125 Group Press Release

The 125 Group is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement in principle with the National Railway Museum (NRM) for the return to service of the forerunner to the High Speed Train (HST) – the train which the revolutionised high speed rail travel in the UK in the 1970s.

“Project Miller”, named after the original designer of the train, will see the 125 Group take prototype HST Power Car 41001 on long term loan from the Museum, subject to finalisation of loan arrangements, and undertake a full technical assessment of the vehicle and its component systems to determine the full scope of works required. These are expected to include repairs and overhaul to systems including cooler group, bogies and electrical and electronic components, as well as replacing the current sectioned engine with a production Paxman Valenta RP200L engine donated to the NRM from the MTU re-power programme.

Since its formation in 1994, the 125 Group has worked to raise the profile of the HST with the aim of securing the preservation of an example of this iconic fleet for future generations.

Gary Heelas, Chairman of the 125 Group, said: – “We are delighted that the NRM has recognised the work of the 125 Group, and what it has achieved over the past 15 years, through giving us the opportunity to work with them to bring 41001 back to life. The Group’s primary objective is to save at least one power car and to return it, as near as possible, to original condition. As the only group dedicated to the future of HSTs we have worked to build an extensive library of technical documents together with a stock of the major components and materials which will be required in future. The “hands on” experience which Project Miller will afford to the team can only enhance our ability to achieve our aims, and will hopefully help to maintain interest in these iconic trains over the coming years.”

Steve Davies, Director, NRM said:- “I am delighted that the NRM feels able to support the potential restoration to working order of this important piece of modern railway history, especially at a time when the original Valenta engines have now been withdrawn from regular front line service. It also helps to demonstrate the NRM’s commitment to bringing focus to a broad range of traction, not just steam. We therefore look forward to working alongside the Project Miller team to deliver what we believe will be a unique contribution to the heritage railway movement’s operational fleet, representing the period of inception of arguably Britain’s most successful train ever.”

More details about Project Miller will be made available in the coming months on the project website, http://www.projectmiller.org.uk.

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43034 The Black Horse said:

Apologies if it's been posted, did scan but couldn't find it.

Cracking news though!

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theblackwatch said:

Yes this is excellent news. A good few days for the NRM 'modern traction' fleet with this announcement and 55002 being started up this weekend. No doubt some will still consider the NRM to be anti diesel though!

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EWS 58038 said:

Imagine the Great Central Railway running Deltics and HST's....

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ralphchadkirk said:

Have the 125 group ever electrically and mechanically restored something before?

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anthony263 said:

I am looking forward to see what happens, in fact i will be one of the 1st people to book a railtour it does

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PinzaC55 said:

It would be pretty cool to see an HST restored to it's "Banana" livery and with "Brake Smell" and the blue/green seats..."sigh"

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