I’d liken the HST more like the 747 than Concorde. A stop gap to the APT that never came, similar to the 747 being a stop gap to supersonic. Both ended up becoming the icons of their respective industries, outliving their intended lifespans by some margins.
I was going to post something very similar but read your comment - absolutely spot on. Two things that brought a tear to my eye was BA retiring all of it's 747 fleet early and now the end of the line for the HST. At one stage the Valenta engined HST even sounded like an RB211 engined 747 taking off, as it left the station. I'm count myself lucky to have travelled on both.
The 747 wasn’t a stop gap for supersonic travel. It was a cold, hard lesson in economics to the British of how you make money from air travel. I think any similarity comes from the creative engineering genius that conceived them. Much like the HST and the APT.
Never again will we have something as superb and stylish like the HST carrying us to our destination. They were the last of Britain’s great railways. We will miss you.
@@Filretun The Department of Transport ripped out the original BR seats and replaced them with the same hard back minimal padding as per the class 800s. You get back ache after 10-15mins travel so I avoid travelling on them.
My favourite HST moment down the Midland was an occasion when the leading power car failed upon departure from the Pan. We stopped at Luton and the guard came on and explained the situation but added "Well, we still have another power car at the rear and the driver is game for it if you are..." which then led to a spirited journey of the rear power car pushing the entire set to Sheffield and still managing 130mph (as measured by GPS) and got in 12 minutes early Wouldn't get that on one of those 222s
@@JBFlytography True. Plus I reckon that EMR should keep the 7-Car Class 222s and to cascade the 4-Car and 5-Car Class 222s to Crosscountry, ScotRail, Transport for Wales or to be stored.
@@Andrewjg_89 It's TfW in particular and Chiltern that should of considered another major overhaul and reformation program inline with what GWR/Scotrail have achieved. Cardiff - Hollyhead would of been very comfy and much faster with a tram on the job, they could of had the pick of both powercars and coaches from those being stood down. The IET farce proved their value is being lost.
You wouldn't be able to measure the speed of a 222, no matter whether the engines were working or not: the metallic/reflective film in the windows of 22x trains block out GPS signals! Also, I definitely cannot see the 22x's lasting 40+ years... those HSTs are/were magnificent trains!
Certainly one of the best, if not THE best train the UK has ever had. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, reliable, stylish and long lasting. Superior in many, many aspects to the newer units that replaced them. I will miss them greatly. Not just because they are so iconic, and one of the final legacies of BR, but because their sucessors are, frankly, not a patch on them! And to think the orgininal design is almost 50 years old...
I think you have summed them up perfectly. What has followed is the result of government meddling and as you say, not for the good. Perhaps one day, their introduction will be regarded as the Golden age of the railways in this country.
Well you can thank the Conservatives and Margaret Thatcher and you still ended up voting for Boris and them wankers so Have no sympathy for your nostalgia You you’re getting what you deserve
Let me begin by saying thank you for the excellent documentary. I sat at home watching it on my laptop and getting teary eyed knowing a piece of BR history that I only read about in books as a child is retiring from front line passengers service after 45 years (39 years on the MML). To the folks who build the fleet nearly 50 years ago, to those who sat behind the control, to the train staff, and to those who maintained the fleet until the very last day, let me say thank you for keeping the Class 43 HSTs on the rails for all those years. You folks operated and maintained a will built train that will now stand alongside another British railway record holding icon, the LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard. If anyone said that the British don't built trains like they used to. You let the world know this: "We invented the railways, exported it to the world, and built trains that are so iconic that they are now preserved for future generations." Today's modern intercity trains, although faster and more fuel efficient, can not beat the long standing reputation, and the memories, of the HSTs. The Class 43 High Speed Trains, also known as the InterCity 125, will always and forever be "The Queen of the Railways."
My uncle, Ernie Kettle was a senior fitter at Paxmans and responsible for the cylinder heads for the original engines. This followed flying 85 operations as a bomber navigator in WW2. He was equally proud of both achievements.He died in 2019 aged 97.
Fantastic Documentary. I love the line 'Everyone has a memory of the HST' and that will be true for everyone. The HST is truly an icon and it was a pleasure to travel on.
@ordovicianinnova born too late? restricted freedom in early years? finally had freedom when it was too late? those were all the factors that affected me
The hst’s are the Crown Jewels of the railway and will be missed by many rail lovers like myself. But life has to move on whether we like it or not. I will still cherish the hst’s all the time though and so will many other people.
This is one of the most emotional videos I have ever watched, the HST's will be such a miss on the MML! We will never ever forget this British railway icon. LONG LIVE THE HST!!!!! :)
I'm still grieving the end of the HST 😭 so many of my memories, from the early 80's on, involve one of these ❤️❤️ thanks for the memories, beautiful girls
@@JxrdnR6s... Saying "the railway isn't isn't same", implies they are gone, which they aren't.. Technically, out of St Pancras yes, but still got XC sets on parts on the Midland Mainline so.. awkward😬
@@deadaccount2048 ex-LNER PC are standing in until such time as NR power cars are refurbished. There's also the Ex-EMR Colas power cars, and Midland Pullman if people really want to get Pedantic about it. There's plenty still on the UK railways, which was my first, original point.
