41001 still a runner?

Hi all.
Does anybody know if the prototype HST at the NRM (41001) is a runner?
If so, would it fit the HST carriages still in use?

 

Well the production HST is the only thing on the network with AC Train Supply, so the obvious first question is was the prototype fitted with that too?

What did the prototype run with in service? Has the NRM got any more vehicles stashed away?

If it is anywhere near being a runner, for God's sake don't tell Grand Central - they'll be wanting to run trains with it!

 

41001 has 3 phase ETH, same as the production power cars, don't know if its a runner,suspect not, but if the mutterings are correct it might not have its original alternator for much longer! :-$

 

According to Wikipedia, you can still get 10 prototype HST trailers together ... but you'd have to a word with Network Rail and Her Majesty!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_252

Richard

 

They might want to consider seeking some Paxman engines whilst there's spares still around..keeps the door open for the future perhaps ?

Maybe they could preserve 43198 in it's final service condition, a fitting first and last ?

whilst a whole train preserved would be nice in reality where could the NRM keep a full length HST Set ?..

 

30 odd years ago in Steam Railway there was an article "Damn those diesels". A spokesman for the NYMR stated "People stand in awe when they see a Western waiting to haul them form Pickering. We can't wait to get our hands on a HST when they're all ousted from an all electric railway".

 

TBH in years to come I can see a swallow or blue/grey liveried HST set doing charter runs on the GCR between nottingham and leicester....

 

Don't hold your breath. There are rumours doing the rounds that a further life extension is being considered to take them beyond 2020. A better option IMHO than the barmy bi-mode IEP

 

Production HST's won't be coming out of revenue earning service for at least another 15 years, by then can possibly claim to be the most sucessfull british train ever i would imagine, do agree that some paxman/valenta engines need storing so when the time comes a set can be returned to original condition.

 

How easy would it be to reinstate paxman/valenta power unit in a HST? What about all the rework that would be needed to reinstate a paxman/valenta power unit?

If a group were to preserve a HST and put it back into blue/grey livery has anyone one got a complete set of old style headlamp/tail lamps or can you still get hold of them. To me it would look a bit odd to run a HST set in blue/grey with the newer style round lamps?

 

Doubt that would be the hardest thing in the world to change, half the Heritage Diesels on the mainline never originally had the high intendity lamp built into the bodywork.

 

41001's engine has been sectioned for display purposes, so the answer is "No".

 

What a shame. Still, At least the 125 group is already preseving stuff to do this.
Maybe they could `lend' an engine to get the prototype running again? :smt102