HST’s in Preservation

[43096]

What’s HST50 please?

The 50th anniversary of the HST's launch in 1976.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

What’s HST50 please?

It's 50 years since HST services started in 1976.

 

[pdeaves]

What’s HST50 please?

50 years of the HST, I suspect (introduced 1976?)

 

[50002Superb]

Unless I misread it the way it was written implied some celebratory event or events?

 

[northernbelle]

Unless I misread it the way it was written implied some celebratory event or events?

No it's not been done specifically for the 50th anniversary, but does coincide nicely with it.

Nice to see an authentic application, right down to mimicking the yellow headlight cover frames, which 43063 and others had when in Swallow livery.

I know a lot of effort went into to the nightmare job of getting the stripes correctly laid out and they look pretty good to me!

 

[gazthomas]

What’s HST50 please?

50th anniversary of going into service

 

[alco801]

A few other changes / additions to the main list.
41204 is being used as a cafe in Bellingham station in Northumberland
41209 near Ely is owned by one of the 125 Heritage directors
41206 is parked on track coupled to 41209 but separately owned.
41207 is now an air B&B called Stannington Pullman, and is for sale.
40701 - TRFB - VTEC at Weardale is now owned by 125 Preservation
40711 - TRFB - VTEC behind my house in Northumberland is owned by 125 Preservation
41095 - TF - VTEC behind my house in Northumberland is owned by 125 Preservation
42353 - TS - FGW blue at Cockshute storage is owned by Dave Shell of 125 Preservation

Craig

 

[Loadhaul60059]

43048 has been repainted.

43048 has been revealed in its new livery just in time for our Diesel Gala, running from 5–8 March. Resplendent in fresh Midland Mainline livery, this iconic HST power car will be a real highlight of the event.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/NeneValley...livery-just-in-time-for-our/1207743944799840/

Also 43025 in Intercity, and 43060 in GNER.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/1000799107...sTT2sEsXU2CuobFRzS2Yq2QyNKktGUS2vt1ZMLrSsLvl/

 

[Ted633]

Cracking choices of livery there. Nice to see the early privatised liveries being represented (especially GNER!)

 

[50039]

They look great! I’m a bit confused about the NVR diesel gala - their own website says sat/sun 07/08, but the fb post mentions 05-08?

 

[31160]

Wowsers wasn't expecting that, fantastic job

 

[Strathclyder]

Belting selection of liveries there. As @Ted633 notes, it's good to see the early privatisation liveries being represented, GNER especially would've been high on my wishlist. Top work by all involved.

 

[Derbyshire Gra]

They look great! I’m a bit confused about the NVR diesel gala - their own website says sat/sun 07/08, but the fb post mentions 05-08?

I believe it is service train operation on March 7th and 8th with a driver experience day on the 5th (and 27th)

 

[cats_five]

Belting selection of liveries there. As @Ted633 notes, it's good to see the early privatisation liveries being represented, GNER especially would've been high on my wishlist. Top work by all involved.

I loved everything about the look of GNER, especially the crockery & cutlery in the restaurant.

 

[ExRes]

048 looks amazing, I didn't think that Bambi would ever make it back onto the tracks

 

[Davester50]

43048 has been repainted.



Source: https://www.facebook.com/NeneValley...livery-just-in-time-for-our/1207743944799840/

Also 43025 in Intercity, and 43060 in GNER.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/1000799107...sTT2sEsXU2CuobFRzS2Yq2QyNKktGUS2vt1ZMLrSsLvl/

Gold GNER branding would have been nicer, always though that was the best colour scheme after privatisation.
Never rated the MML one.

 

[43096]

Gold GNER branding would have been nicer, always though that was the best colour scheme after privatisation.

As I understand it, the white version of the lettering was used because that was the version GNER used during the transition from InterCity to GNER livery - so is better matched (historically speaking) with the trailers it will work with. And, yes, the GNER lettering is an original.

 

[50039]

I believe it is service train operation on March 7th and 8th with a driver experience day on the 5th (and 27th)

Thanks - makes sense

 

[Davester50]

As I understand it, the white version of the lettering was used because that was the version GNER used during the transition from InterCity to GNER livery - so is better matched (historically speaking) with the trailers it will work with. And, yes, the GNER lettering is an original.

Fair, but as it's an ex-MML machine, history is being slightly twisted to put it in a new to it livery anyway.

 

[fgwrich]

Fair, but as it's an ex-MML machine, history is being slightly twisted to put it in a new to it livery anyway.

But it’s one of those situations where the owners can do what they want to (speaking of which some are on here), plus aside from 102 at the NRM, none of the former Craigentinny machines have either been made available for or have entered preservation, being highly lucrative and useful machines for Angel & Romic whereby they have found further use elsewhere either in Mexico, Nigeria or remaining in the UK for Colas & Network Rail. Compared to the Western region fleet, the East Coast machines have faired well.

 

[DarloRich]

Paint wibble: All 3 power cars look superb! Good work. Well done!