And delighted that they have a new lease of life and their very own depot here in Scotland - still going strong - hoorah for the HST. This was a truly touching and well done tribute to an iconic train that revolutionised they way we saw rail travel. I do remember travelling on the Master Cutler HST as well as The Highland Cheiftan
Nobody could doubt the quality of the engineering, the seat comfort and the ride. And it was British ! I have fond memories of the Dawlish Sea Wall, Box, Stevenage without stopping, York and Sheffield. Oh the joy of a rover ticket that let you ride all day on these wonderful sets. Even up to last year I was a regular on the HST sets London to Norwich. Inappropriate electric traction and you needed the right driver but we will never see smooth riding and comfort like that again. RIP British HST
as a American, I love all British Railways and locomotives, and seeing the 125's retire brought tears to my eyes, as these beauties were the backbone of Britains express passenger lines all the way up to their retirement. Thank you Inter City 125, you've given your country a good service, now rest peacefully, you will always be loved and remembered.
Great mini documentary this, EMR is brilliant, had a panic attack on one of their trains and they couldn't have been more helpful and supportive, thankyou east mids railway, pride of Britain
What a well organised documented tribute, to the most Iconic train our country has made. Nothing can replace a truly beautiful locomotive like these. Their public service has been truly admired by all. I'm sure their continuance for the future will be taken care of by someone, somewhere on our rail tracks. Never forgotten. Iain
I worked with the engineers who developed this train in the mid 1980's and I was impressed by the engineering. This train impressed me in these early days ever since I took one from Newport to London. Goodbye HST!
I remember the last days of the Deltics. It was January 1992, there were tears, memories and lost of emotion. Back then, the HST's were the young upstarts, seen as the the usurpers, dislodging the adored Deltic's from their favourite routes and in to retirement. At the end the last enthusiasts special run, a HST attempted to join in with the plaudits with a solitary blast of its horn, which was almost drowned out by a resounding Boooo! from the highly charged crowd. How times have changed, haven't those young upstart done well. A truly iconic train, worthy of the title.
Mk3s wheelsets were optimised for British track geometry. Certainly cannot say same for the 800s/ 180s/ 185s. The 220/221/222s ride pretty well...but the wheelset Bombardier fitted to them was based on a design BR built earlier!
My favourite train of all time, I'm lucky living in the west county as gwr still have hst 'castle' sets in operation & hopefully will have for many years to come.
Well done EMR, a wonderful thought provoking, and dare I say, quite emotional video. The HST, is truly one of the greats, and possibly a saviour? At a time when BR was really having it bad, these iconic locomotives were introduced and revolutionised the way we travelled. Going to miss these old girls screaming past at full chat!
Best of British and an absolute design classic. I will miss these very much. i will especially miss not being able to travel to Skegness on these in the summer.
A superb documentary about a superb icon of British railway engineering. The journey along the Midland Main Line to London will not never be the same again.
on- & off-Isle of Dr-Seuss, cleverly mirrored here: th-cam.com/video/0t7KcrRqNTk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=x6ZYpXmzLQ_SSDMf 🍸 would've shuttled Olympics goers just prior to the HST's advent, you see
I had the opportunity to visit NL TND a few years back, and you could see the pride the team had for the old 43sm the place will not be the same without themm so glad to see the preservation movement are carrying on the legacy, and we are once again hearing the scream of a Paxman Valenta, just a shame that a set never got a chance to visit Colchester town station, as that is basically on the site of the old Paxman plant, and a crankshaft is proudly on display there, farewell old friends
When someone we love dies we have memories when a train is retired it’s the same thing…. 49 years is a lifetime of such memories!!! They are still around Cross Country ScotRail and GWR still have them they are still part of our family ❤️and will never be forgotten
@@Looiiss37 disabled access with slam doors is not allowed EMR got rid of theirs after IDIOTS poked their head out of windows at speed !! 🙄🙄🙄🙄 the newer doors are safer and more disabled aware get over it !!!!!
What a magnificent film, really brought a tear to my eye. I remember getting so excited as a boy at the prospect of these super fast trains and then even better going on one for the first time. I don’t know if we have any thing left that’s exciting anymore. Anyway thank you to the whole team that brought them into service and kept them in service for this long. Just a brilliant train, with only one exception for me and that was the brake pad smell when slowing down. Thank you. 👍
Nice one everybody. Still the best train for passengers on the UK network. Loved by all of us that worked for BR. Especially those of us who started when they were new and are now retiring at the same time as HSTs. Hopefully we have done as good a job as the HSTs
II have travelled on these wonderful HSts many times, mainly Paddington to Cornwall but also Penzance to Edinburgh.' Always an exciting experience, especially in First Class. A true icon built by British Rail!. Thank you for an excellent tribute to them. The new IETs will never be as popular
@@jagman84 dunno what youre on about since the chiltern loco hauled sets use the same coach as the HST, the hype isnt misguided anything, they genuinly have a supurb, unmatched ride quality as do all mark 3s
Britain's finest train and locomotive - can tell how good the loco is in how long it was in service and how it affected people for better including staff as shown at 20:42
My favourite old train clearly and train of my childhood (I'm 28 years old). I've travelled in 3 HST's with Paxman VP185 power cars: 11:05 London Kings Cross to Peterborough (February 19th or 26th 2018) - full EMT set, 17:32 Nottingham to St. Pancras (First Class - May 2nd 2018) and on LNER set NL65, 13:45 Leeds to Kings Cross on April 5th 2019 in the front First Class coach. Thank you to EMR for the nostalgic experience (even though my early HST trips had Paxman Valenta engines) 🙂👍!
Up there with Concorde as an icon of British engineering. Never beat the whistle of the Valenta engine going full pelt out of a station in the old days especially the lines of Leeds, York,Birmingham New Street, Newcastle and Darlington which had the roofs over so it magnified the sound❤️
It was good to see my old school friend talking with pride about his life's work keeping these trains in top service all these years. I know he will miss them greatly and so will I. The standard of comfort and quiet environment while cruising at 125 mile on mile is sadly gone. The new trains are more efficient but I feel the standard has not been improved by having noisy multiple underfloor engines and light weight construction. I hope EMR's new replacements are going to be an improvement on the new trains they have now. I saw they are taking note of what people have said about other companies replacements for the HST.
