Porterbrook power car boost for 125 Group
THE 125 Group has achieved its aim of gaining an HST power car fitted with an MTU4000 power unit, following the donation of 43159 by Porterbrook to the preservationists in mid-june. The news follows Porterbrook’s donation of record-breaking Class 43 power car 43102 The Journey Shrinker to the National Railway Museum in May after it came off lease with East Midlands Railway. 43102 has since gone on display at Locomotion in Shildon.
The preservation of 43159 is also significant, as it was the other power car included in the formation on that famous trip on November 1, 1987, when 43102 attained a top speed of 148.5mph between Northallerton and York, cementing its place in the record books and a speed that remains unbeaten.
43159 has been in store at Nemesis Rails' depot at Burton, having last seen use with First Great Western in 2019. Unlike the 125 Group's other power cars – 43044, 43048 and 43089 – 43159 is fitted with an MTU4000 engine.
125 Group spokesman Alex Wood told Railways Illustrated: “The outside of the power car is faded and needs a bit of attention, with some welding work required in a few small places. The inside of the cab has seen some water ingress that might impact some of the controls – but nothing we haven’t seen before and not particularly concerning.
“Inside the engine room things look very clean and tidy. The systems all remain in operational date, the power unit has been properly store-protected and is complete. It has been properly drained down, so we don’t expect any serious coolant issues and, overall, it is surprisingly good.”
The transfer of 43159 is the third donation of an HST power car from Porterbrook to the 125 Group following the announcement in October 2019 the company would donate Vp185-fitted power cars 43048 and 43089 following the end of their lease to the East Midlands Railway.
The two power cars were handed over to their new owner in November and September 2020 respectively. The group also purchased 43044, which will eventually be fitted with an original Paxman Valenta power unit. Porterbrook is to be applauded for its continuing support of the railway preservation movement, and the donation of 43159 is another example of the leasing company recognising the heritage of some of the assets it owns.
More information on the 125 Group and its collection of HST power cars and Mk3 trailer coaches can be found at www.125group.org.uk