Enthusiasts realise Mk.3 preservation dream
and HST enthusiasts, Dave Gilbert and Matt Golding, have realised a long-term ambition to each preserve a Mk.3 HST carriage.
The coaches have been purchased from rolling stock leasing company Angel Trains, which is in the process of disposing of its stored HST stock. Railways Illustrated contributor Mr Gilbert has successfully acquired Mk.3 HST trailer 41206, while Mr Golding has bought 41209.
The coaches, which were both built by BREL Derby in 1976, have been in store at Ely since coming off lease with East Midlands Railway in December 2020. They have now been moved to a private location in Cambridgeshire, where their new owners are aiming to maintain them in good condition. 41206 was originally built as locomotive-hauled FO 11055. It was converted to 41206 in order to form part of the Grand Central’s HST fleet.
41209 was also originally built as locomotive-hauled TSO 12088, before being converted to Mk.3 TS 42409 and latterly to TF 41209.
41209 started its working life as a Standard Class coach but ended as a First Class coach. For 41206, it was previously a First Class coach, but after transferring from Grand Central to East Midlands Trains in 2018 was declassified, although retained its comfortable seats and more spacious layout. Both coaches featured in the formation on the East Midlands Trains-operated Branch Line Society and 125 Group railtour called ‘The Screaming Valentas’ that took place on November 18, 2018.