Absolute proof that we can produce world beating pieces of engineering in Britain. What a magnificent piece of kit these trains were. And credit too to BREL who built the new coaches to go with each HST 125 trainset. They were also superb and ahead of their time. They could compete comfortably with any of the European trains in the mid seventies. A miracle really when you consider how underfunded and unloved BR was by successive governments.
Thanks to everyone involved in putting this film together. I particularly enjoyed hearing the stories from all the staff especially about the Master Cutler, a service my Dad worked on when he worked the dining cars out of Sheffield in the 70s and 80s. :)
Glad you said that, since I’m crying watching it now. I guess this was how people were when the last steam trains were running.. like the last of my childhood has finally slipped away (yeah.. I know I’m nearly 50.. but I still remember the absolute thrill of my first trip - unexpectedly, in the days when HST services were marked on the timetable, the service we caught back to Nottingham from Birmingham wasn’t meant to be an HST service)
So many memories. Being on one when it fell of the rails - only doing about 2mph (though track works) but such a clunk! Offering up my seat in a crowded carriage to an obviously pregnant woman with obvious backache only to look up and see every young woman in the carriage cooing at me :) Knowing where they'd stop at every station so I'd be next to the door handle and (politely) be first on. Having really long arms and so often first off - some people simply could not reach those outside handles! Line side fire and one held stationary at Kettering for a couple of hours midsummer on full electrics and aircon - the noise! Always trying to clear the steps at (old) Harborough before the rear power car passed - the noise! Seeing them lined up in St Pancras and feeling like I was home already. Much glassless vestibule photography. One passing Loughborough where an empty Coke can on the platform edge got sucked in and spat out of the vortex a dozen times at a million miles an hour. One parked up (Leicester?) with serious tree damage to the windscreen. Occasional passengers who obviously have court dates (their mood, their dress, their unsure behaviour among the morning commuters) and the one who kicked back hard against having no ticket - the staff legging it and abandoning the entire carriage to this nutter who we were all locked in with until BTP picked them off at Leicester. Standing through a long buffet car lecture by Revenue Protection to a dude with no ticket and sheepishly producing my season ticket when what I really wanted to say was, "Leicester return please!" - not sure she would have found it funny? Watching a fellow passenger put his cellphone on his seat tray then a newspaper on top then us both leaving at the same stop - he got his phone back but only after the train was leaving and just as he realised what he'd done! Seeing a buffered version (43465?) passing Harborough. A furtive couple in our reserved standard class seats (they'd removed and hidden the seat reservation tickets) and being upgraded to weekend first at no charge. The dignity and stoicism of the staff at Loughborough every time someone who'd had enough put themselves under one at Allsopp's Lane. The little, unsure panicky driver PA announcement when his crew calls went unanswered one weekend during engineering works and the train would be opposite-platformed at Harborough and he didn't want the doors opening on the usual side as that would be track- rather than platform-facing. The missing bit of platform during Loughborough's refurb and the frequent and stern announcements to disembark forward and a bunch of LUT students who ignored them and opened the doors anyway and the old short platform at Harborough and doing exactly that with my father as a kid. A charming form of transit that will be missed but thankfully also preserved as heritage.
East Coast line in the ‘80s,’90s and up to 2011. I used to get on at either Grantham or King’s Cross with a standard ticket in the morning and have breakfast all the way down into town.... excellent service and fond memories ..... overcrowding in the ‘90s and breakdowns as the 23h35 out of KX all added to the experience.
So sad to see these finally go. End of an era for a much loved train, a train that was far more than the sum of it's parts. Will always be a part of my childhood travelling on these from Luton to London on the Midland Mainline or the BedPan line as we knew it. Always preferred to get on an HST rather than the Thameslink 319's
My heart is now broken rest in peace HST you'll always have a place in my heart I will find a picture and I remember you will be the Engine I will miss very dreadfully rest in peace HST Long live the HST
Thank you, a very nice tribute. When the HST's were introduced, they represented a big step forward in speed and comfort for passengers. The real tragedy is that the new trains are inferior in most respects, uncomfortable , noisy, rough riding. Where is the progress?
Lovely documentary! I’m lucky enough to have travelled several hundred thousand miles aboard HST’s (so far!) during work and pleasure trips ... and was extra lucky enough to have had a cab ride once during WCRM! Sad to see them leave the MML but I enjoyed one final trip recently before they departed ... and often gave the lead power a thank-you pat on the side after arrival into London over the years! Don’t forget ... this year’s Staycation Express along the Settle and Carlisle route is using a HST (ex-MML power cars as well) ... hopefully I’ll find time to have a jolly during summer! 👍
As a passenger and non industry expert these were the best trains ever in my lifetime. First travelled on to York in 1981 - blown away. Las5 travelled on 2019 to Edinburgh- still blown away. So much more comfortable than the IC225 and the various Class 800 trains, and much more of an ‘event’ to travel on them.
The HST sort of lives on in Australia as the XPT. The design was bought by Australia in the 1980's and used to build the eXpress Passenger Train that I used as a child and is still in use today.
Rest in peace HST you'll always have a place in my heart HST you have retired a little bit earlier so you could enjoyed your retirement you're a legend to the railway
i remember as a kid with my family in 1980s every school holiday went to london king's cross from Leeds several times a year what a joy witnessing the mighty sprint to 125MPH
God i remember being a kid seeing them in the intercity livery in like 2009 and then seeing others in the old blue red and yellow livery. such an amazing train that served 47 years god damn well.
