer Restaurant First Buffet (TRFB) 40730/741, TF 41057, TS 42111/119, 42337 and Trailer Guard’s Standard 44000 in the preserved fleet.

Post-pandemic, the plan is for the full HST to be available for charter trains. Ruddington, on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), will be the base for the set, although it cannot move there until bridge repairs on the GCR(N) are completed. Road moves have been deemed too financially prohibitive.