The HST class 43 is one of the world’s most iconic trains. Built between 1975 and 1982, they have since been found all over the country.
It wasn’t until around 2017/2018 that use of the class 43 fleet started to reduce. Whilst many have been withdrawn from service, there are actually quite a few class 43s about, you just need to know where to look.
GWR still have a number of 43s in service with them – just not on the GWML. The GWR hsts work the “castle” (sliding doors) and “classic” sets (slamdoors unrefurbished) between Plymouth and Penzance.
Quite a few GWR class 43s went to ScotRail. Scotrail tend to operate class 43 HST trains on the following routes.
CrossCountry trains own 10 HST power cars (43207, 43285, 43301, 43303, 43304, 43321, 43357, 43366, 43378 and 43384). They’re used on CrossCountry services from North to South in conjunction with voyagers, but they don’t run to Bournemouth/Southampton area.
LNER operated a number of class 43 trains, which were later transferred to EMR for use on their St Pancras to Sheffield, Leeds, and other Midland Mainline services.
Network Rail operate the NMT measurement train, which is a high speed test train that runs all over the UK where high speed trains are permitted.
Information correct as of 2019
Read below, the latest class 43 news and class 43 related articles…
LNER Class 43 Farewell Tour Announced LNER will be running a class 43 HST farewell railtour this December. Bookings will be taken through charter operator UK Railtours. The tour will run for 4 days covering most of the LNER railway network. The full routing information is currently being planned, and once available, will be shared …
Network Rail NMT Class 43 for overhaul until December 2019 Network Rail’s NMT train is now out of service until December 2019. The New Measurement Train will be having its on board computers overhauled and power car maintenance, including an extensive C4 exam at RVEL Derby. The test train workings run by the NMT test …
Hull Trains & VTEC Diverts + Hire-ins This August Bank Holiday Weekend 2019 Read More »
Stored HSTs Running Out Of Time To Avoid Scrap The Owners of the Great Western Railway HSTs say time is running out unless they can find a realistic franchisor to take them on. Over 200 Mk 3 Coaches and 22 power cars have been put into storage at Long Marston & Ely after being withdrawn …
GWR Announce Class 43 HST Farewell Railtour Great Western Railway have announced a farewell charity railtour for their much loved Class 43 HST high speed trains. This follows the recent news of their recent upcoming termination for their service on the Great Western Mainline. GWR class 43s are expected to continue working on local services …
TIMINGS: GWR Announce Class 43 HST Farewell Railtour Read More »
Intercity 125 Departs Paddington for Last Time – 18th May 2019 Last weekend saw the last passenger service depart London Paddington to be hauled by a Great Western Railway Intercity 125 Class 43 train. Sir Kenneth Grange also joined as hundreds of enthusiasts and passengers lined the platforms at London Paddington, at around 17:30 on …
Intercity 125 Departs Paddington for Last Time – 18th May 2019 Read More »
Final GWR GWML HST Service Confirmed For 18th May 2019 Great Western Railway have confirmed that Saturday 18th May will be the final day of operations for their Intercity 125 Class 43 HST trains on the Great Western Mainline route. GWR will retain a small number of power cars for local services in west of …
Updated: Final GWR HST GWML Service Confirmed For 18th May 2019 Read More »