 

[Davester50]

But it’s one of those situations where the owners can do what they want to (speaking of which some are on here)

Of course they can do what they want. It's their toy box. I've never stated otherwise.

 

[fgwrich]

A few other changes / additions to the main list.
41204 is being used as a cafe in Bellingham station in Northumberland
41209 near Ely is owned by one of the 125 Heritage directors
41206 is parked on track coupled to 41209 but separately owned.
41207 is now an air B&B called Stannington Pullman, and is for sale.
40701 - TRFB - VTEC at Weardale is now owned by 125 Preservation
40711 - TRFB - VTEC behind my house in Northumberland is owned by 125 Preservation
41095 - TF - VTEC behind my house in Northumberland is owned by 125 Preservation
42353 - TS - FGW blue at Cockshute storage is owned by Dave Shell of 125 Preservation

Craig

Cheers Craig, list now updated.

43048 has now arrived at the Nene Valley and will be taking part in services soon, including the up and coming Diesel Gala on the 7th and 8th of March.

43048 has today arrived and safely been unloaded at Nene Valley Railway ahead of the upcoming diesel gala on the 7th and 8th of March Nene Valley Railway Spring Diesel Gala

43048 in its stunning freshly painted Midland Mainline Bambi livery is on long-term loan to 125 Preservation, whilst our power car 43060 is out on the mainline with 125 Group.

Don't forget there's still spaces available for our driving experiences.

HST Driving Experience | Nene Valley Railway Ltd

A superb day out for all the family from 5s to 95s!

nvr.org.uk

Pictures courtesy of Steven Jackson and NVR bar team.

Facebook

www.facebook.com

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Feb 2026 ==

43025 + 060 are currently doing some moves for Rail Adventure. They worked this yesterday from Bury to Joppa Straight (Edinburgh):

Realtime Trains | 5Q04 1005 Bury East Lancs Railway to Joppa Straight | 19/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Q04 1005 departure from Bury East Lancs Railway to Joppa Straight on 19/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Joppa Straight to Haymarket:

Realtime Trains | 5Q24 0841 Joppa Straight to Haymarket Depot | 20/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Q24 0841 departure from Joppa Straight to Haymarket Depot on 20/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

And will be working this from Haymarket Depot to Derby Chadd shortly:

Realtime Trains | 5M25 1207 Haymarket Depot to Chaddesden Sdgs | 20/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5M25 1207 departure from Haymarket Depot to Chaddesden Sdgs on 20/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[trainswitheddy]

Thank you for your time in replying to my message. It just seems hard at times to face reality. 50 years is a long time to have something which at times is taken for granted, it feels like loosing a really good friend. It’s longer than most marriages !. But you are all correct, they are still with us, and will be for sometime to come. Apart from buying one, I do support the preservation movement as much as possible, my wife will testify to that. !

Maybe you and I can club together and buy one (Anyone else fancy chipping in?)
In all seriousness I'm 100% the same, feels bizarre that they're gone when they've been there since I was little (I used to think the ex-Nat Exp/East Coast sets were premium 1st class trains!!)

 

[Wyrleybart]

Maybe you and I can club together and buy one (Anyone else fancy chipping in?)
In all seriousness I'm 100% the same, feels bizarre that they're gone when they've been there since I was little (I used to think the ex-Nat Exp/East Coast sets were premium 1st class trains!!)

Why would you want to buy one though, when there are some really competent people out there working on them. Your efforts and money woild be far more beneficial to preservation than buying one yourself to stand in the garden.

The real issue for now is that 41001 has gone back to being a stuffed and preserved lump of metal instead of representing the very core of HSDTs in the UK - notwithstanding the Valenta scream - for those who remember it fondly.

 

[trainswitheddy]

Why would you want to buy one though, when there are some really competent people out there working on them. Your efforts and money woild be far more beneficial to preservation than buying one yourself to stand in the garden.

The real issue for now is that 41001 has gone back to being a stuffed and preserved lump of metal instead of representing the very core of HSDTs in the UK - notwithstanding the Valenta scream - for those who remember it fondly.

Who says I'd be standing it in the garden
Just a bit of fun unfortunately, tis but a dream !!

 

[BR Traction]

Who says I'd be standing it in the garden
Just a bit of fun unfortunately, tis but a dream !!

What is needed are some sleeping carriages that could be used to offer cheaper accommodation for people visiting diesel galas and multi day rail tours, ie The Gosh Ness Monster. The cost, availability and location of reasonable price hotels being something of a problem. A HST sleeper. Now that’s different!

 

[43096]

What is needed are some sleeping carriages that could be used to offer cheaper accommodation for people visiting diesel galas and multi day rail tours, ie The Gosh Ness Monster. The cost, availability and location of reasonable price hotels being something of a problem. A HST sleeper. Now that’s different!

That definitely isnt "needed".

 

[trainswitheddy]

That definitely isnt "needed".

