The 225 Group looks to the future as it seeks supporters

Group is looking to attract new members, supporters and volunteers to join its team – as it looks to the future of the Br-built Class 91s and Mk.4 coaching stock fleets.

The group was formed two years ago and, in that time, has grown steadily as interest in the Intercity 225 fleet increases, in what is now largely considered to be the twilight operating period for the surviving fleet.

The remaining operational Class 91s in use with East Coast Main Line principal operator LNER are now down to 12 locomotives, with a number in store, and nine of the 31-strong fleet have been scrapped over the last two years, with another currently at CF Booth in Rotherham, awaiting final disposal. Additionally, seven Class 91s are currently in store at Doncaster Belmont, awaiting a decision on their future, with scrapping appearing most likely.

In the case of the Mk.4 coaches, there are eight full sets in use with LNER and a number of short-formed sets in use with Transport for Wales, which are powered by DB Cargo Class 67s.

The 225 Group is a not-for-profit private limited company run by a board of directors and supported by a management team, and all those involved in the organisation are volunteers.

Work has concentrated on building the group into a successful and sustainable business, as it aims to raise its profile and the funds required to support its aims and objectives.

The 225 Group’s director, Chris Curtis, told Railways Illustrated: “We are looking for more members to join us and support our efforts to promote the Intercity 225 fleet. “We are especially keen to hear from people who have existing knowledge and experience of railway engineering and operations to help as we move towards the next phase of our development.”

In less than two years, the 225 Group has gained a membership of 168, with two levels of membership nominally available – standard and excel, although the excel membership is limited in number and is currently fully subscribed. Standard membership costs £17.50 per year and includes two issues of the group’s in-house magazine, Livewire, along with discounts in the group’s online shop and other membership benefits. It also has an active social media presence and a growing archive of relevant information and photographs.

Mr Curtis explained that the natural evolution of the group would be to attempt to preserve a Class 91 and a rake of Mk.4 coaches at some point in the future, with the aim being that the train would be kept in operational main line condition. He said that the group is keen to engage with the rail industry to highlight its aims and enter into discussions about possible future operations. It has already been announced that none of the Class 91s will be fitted with the new ECTS signalling equipment required to operate on the ECML from 2027, and this may restrict possible future operation of the fleet on the route in preservation, although they could be used on other electrified routes subject to necessary clearance testing.

Any readers wanting more information about the group should visit www.225group.org.uk

A detailed feature on the 225 Group and its plans for the future will appear in a future issue.