Excellent video, well done for the initiative. This film is important and will hopefully help future generations appreciate machines that have a soul. The comment about icons is certainly very true for HST. Cheers
My father worked on the HST's back in the day at Old Oak Common (depot serving GWR line). I was fortunate enough as a child to go into the power car and hear it start up. What an experience that was! Growing up as a child, I used to love watching them zoom past the station at Mill Hill Broadway and hearing the rumble on the track's as they were approaching. The sound of the paxman valenta is something else and the VP185's to a degree retained some part of the valenta scream. I will miss seeing and hearing the HST's. This in my view, is the definition of a train.
I recall watching a documentary around 15 years ago about the MK3 couches and how their design resulted in death toll on Paddington rail disaster being so much lower. A great design that in my opinion has not been bettered.
@@MATTY110981 the mark 3 has certainly been a hard act to follow, the most admirable job at matching it was done by the mark 4 I'd say, all this modern stuff just isn't as comfortable or probably (I hate to say it) crashworthy as the mark 3. amazing to think that they went from concept to essentially production model in just 2 years
Beautiful machine as a kid traveling the east coat mainline on a weekly basis getting out onto the open straights south of York standing in the doorway of the old mark 3 coach and pulling the window down to feel 125mph great times , great memories
For years I took HSTs to/from Loughborough and for years, until the platforms were extended to the north ("for the Olympics" IIRC), there was the instruction to move forward from the rear carriages so that you got off north of the A60 road bridge. I think back in the 1980s when I first did the journey that instruction didn't exist because I distinctly remember getting off on the old disused south part of platform 1 and walking under the road bridge just as the trailing power car thundered past!
Me being a child of the late 70s early 1980s, my dad would often take me trainspotting over the old Midlands central line out of New Street Birmingham. Seeing a brand new InterCity 125 HST in it's old classic BR livery and iconic front and back engine cabs starting up it's powerful engines and hearing it swish past at full tilt on a bridge or grassy embankment was an absolute thrill back in junior high school. They remain my all time favourite train to this very day 40+ years later.
Shame I didnt travel on a midland mainline one...But this video is beautiful..Shows a fitting tribute to a HST on the MML and the last HSTs out of London. Nicely done EMR!
Up here in Scotland we are only too happy to have many of these great machines still working hard doing their job. Smooth and comfortable. Nothing better than seeing a piece of engineering stand the test of time. Brilliant engineers designed it and equally brilliant engineers still maintain and upgrade them to this day. You’ll see plenty of them up here in Scotland. I’m sure they will be here for a while yet working hard after their upgrades a few years ago.
I have worked in my current job for 20 years and if I can continue my carrer for another 26 years I can say I have worked as long as the IC125! We shoud be proud of what this country has created and how long HSTs lasted for. Cannot wait to see 43002 and 43102 together at the NRM York. IC 125 thank you for your amazing contibution for keeping this contry moving.
They were always a joy to ride on, very comfortable, and very quiet in the coaches. Will never forget the first time I travelled on one. I did not feel or hear the train moving, but moving out of Paddington we were. So different to all the multiple units I had been used to . Sadly the newer trains are nowhere near as good - the underfloor traction motors on modern stock brings a lot of noise into the coach - along with the noisy air conditioning systems. Plus of course your more cramped in the new units. Loved the buffet cars on the HST - possible of course because you could walk from one end of the train to the other - something you cannot do on a lot of the new units. I did not travel that often on the railway, but when I did i always enjoyed the HST experience. I will miss them.
I remember as a child travelling to Somerset on various occasions with my Mum on the Great Western Valentas from Paddington...the holiday began when we boarded this magnificent train👍👍👍
Ever since I first saw the HST I feel in love with it, I love the shape, the feeling I get standing by one and the engine powering up when the driver gives it some when he/she powers out of the station and I will miss them and they have change the railway since the first HST rolled of the production line
I miss the HSTs from the Great Western Main Line. My memory of East Midlands HSTs is catching an more original Paxman VP185 powered HST, run by East Midlands Trains in 2018 from Leicester to Nottingham. It was an awesome, excellent and fun ride, and very quick! Thankfully I came down from the concourse in time to catch it. Thank you HST, I'll miss you...
as a first class season ticket holder 2008 - 2018 it felt a privilege to travel of the HST’s daily and be served by the wonderful staff of the day at my seat. no rattling cups, comfortable seats, no underfloor engine to disturb ones thinking.
Quite a fitting and emotional video of how the HSTs have dominated the UK’s railways. Including on the Midland Main Line. Will most of them be stored and some to be preserved and some cascaded to other train operators. The Class 43 HSTs will never die.
So very sad. I will never forget the excitement of seeing my first one as a child in the seventies. I still think there's a use for them on the railways.
These high speed trains will still be in our souls for many years on if you saw them on LNER or MML we will never forget on how much excitement these trains gave us. Hst will never be forget. That last bit dose not make sense but I hope you know what I'm on about
An excellent video. I designed the engine control system for the four power cars that had the Mirrlees MB190 engines in , late 80's. I traveled around with them for many months keeping an eye on my bits. Fortunately my bit kept working so I had no panics trying to fix a fault in service. I was on one that did 143mph. They had more power than the Paxmans and the drivers loved them. Mainly Padington to Bristol but I got to Newcastle on one and down to Penzants. Happy days 🙂
In many ways, the HST was what the APT wasn't--a reliable train that actually changed the commutes of many people in England. Smaller cities well away from London started to become bedroom communities because of the HST's high speed.
Wow that brought back memories. I was a keen trainspotter as a kid and remember going to Derby with a mate to see the prototype (if i remember right?) doing trial runs (or speed trials?). Realised watching this that I was 10 years old and trips like that were pretty normal back then for a trainspotter. How times have changed. Very sad to see them go the way of things like Deltics, Westerns, etc.