Let us dream!!
Type of thing I'd of modelled on my train set when I was younger.

 

[Mag_seven]

I thought it was probably time to start a HSTs in preservation thread, so here we go. I will try and keep this as updated as possible.

Note: I haven’t included LSL yet as they are a commercial operation than preserved, and as a result have their own thread.

125 Group
All running power cars to be based out of the East Lancs Railway.

Power Cars:
43025 - Intercity Swallow. MTU Series 4000. Named ‘Exeter’ and with HST 50 plates.
43044 - Intercity Executive. Named Edward Paxman. Unengined - Undergoing restoration and return to Paxman Valenta RP200. Currently at Cockshute Yard, Stoke.
43048 - Midland Mainline Teal and Tangerine. VP185. Named TCB Miller MBE and with HST 50 plates. Currently at the Nene Valley and running with 43045
43089 - East Midlands Trains (125 Group Branded). VP185
43159 - Midland Mainline Ocean Blue - Project Rio - Named Rio Warrior. MTU Series 4000
43190 - FGW Blue. Engineless and expected to provide spares to the running fleet. Currently at Stoke.

Rolling Stock:
44000 - TGS - Intercity Executive
40730 - TRFB - Intercity Executive
40741 - TRFB - EMT
41057 - TF - EMT - Currently at UKRL / Brush Loughborough
41067 - TF - EMT - Currently at UKRL / Brush Loughborough
42111 - TS - Intercity Executive
42119 - TS - Intercity Executive
42120 - TS - Intercity Executive
42337 - TS - EMT

Note. Currently 048 is on loan to 125 Preservation whilst 060 is with the 125 group.

125 Preservation
Power Cars & 3 Mk3s are based at the Nene Valley Railway except for 356 & 442.

Power Cars:
43045 - East Midlands Trains (East Midlands Trains branded) VP185. Named The Grammar School Doncaster
43060 - GNER original with white logos. VP185. Named Heaton 150 with HST 50 plates. Currently on hire to 125 Group and at the East Lancs

Rolling Stock:
40904 - TRFB - GWR Green
42355 - TS - VTEC
42357 - TS - VTEC (currently undergoing stripping of Virgin Vinyls)
42356 - TS-D - GWR Green. At Eastleigh.
40701 - TRFB - VTEC. Currently at Weardale
40711 - TRFB - VTEC. Private location in Northumberland.
41095 - TF - VTEC Private location in Northumberland.
42353 - TS - FGW blue at Cockshute storage is owned by Dave Shell of 125 Preservation
77382 - DTF / DTO - 442401 - Gatwick Express. At Eastleigh Works.

125 Heritage
Power Cars and Mk3s based on the Colne Valley Railway.

Power Cars:
43023 - BR Blue Grey Intercity 125 (original livery) with set number 253011. MTU Series 4000
43071 - FGW Blue. MTU Series 4000
43073 - East Midlands Trains. EMR Branding VP185
43082 - East Midlands Trains. EMR Branding. VP185
43165 - FGW Blue. FGW branded. MTU Series 4000. Named Railway Children.

Rolling Stock:
40706 - TRFB - VTEC with Restaurant Buffet 125 branding
40204 - TRFB - Later EMT livery. Used as a static buffet
41205 - TS - Later EMT livery
41088 - TF - VTEC
44058 - TGS

NRM
Power Cars at York and Shildon + Buffet.

Power Cars:
41001 - Prototype Power Car. In reverse Blue Grey as built. Paxman Valenta RP200 engine as per production power cars.
43002 - Intercity 125 Blue / Grey as built - Named Sir Kenneth Grange. Non Runner but retains its MTU Series 4000
43102 - Intercity Swallow - Named The Journey Shrinker. Non Runner but retains its MTU Series 4000

Rolling Stock:
40732 - TRFB - VTEC

Plym Valley

Power Cars:
43063 - Intercity Swallow. No engine, non runner.

Gwilli Railway

Power Cars:
43056 - FGW Blue. MTU Series 4000.

Crewe Heritage Centre

Power Cars:
43018 - BR Blue Grey. Static, no engine.
43081 - East Midlands Trains unbranded. VP185.

Lincolnshire Wolds Railway

40713 - TRFB - FGW Blue. Used as a static buffet

Weardale Railway

40701 - TRFB - VTEC - Used as ‘The Story Train’ vehicle at Stanhope.

Cambrian Heritage Railway

40751 - TRFB - VTEC ex EMT - Used as a static buffet at Weston Wharf.

Bellingham Heritage Centre
41204 is being used as a cafe in Bellingham station in Northumberland

Stannington Pullman

41207 is now an air B&B called Stannington Pullman, and is for sale.

Others:
41209 near Ely is owned by one of the 125 Heritage directors
41206 is parked on track coupled to 41209 but separately owned.

And it goes without saying, please do keep supporting the organisations and railways involved. The 125 group has an excellent magazine and website with shop.

Thread unlocked for an update from @fgwrich