252001 and Class 254

DLA365 · 18th June 2005, 10:35

Does anyone know where 252001 is now, and on which lines it was in use?

Were HST's initially numbered class 254's, and if so when were they re-numbered to class 43's?

18th June 2005, 10:37

253's. They were originally (HST) classed as DMU's - but due to the amount of reforming that was made, they were reclassified as motor cars just carrying trailers as the class 43 HST. Not just class 43, as there was originally another class 43, it being the 'Warship'.

Andrew · 18th June 2005, 11:50

If 252001 is the prototype HST (which I think it is) then some vehicles from it ie MkIIIs are possibly still in use. I think one of the First HST Showcase vehicles is one from the prototype. The front end vehicles with their non-fullly streamlined noses are probably either dumped somewhere or were broken up. I doubt they ever ran in passenger service, they probably had a lot of equipment in for testing etc.

When the HSTs entered service they were classified Class 254 as well. AIUI the ECML ones were classified 254 and the GW ones were 253. The GW sets had 7 trailer vehicles and the ECML 8 hence the different classification.
I would guess they were renumbered in the very early 80s, or late 70s - I don't think they lasted very long as DMUs.

AlexS · 18th June 2005, 14:31

There is at least one Proto HST powercar in the NRM. They used to run on service trains all the time in testing.

Coxster · 18th June 2005, 14:35

These images of my Dad's show a Class 43 (HST) displaying it's 253 number:

http://www.the-siding.co.uk/class43/pages/253001.htm
http://www.the-siding.co.uk/class43/pages/253002.htm
http://www.the-siding.co.uk/class43/...09and47345.htm

HSTfan!!! · 20th June 2005, 09:23

I will say I found the prototype HST well interesting and well worth the visit! I'm just a little miffed that I should have asked to have alook inside, but oh well!

Techniquest · 20th June 2005, 12:48

I wish I had at the time too, but too late now. Next time...

18th June 2005, 10:35	#1
DLA365 CSA Join Date: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 106	252001 and Class 254 Does anyone know where 252001 is now, and on which lines it was in use? Were HST's initially numbered class 254's, and if so when were they re-numbered to class 43's?

18th June 2005, 14:31	#4
AlexS TOC Owner Join Date: 7 Jun 2005 Location: West Mids Posts: 2,160	There is at least one Proto HST powercar in the NRM. They used to run on service trains all the time in testing. __________________ Wibble and piffle. http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/788/sh1an9.png

20th June 2005, 12:48	#7
Techniquest Valentarator Super Poster Join Date: 19 Jun 2005 Location: Variant unknown Posts: 6,536	I wish I had at the time too, but too late now. Next time... __________________ Videos: http://railwayforum.tv/KingtonTramBasher/ Photos: http://photobucket.com/techniquest Winner of RailUK POTW 308!

18th June 2005, 10:37	#2
Tom Guest Posts: n/a	253's. They were originally (HST) classed as DMU's - but due to the amount of reforming that was made, they were reclassified as motor cars just carrying trailers as the class 43 HST. Not just class 43, as there was originally another class 43, it being the 'Warship'.

18th June 2005, 11:50	#3
Andrew Ticket Seller Join Date: 7 Jun 2005 Posts: 180	If 252001 is the prototype HST (which I think it is) then some vehicles from it ie MkIIIs are possibly still in use. I think one of the First HST Showcase vehicles is one from the prototype. The front end vehicles with their non-fullly streamlined noses are probably either dumped somewhere or were broken up. I doubt they ever ran in passenger service, they probably had a lot of equipment in for testing etc. When the HSTs entered service they were classified Class 254 as well. AIUI the ECML ones were classified 254 and the GW ones were 253. The GW sets had 7 trailer vehicles and the ECML 8 hence the different classification. I would guess they were renumbered in the very early 80s, or late 70s - I don't think they lasted very long as DMUs.

18th June 2005, 14:35	#5
Coxster Passenger Join Date: 9 Jun 2005 Posts: 9,631	These images of my Dad's show a Class 43 (HST) displaying it's 253 number: http://www.the-siding.co.uk/class43/pages/253001.htm http://www.the-siding.co.uk/class43/pages/253002.htm http://www.the-siding.co.uk/class43/...09and47345.htm

20th June 2005, 09:23	#6
HSTfan!!! TOC Owner Join Date: 11 Jun 2005 Location: S.Wales Posts: 1,614	I will say I found the prototype HST well interesting and well worth the visit! I'm just a little miffed that I should have asked to have alook inside, but oh well!