FAREWELL ROCKET OF THE RAILS Sad to see you go you deserve your place in British history with a place right next to Concorde from childhood memories to filming you when and where I could simply THANK YOU
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I’d liken the HST more like the 747 than Concorde. A stop gap to the APT that never came, similar to the 747 being a stop gap to supersonic. Both ended up becoming the icons of their respective industries, outliving their intended lifespans by some margins.
I was going to post something very similar but read your comment - absolutely spot on. Two things that brought a tear to my eye was BA retiring all of it's 747 fleet early and now the end of the line for the HST. At one stage the Valenta engined HST even sounded like an RB211 engined 747 taking off, as it left the station. I'm count myself lucky to have travelled on both.
Spot on.
747 wasn’t a stop gap to supersonic?
Couldn’t say it better myself
The 747 wasn’t a stop gap for supersonic travel. It was a cold, hard lesson in economics to the British of how you make money from air travel.
I think any similarity comes from the creative engineering genius that conceived them. Much like the HST and the APT.
Never again will we have something as superb and stylish like the HST carrying us to our destination. They were the last of Britain’s great railways. We will miss you.
GWR Class 43 still works?
ScotRail have HSTs too on non electrified routes however spare parts are hard to find to one day they’ll be all gone
@@Filretun The Department of Transport ripped out the original BR seats and replaced them with the same hard back minimal padding as per the class 800s. You get back ache after 10-15mins travel so I avoid travelling on them.
Agreed.
They still operate on the Penzance line on gwr thankfully
My favourite HST moment down the Midland was an occasion when the leading power car failed upon departure from the Pan. We stopped at Luton and the guard came on and explained the situation but added "Well, we still have another power car at the rear and the driver is game for it if you are..." which then led to a spirited journey of the rear power car pushing the entire set to Sheffield and still managing 130mph (as measured by GPS) and got in 12 minutes early
Wouldn't get that on one of those 222s
Nah your right, 222s have more than 2 power cars 😉
@@JBFlytography True. Plus I reckon that EMR should keep the 7-Car Class 222s and to cascade the 4-Car and 5-Car Class 222s to Crosscountry, ScotRail, Transport for Wales or to be stored.
@@Andrewjg_89 It's TfW in particular and Chiltern that should of considered another major overhaul and reformation program inline with what GWR/Scotrail have achieved. Cardiff - Hollyhead would of been very comfy and much faster with a tram on the job, they could of had the pick of both powercars and coaches from those being stood down. The IET farce proved their value is being lost.
@@leonblittle226 True. I agree.
You wouldn't be able to measure the speed of a 222, no matter whether the engines were working or not: the metallic/reflective film in the windows of 22x trains block out GPS signals!
Also, I definitely cannot see the 22x's lasting 40+ years... those HSTs are/were magnificent trains!
They have served us well, the sound of that Valenta when wound up is as iconic as the sounds of the Rolls Royce Merlin
Or a 40
Or the whistle of an A4
A pair of EE/Napier Deltics.
Valenta is most iconic engine ever for me
@@jogindersinghfoley3860 ok for a two stroke I suppose. ...still...deltics forever!
Certainly one of the best, if not THE best train the UK has ever had. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, reliable, stylish and long lasting. Superior in many, many aspects to the newer units that replaced them. I will miss them greatly. Not just because they are so iconic, and one of the final legacies of BR, but because their sucessors are, frankly, not a patch on them! And to think the orgininal design is almost 50 years old...
She is one of the WORLD'S BEST trains!
I think you have summed them up perfectly. What has followed is the result of government meddling and as you say, not for the good. Perhaps one day, their introduction will be regarded as the Golden age of the railways in this country.
Well you can thank the Conservatives and Margaret Thatcher and you still ended up voting for Boris and them wankers so Have no sympathy for your nostalgia You you’re getting what you deserve
@@englishjona6458 lol you bitter muppet, still better than Labour
Agree everything you said there,nothing is better than a HST.All the other units like Mericdians,Voyagers,180s are a joke compared to HSTs.
Love the HST’s and so glad they are still running passenger services here in Scotland. Long live the HST!
Let me begin by saying thank you for the excellent documentary. I sat at home watching it on my laptop and getting teary eyed knowing a piece of BR history that I only read about in books as a child is retiring from front line passengers service after 45 years (39 years on the MML).
To the folks who build the fleet nearly 50 years ago, to those who sat behind the control, to the train staff, and to those who maintained the fleet until the very last day, let me say thank you for keeping the Class 43 HSTs on the rails for all those years. You folks operated and maintained a will built train that will now stand alongside another British railway record holding icon, the LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard.
If anyone said that the British don't built trains like they used to. You let the world know this: "We invented the railways, exported it to the world, and built trains that are so iconic that they are now preserved for future generations."
Today's modern intercity trains, although faster and more fuel efficient, can not beat the long standing reputation, and the memories, of the HSTs. The Class 43 High Speed Trains, also known as the InterCity 125, will always and forever be "The Queen of the Railways."
My uncle, Ernie Kettle was a senior fitter at Paxmans and responsible for the cylinder heads for the original engines. This followed flying 85 operations as a bomber navigator in WW2. He was equally proud of both achievements.He died in 2019 aged 97.
Fantastic Documentary.
I love the line 'Everyone has a memory of the HST' and that will be true for everyone. The HST is truly an icon and it was a pleasure to travel on.
unfortunately i dont have a memory of the HST
@ordovicianinnova born too late? restricted freedom in early years? finally had freedom when it was too late? those were all the factors that affected me
Always remember these in the 1980s and 90s. Good childhood memories of a great looking train.
