Modern Railways Crosscountry HST Farewell railtour

Picture of Crosscountry HST at Water Orton in 2014

With CrossCountry’s HSTs set for withdrawal this year, 125 Group are pleased to form part of the operator’s farewell celebrations for this fleet after more than 40 years of operation on CrossCountry routes. Our sales stand will form part of the on board activities available during this special trip to Swanage on Tuesday 26th September.

This full day trip will comprise two ‘tours’ with tickets available for each tour separately. The day consists of the ‘Pines Express’ from Leeds to Swanage, and the ‘Bournemouth Belle’ from Swanage to Bournemouth. A range of activities including a charity raffle are planned on board. More information including timings can be found on the Modern Railways website here.

Tickets are available via our friends at the Branch Line Society for both tours. The Pines Express (Update: SOLD OUT) is £95 in Standard Class and can be purchased here & the Bournemouth Belle is £30 in Standard Class which you can purchase here.

Running days in July 2023

A side onimage of power car 43159 in Midland Mainline RIO livery

Join us for 43159‘s unveiling & first outing in her new livery with our friends at Midland Railway – Butterley over the weekend of Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July

Our operations over this weekend are planned to use our record breaking power cars 43159 (the World’s fastest diesel) and 43048 (the first to operate in preservation at 125mph) with Mark 3 coaches 40741, 41067, 42119. 42120 & 42337. Timetable & ticket information for the weekend can be found here.

While on board, come and check out Buffet 125 serving refreshments and snacks throughout the day and enjoy your trip in first class comfort as we operate the Railway’s Yellow timetable of six services each day. Shop 125 will also be open with a wide selection including our new 125 Group and Speed Record branded items.

Other site attractions will be available should you break your journey. Why not take the chance to view 43089 at Swanwick Junction (please note there is no public road access to Swanwick) and maybe take a ride on the Golden Valley Light Railway?

Please come along and support our operation, meet the team and enjoy our early preservation operations along the beautiful Midland Railway.

125 Group would like to take this opportunity to say how very grateful we are to Midland Railway – Butterley for their continued support in both storing and using our lovely HST.