Four preserved HST power cars are returned to traffic

popularity of High Speed Trains shows no sign of receding, with a growing number of Class 43 HST power cars and Mk.3 HST trailer coaches now being secured by the preservation sector.

There are 14 Class 43s already secured for preservation so far and in April the first passenger workings took place at two heritage lines of preserved HST sets, with four power cars making their debut passenger workings on their new home railways. First up was the 125 Group, which held a special operating weekend at the Midland Railway – Butterley on April 2/3 featuring two of its four preserved power cars, 43048 and 43159, hauling five of the 125 Group’s former East Midlands Railways Mk.3 HST trailers. It was originally intended that the trains would feature four coaches but a fifth was added on the Saturday due to demand. Both the owning group and representatives from the MRB reported that trains were busy throughout the weekend. Alex Wood, from the 125 Group, told Railways Illustrated: “From a 125 group perspective, the weekend was a great success. Everything worked very well and we had a great weekend with all services performed on time. “Both power cars worked without missing a beat. We are not absolutely sure of the number of passengers, but we needed to add a fifth coach on the Saturday, and the Sunday saw lots more families and locals coming along to experience the operation. “We also had a lovely family presentation on the Sunday commemorating the Derby EMR driver Darren Gunn, who sadly lost his life in November.”

The 125 Group’s third power car currently based at the MRB, 43089, was not used at the event as it has been stopped for an exam that is continuing and not yet complete. The other power car belonging to the group is 43044, which is based on the Nottingham Heritage Railway at Ruddington but is currently awaiting the installation of a replacement Valenta HST engine.

Two weeks later, on April 16, it was the turn of the Colne Valley Railway to echo to the sounds of HSTS on its one-mile operating line from Castle Hedingham. The CVR is home to 125 Heritage, which owns three Class 43 power cars – 43071/073/082 – and three Mk.3 trailer coaches. Although the CVR’S operating line is only one mile in length, it is intended that the HST power cars and coaches will be used for dining services and special workings.

The three power cars all arrived on the CVR over a three-week period between late October and early November last year and were quickly revived and returned to serviceable condition by their new owners. Martin Smith, from 125 Heritage, said: “We have been incredibly lucky that all three power cars have now been successfully started and moved under their own power.

“43071 started with ease after a long charge of the batteries and all power systems and brakes worked as if she had been shut down the day before.

“It was then decided to couple 43071 to coaches and we ran a few test trips which worked fine. “Attention was then focused on getting 43073 started. 43073 had a coolant leak around the engine which we noticed at Long Marston, so we were presuming that that this may be an issue and it was the last of the power cars to get started.

“After a good charge of the batteries she eventually started, but once she was warmed up we found we were unable to get power to the traction motors, although this has since been rectified.

“In general, issues seem to stem from a lack of use or moisture which seems to get into every part of the electrical systems. Thankfully, the coolant leak has not materialised again so this may well have been an issue due to standing for a long while but we will keep an eye on it. “Attention has also been paid to the buffet car and we have filled the water tanks to check for leaks. A number of leaks have been found which are being fixed.

“Most recently we added the first class coach into the rake. This vehicle was not operational as the batteries were in poor condition, so we have had to replace them. A couple of issues appeared with the lighting and air conditioning, but these appear to have been resolved.

“At the same time we are trying to keep our fleet of three DMU vehicles under the banner of Pressed Steel Heritage Ltd, so we are keeping busy!”

Passenger numbers were said to be good for the CVR event also, with trains reported as being well loaded.

Kevin Delaney Reliving the days of East Midlands Trains, the 125 Group’s 43048 heads a matching rake of stock over Butterley Reservoir with a service to Riddings at the Midland Railway – Butterley on April 3, with First Great Western blue 43159 on the rear of the formation.

Joint world recordbreaking speed limit holder 43159 stands at Butterley on April 3 displaying its owning group’s details on the bodysides, ready to depart towards Hammersmith during the 125 Group’s initial working weekend on the Midland Railway – Butterley. The 125 Group’s other HST currently based on the MRB, 43089, was not in use due to being midway through a maintenance exam.

125 Heritage/lewis Vince Jason Smith On the evening of April 15, 43082 is being prepared at Castle Hedingham for its first day of running as a preserved locomotive on the Colne Valley Railway. The event proved to be successful for both 125 Heritage and the CVR. The Cambrian Heritage Railway opened its new extension to Weston Wharf on April 1. On April 2, Class 73 E6036 City of Winchester (73129) and 144006 stand at the new Weston Wharf station, with the Class 73 ready to work the 14.30 train to Oswestry. 144006 was in service on April 3.

125 Heritage/lewis Vince Making their CVR debut on April 16, former First Great Western 43071 stands at the head of the three coach HST set, with 43082 on the rear at Castle Hedingham. 43073 is also pictured to the left of 43071.