"Project Miller"/125 Group

Cannot see this reported elsewhere: 41001 now has coaches to haul, repainted in original HST livery.

http://www.125group.org.uk

46118

 

Fantastic, a true record holder too.

 

Yes, 143.2 mph on 12/6/73.

However a service train reached 144 mph on 27/9/85, an a test train reached 148 mph down Stoke bank on 1/11/87.

What a shame the other power car from the prototype set-presumably-no longer exists.

 

Circa thirty years ago..... I don't suppose we shall see a similar event on today or tomorrow's railway.....

 

and to think in Ireland we scrapped almost all our newer Mk3s (and replaced them with diabolical Mk4s (no relation)
\the exceptions are nearing completion as The Belmond Grand Hibernian and a couple preserved in Clare

 

Just moving on from the prototype HST, or rather "backwards" in time, there was the Midland Pullman and a Great Western one as well. From what I recall they were not a success, and didn't last too long.

Anyway, I have dug out an early photograph--I was thirteen at the time- taken in February 1960 of a Midland Pullman set working ECS round the Derby station avoiding lines. Does look rather smart, the livery, as far as I can tell on a B & W image, has more blue in it than the prototype livery seen above.
Sorry I don't have the technology to scan and upload the photo, but if anyone is interested I did note down the set numbers, as a spotter you wrote down the numbers of anything moving under its own power!

The numbers were: 60092/93, 60732/3/42/3.

Blimey, 1960, we were still building steam locomotives then. The Midland Pullman looked incredibly modern for its time. Incidentally the power car frontage differed from both the "prototype" depicted above, and the current class 43 HST . This 1960 version had a split windscreen above a front end that was slightly swept back from a vertical centre line.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Classes_251_and_261

 

Here's a pic for you.

.

Dave B

 

Indeed, good news and I'd like to get over to Ruddington to see the ensemble. Just to be pedantic, the Mk3s were running last year too, but in a mix of liveries.

 

Just to make this crystal clear. The diesel Pullmans were no relation whatsoever to HSTs . They were originally Nanking Blue as shown but later were a kind of reversed Rail Blue and Grey, passingly similar to the 41001 livery.

 

Thanks. I assumed given the time difference that there was no real connection, but I suppose the Pullmans did pioneer the idea of a power car at each end and trailer coaches in between. Good looking livery though.

I assume the lack of success was lack of demand coupled with higher fares?

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The prototype HST is also making a visit to the Mid Norfolk Railway this April - http://www.mnr.org.uk/events/spring-diesel-gala-weekend-2016-04-01/

 

I guess the different formations of the Pullman trains, 6 car on the LMR and 8 car on the WR was due to the difference in gradient profiles--in particular the Peak District route--and the fact that each power car was rated at a modest 1000bhp.

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This appears to be the only thread I can find on here about the activities of the 125 Group.........

Just checked their website after finally getting round to sending a donation off for their Ruddington depot appeal and noted that they have now raised just over £78,000 towards their target of £100,000 to construct the building that will house 4 of their vehicles.
https://www.125group.org.uk/depot/

 

No, the Hastings units predated them.

There isn't any need to make any assumptions or guesses about the Blue Pullmans. There's plenty out there about them... https://www.railcar.co.uk/type/blue-pullman/more

The other prototype HST power car was scrapped. Indeed I recall that for a considerable time the NRM had very little interest in preserving 41001 either.

 

Wasn't there a plan to section it at one point?

 

That rings a faint bell.

Back to the Blue Pullmans, IMHO they were certainly the most handsome multiple units to run on Britain's railways and, more contentiously, possibly the most handsome diesel/electric design, full stop. In many ways it's a shame they were so short-lived and unloved when they went. A set in Nanking Blue would look rather splendid trundling around with the premium-priced Surrey day out set on board now.

 

Apparently the 125 Group are hoping to get their building at Ruddington erected by the end of this year, subject to raising the money and getting Planning Permission granted (which has now been applied for).
That will be three largish buildings/extensions completed on the greater GCR in 2019 if that is the case (Mounsorrel Heritage Centre, Swithland Carriage Shed and 125 Group depot) plus completion of anything else at Ruddington that is currently ongoing.......

 

Apparently she is off the the KWVR as per this recent facebook post... https://www.facebook.com/WorthValle...903644763355/2031655273554840/?type=3&theater

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (official)
28 mins ·
We're delighted to announce subject to final contract that the unique Prototype HST locomotive, 41001, will headline our May Diesel & Mixed Traffic Gala taking place Friday 3rd - Monday 6th May.
In addition 41001 will haul a prototypical MK3 train, bringing 5 coaches with her.
We're thankful to the National Railway Museum and the 125 Group for making this happen.

Find out more about the Diesel & Mixed Traffic Gala here:https://kwvr.co.uk/diesel-mixed-traffic-gala/

I assume they will be moving her by rail as otherwise that's a hell of a lot of lorry movements.