The hst’s are the Crown Jewels of the railway and will be missed by many rail lovers like myself. But life has to move on whether we like it or not. I will still cherish the hst’s all the time though and so will many other people.
I was born in 1975, been brought up with the hst. They will be sadly missed.
I will definitely do the hst rail tours as and when I can.
This is one of the most emotional videos I have ever watched, the HST's will be such a miss on the MML! We will never ever forget this British railway icon. LONG LIVE THE HST!!!!! :)
🥰
I'm still grieving the end of the HST 😭 so many of my memories, from the early 80's on, involve one of these ❤️❤️ thanks for the memories, beautiful girls
there's only one word i would use to describe these trains & that is ICONIC. Have seen me through, childhood & adult years.
It is emotional and I had many unforgettable memories while traveling between 2012-15.
A lovely record of the trains and the lives of your people - wonderful trains and your staff are a credit to you EMR
Amazing documentary, gonna miss these so much,, the railway isn't the same without the HST
But they're not gone...
@@JBFlytography they are on the midland mainline
@@JxrdnR6s... Saying "the railway isn't isn't same", implies they are gone, which they aren't..
Technically, out of St Pancras yes, but still got XC sets on parts on the Midland Mainline so.. awkward😬
@@deadaccount2048 yes and Scotrail. I know that.
@@deadaccount2048 ex-LNER PC are standing in until such time as NR power cars are refurbished. There's also the Ex-EMR Colas power cars, and Midland Pullman if people really want to get Pedantic about it. There's plenty still on the UK railways, which was my first, original point.
Brilliant send off by EMR. Well done to all involved in this documentary.
And delighted that they have a new lease of life and their very own depot here in Scotland - still going strong - hoorah for the HST.
This was a truly touching and well done tribute to an iconic train that revolutionised they way we saw rail travel. I do remember travelling on the Master Cutler HST as well as The Highland Cheiftan
Nobody could doubt the quality of the engineering, the seat comfort and the ride. And it was British ! I have fond memories of the Dawlish Sea Wall, Box, Stevenage without stopping, York and Sheffield. Oh the joy of a rover ticket that let you ride all day on these wonderful sets. Even up to last year I was a regular on the HST sets London to Norwich. Inappropriate electric traction and you needed the right driver but we will never see smooth riding and comfort like that again. RIP British HST
as a American, I love all British Railways and locomotives, and seeing the 125's retire brought tears to my eyes, as these beauties were the backbone of Britains express passenger lines all the way up to their retirement. Thank you Inter City 125, you've given your country a good service, now rest peacefully, you will always be loved and remembered.
Great mini documentary this, EMR is brilliant, had a panic attack on one of their trains and they couldn't have been more helpful and supportive, thankyou east mids railway, pride of Britain
What a well organised documented tribute, to the most Iconic train our country has made. Nothing can replace a truly beautiful locomotive like these. Their public service has been truly admired by all. I'm sure their continuance for the future will be taken care of by someone, somewhere on our rail tracks. Never forgotten. Iain
I worked with the engineers who developed this train in the mid 1980's and I was impressed by the engineering. This train impressed me in these early days ever since I took one from Newport to London. Goodbye HST!
I remember the last days of the Deltics. It was January 1992, there were tears, memories and lost of emotion. Back then, the HST's were the young upstarts, seen as the the usurpers, dislodging the adored Deltic's from their favourite routes and in to retirement. At the end the last enthusiasts special run, a HST attempted to join in with the plaudits with a solitary blast of its horn, which was almost drowned out by a resounding Boooo! from the highly charged crowd. How times have changed, haven't those young upstart done well. A truly iconic train, worthy of the title.
HST is One of the best British diesel ever made and this is why we should start building and designing our own trains again
The ride of a MK3 coach is still the best there is, smooth quiet, comfortable - exactly what the passenger wants.
Mk3s wheelsets were optimised for British track geometry. Certainly cannot say same for the 800s/ 180s/ 185s. The 220/221/222s ride pretty well...but the wheelset Bombardier fitted to them was based on a design BR built earlier!
I love the HSTS I'm gonna miss them 😢
🥺
theres 43002 sir kennith grange and 43102 preserved with the NRM and even the prototype one 41001 witch is with 43102 at shildon as 43002 at york
I like the HSTs but I kind of like the IETs more tbh.
im not into a lot of diesels so only the HSTs are a part liked class since i prefer 55 deltics more and 37s and preferably steam traction
My favourite train of all time, I'm lucky living in the west county as gwr still have hst 'castle' sets in operation & hopefully will have for many years to come.
Well done EMR, a wonderful thought provoking, and dare I say, quite emotional video. The HST, is truly one of the greats, and possibly a saviour? At a time when BR was really having it bad, these iconic locomotives were introduced and revolutionised the way we travelled. Going to miss these old girls screaming past at full chat!
Best of British and an absolute design classic. I will miss these very much. i will especially miss not being able to travel to Skegness on these in the summer.
A superb documentary about a superb icon of British railway engineering. The journey along the Midland Main Line to London will not never be the same again.
superb narily if ever involves misdating its year of introduction though, you see, such that even its tribute as a whole sadly becomes mirky...
on- & off-Isle of Dr-Seuss, cleverly mirrored here: th-cam.com/video/0t7KcrRqNTk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=x6ZYpXmzLQ_SSDMf 🍸 would've shuttled Olympics goers just prior to the HST's advent, you see
Probably one of the best documentaries I have ever seen on one of the best trains known to man. The HST will truly be missed.
