43186 special colours

[D2022]

I managed to catch 43186 at Swindon yesterday in its new diamond jubilee paint. I must say its very smart, certainly a different scene from the usual HST power cars round there parts.

Will it be keeping its new livery indefinitely or once the 60 years becomes 61 will she lose it and go back to FGWs normal skin?

 

[BestWestern]

Personally I'm hoping it reverts back to standard livery ASAP, think it looks bl**dy awful!

 

[D2022]

Personally I'm hoping it reverts back to standard livery ASAP, think it looks bl**dy awful!

To be honest that's what most people I know have said, I guess the difference just gave it a wow factor for a minute. Maybe the next attempt should be something great westerny for the next anniversary maybe?

 

[BestWestern]

I know it's highly unlikely, but I'd really like to see a power car put back into one of the BR schemes at some point. I'd also like to see 43125, which is a FGW beastie, named "Intercity 125" or suchlike, which I think would be apt.

 

[D2022]

I know it's highly unlikely, but I'd really like to see a power car put back into one of the BR schemes at some point. I'd also like to see 43125, which is a FGW beastie, named "Intercity 125" or suchlike, which I think would be apt.

Agreed! There are so many apt liveries that could be applied, yet ole FGW blue remains. Even a power car in the Great Western ivory and gold would be lovely, the original, not fag packet though, but that's my all time favourite livery so I'm biased.

 

[BestWestern]

I've nothing against standard FGW blue, for what could have been could have been incredibly drab I think it actually looks pretty good, largely down to it being well looked after. It's nice to see something simple against a sea of 'trendy' rubbish. But I do think that the heritage of the HST could be celebrated more. I know that perhaps some TOCs would rather not embrace the age of these trains, but in reality the HST made it into household name territory and I think most people probably know that they're pretty long in the tooth!

Maybe as IEP nears we'll see some specials appearing!

 

[fgwrich]

I know it's highly unlikely, but I'd really like to see a power car put back into one of the BR schemes at some point. I'd also like to see 43125, which is a FGW beastie, named "Intercity 125" or suchlike, which I think would be apt.

Workeable as a name - i did at one point suggest to FGW that they considered naming a power car after Kenneth Grange CBE, as he is afterall one of the main designers of these trains - and one of britains greatest Industrial Designers.

He was also responsible for the aerodynamics, interior layout and exterior styling of the nose cone of British Rail's famous High Speed Train (known as the InterCity 125[3]) and also involved in the design of the innovative 1997 TX1 version of the famous London taxi-cab.

And having seen loads of prototype designs of the HST's Exterior and Interior - including the prototype innotive First Class seats, his work is impressive. I'll try and put up some phots in the morning if i remember.