I had the opportunity to visit NL TND a few years back, and you could see the pride the team had for the old 43sm the place will not be the same without themm so glad to see the preservation movement are carrying on the legacy, and we are once again hearing the scream of a Paxman Valenta, just a shame that a set never got a chance to visit Colchester town station, as that is basically on the site of the old Paxman plant, and a crankshaft is proudly on display there, farewell old friends
When someone we love dies we have memories when a train is retired it’s the same thing…. 49 years is a lifetime of such memories!!! They are still around Cross Country ScotRail and GWR still have them they are still part of our family ❤️and will never be forgotten
Anddddd they don't have slam doors, so goodbye slam-door HSTS!!! You will be missed!
@@Looiiss37 disabled access with slam doors is not allowed EMR got rid of theirs after IDIOTS poked their head out of windows at speed !! 🙄🙄🙄🙄 the newer doors are safer and more disabled aware get over it !!!!!
@@Looiiss37Three words:
Health
And
Safety
@@CadanHartleyElliott my comment was three years ago and you’ve only just came round to it lol
Sad they were retired. Remember: They were trains known for their comfort and slam-doors.
We will remember them
@@David-ts8zn Thank you
@@transitcaptain it fine we will miss HST
Mostly the slam doors for me
@@Looiiss37 same
What a magnificent film, really brought a tear to my eye. I remember getting so excited as a boy at the prospect of these super fast trains and then even better going on one for the first time. I don’t know if we have any thing left that’s exciting anymore. Anyway thank you to the whole team that brought them into service and kept them in service for this long. Just a brilliant train, with only one exception for me and that was the brake pad smell when slowing down. Thank you. 👍
Nice one everybody. Still the best train for passengers on the UK network. Loved by all of us that worked for BR. Especially those of us who started when they were new and are now retiring at the same time as HSTs. Hopefully we have done as good a job as the HSTs
II have travelled on these wonderful HSts many times, mainly Paddington to Cornwall but also Penzance to Edinburgh.'
Always an exciting experience, especially in First Class. A true icon built by British Rail!.
Thank you for an excellent tribute to them. The new IETs will never be as popular
Had a go on a couple and still to this day was the most comfortable and relaxing train I've ever been on. There gonna be missed.
I went on them, I agree
The chiltern and TPE loco-hauled sets are way better than any HST can be. Most of the hype is misguided nostalgia.
Pendilinos are much better
@@jagman84 dunno what youre on about since the chiltern loco hauled sets use the same coach as the HST, the hype isnt misguided anything, they genuinly have a supurb, unmatched ride quality as do all mark 3s
Britain's finest train and locomotive - can tell how good the loco is in how long it was in service and how it affected people for better including staff as shown at 20:42
My favourite old train clearly and train of my childhood (I'm 28 years old). I've travelled in 3 HST's with Paxman VP185 power cars: 11:05 London Kings Cross to Peterborough (February 19th or 26th 2018) - full EMT set, 17:32 Nottingham to St. Pancras (First Class - May 2nd 2018) and on LNER set NL65, 13:45 Leeds to Kings Cross on April 5th 2019 in the front First Class coach.
Thank you to EMR for the nostalgic experience (even though my early HST trips had Paxman Valenta engines) 🙂👍!
Nice! I had MTUs
Up there with Concorde as an icon of British engineering. Never beat the whistle of the Valenta engine going full pelt out of a station in the old days especially the lines of Leeds, York,Birmingham New Street, Newcastle and Darlington which had the roofs over so it magnified the sound❤️
It was good to see my old school friend talking with pride about his life's work keeping these trains in top service all these years. I know he will miss them greatly and so will I. The standard of comfort and quiet environment while cruising at 125 mile on mile is sadly gone. The new trains are more efficient but I feel the standard has not been improved by having noisy multiple underfloor engines and light weight construction. I hope EMR's new replacements are going to be an improvement on the new trains they have now. I saw they are taking note of what people have said about other companies replacements for the HST.
Absolute proof that we can produce world beating pieces of engineering in Britain. What a magnificent piece of kit these trains were. And credit too to BREL who built the new coaches to go with each HST 125 trainset. They were also superb and ahead of their time. They could compete comfortably with any of the European trains in the mid seventies. A miracle really when you consider how underfunded and unloved BR was by successive governments.
Thanks to everyone involved in putting this film together. I particularly enjoyed hearing the stories from all the staff especially about the Master Cutler, a service my Dad worked on when he worked the dining cars out of Sheffield in the 70s and 80s. :)
I. Was crying looking back at the HST it was a great train 🚆 the legend of the train will never die
Glad you said that, since I’m crying watching it now. I guess this was how people were when the last steam trains were running.. like the last of my childhood has finally slipped away (yeah.. I know I’m nearly 50.. but I still remember the absolute thrill of my first trip - unexpectedly, in the days when HST services were marked on the timetable, the service we caught back to Nottingham from Birmingham wasn’t meant to be an HST service)
So many memories. Being on one when it fell of the rails - only doing about 2mph (though track works) but such a clunk! Offering up my seat in a crowded carriage to an obviously pregnant woman with obvious backache only to look up and see every young woman in the carriage cooing at me :) Knowing where they'd stop at every station so I'd be next to the door handle and (politely) be first on. Having really long arms and so often first off - some people simply could not reach those outside handles! Line side fire and one held stationary at Kettering for a couple of hours midsummer on full electrics and aircon - the noise! Always trying to clear the steps at (old) Harborough before the rear power car passed - the noise! Seeing them lined up in St Pancras and feeling like I was home already. Much glassless vestibule photography. One passing Loughborough where an empty Coke can on the platform edge got sucked in and spat out of the vortex a dozen times at a million miles an hour. One parked up (Leicester?) with serious tree damage to the windscreen. Occasional passengers who obviously have court dates (their mood, their dress, their unsure behaviour among the morning commuters) and the one who kicked back hard against having no ticket - the staff legging it and abandoning the entire carriage to this nutter who we were all locked in with until BTP picked them off at Leicester. Standing through a long buffet car lecture by Revenue Protection to a dude with no ticket and sheepishly producing my season ticket when what I really wanted to say was, "Leicester return please!" - not sure she would have found it funny? Watching a fellow passenger put his cellphone on his seat tray then a newspaper on top then us both leaving at the same stop - he got his phone back but only after the train was leaving and just as he realised what he'd done! Seeing a buffered version (43465?) passing Harborough. A furtive couple in our reserved standard class seats (they'd removed and hidden the seat reservation tickets) and being upgraded to weekend first at no charge. The dignity and stoicism of the staff at Loughborough every time someone who'd had enough put themselves under one at Allsopp's Lane. The little, unsure panicky driver PA announcement when his crew calls went unanswered one weekend during engineering works and the train would be opposite-platformed at Harborough and he didn't want the doors opening on the usual side as that would be track- rather than platform-facing. The missing bit of platform during Loughborough's refurb and the frequent and stern announcements to disembark forward and a bunch of LUT students who ignored them and opened the doors anyway and the old short platform at Harborough and doing exactly that with my father as a kid. A charming form of transit that will be missed but thankfully also preserved as heritage.
And still being used by Colas Rail, Network Rail and ScotRail.
Some of the best trains going along with the Electric HSTs still in service.
East Coast line in the ‘80s,’90s and up to 2011. I used to get on at either Grantham or King’s Cross with a standard ticket in the morning and have breakfast all the way down into town.... excellent service and fond memories ..... overcrowding in the ‘90s and breakdowns as the 23h35 out of KX all added to the experience.
That really saddens my heart to see them go 💔
So sad to see these finally go. End of an era for a much loved train, a train that was far more than the sum of it's parts. Will always be a part of my childhood travelling on these from Luton to London on the Midland Mainline or the BedPan line as we knew it. Always preferred to get on an HST rather than the Thameslink 319's
As a lad born December 1979, that had various Hornby train sets as a child, there's truly just something 'right' about a HST in 'Swallow' livery 🥰🥰🥰
My heart is now broken rest in peace HST you'll always have a place in my heart I will find a picture and I remember you will be the Engine I will miss very dreadfully rest in peace HST Long live the HST
Thank you, a very nice tribute. When the HST's were introduced, they represented a big step forward in speed and comfort for passengers. The real tragedy is that the new trains are inferior in most respects, uncomfortable , noisy, rough riding. Where is the progress?
All gloss, but no real substance best describes the latest new fleet...much of everything these days!
Because we buy them in now instead of engineering and building them ourselves.Tragic....
Lovely documentary! I’m lucky enough to have travelled several hundred thousand miles aboard HST’s (so far!) during work and pleasure trips ... and was extra lucky enough to have had a cab ride once during WCRM! Sad to see them leave the MML but I enjoyed one final trip recently before they departed ... and often gave the lead power a thank-you pat on the side after arrival into London over the years! Don’t forget ... this year’s Staycation Express along the Settle and Carlisle route is using a HST (ex-MML power cars as well) ... hopefully I’ll find time to have a jolly during summer! 👍
ScotRail are still using HSTs too.
As a passenger and non industry expert these were the best trains ever in my lifetime. First travelled on to York in 1981 - blown away. Las5 travelled on 2019 to Edinburgh- still blown away. So much more comfortable than the IC225 and the various Class 800 trains, and much more of an ‘event’ to travel on them.
Great and a fitting tribute to a classic train.
The HST sort of lives on in Australia as the XPT. The design was bought by Australia in the 1980's and used to build the eXpress Passenger Train that I used as a child and is still in use today.
Rest in peace HST you'll always have a place in my heart HST you have retired a little bit earlier so you could enjoyed your retirement you're a legend to the railway
One word: ScotRail.
i remember as a kid with my family in 1980s every school holiday went to london king's cross from Leeds several times a year what a joy witnessing the mighty sprint to 125MPH
God i remember being a kid seeing them in the intercity livery in like 2009 and then seeing others in the old blue red and yellow livery. such an amazing train that served 47 years god damn well.
Excellent video, well done for the initiative. This film is important and will hopefully help future generations appreciate machines that have a soul. The comment about icons is certainly very true for HST. Cheers
My father worked on the HST's back in the day at Old Oak Common (depot serving GWR line). I was fortunate enough as a child to go into the power car and hear it start up. What an experience that was! Growing up as a child, I used to love watching them zoom past the station at Mill Hill Broadway and hearing the rumble on the track's as they were approaching. The sound of the paxman valenta is something else and the VP185's to a degree retained some part of the valenta scream. I will miss seeing and hearing the HST's. This in my view, is the definition of a train.
Excellent tribute to what has been the greatest success story in the modernising of Britain`s railways .
I'd love to see these back on the railway, even if it is only for private charters. They're stunning trains.
Its smooth,quiet and an allround delightfull experience
The HST power cars were a great advance but there should be more mention of Mark 3s including loco hauled ones.
I recall watching a documentary around 15 years ago about the MK3 couches and how their design resulted in death toll on Paddington rail disaster being so much lower.
A great design that in my opinion has not been bettered.
@@MATTY110981 the mark 3 has certainly been a hard act to follow, the most admirable job at matching it was done by the mark 4 I'd say, all this modern stuff just isn't as comfortable or probably (I hate to say it) crashworthy as the mark 3. amazing to think that they went from concept to essentially production model in just 2 years
Maybe so but then EMR didn't have any? Probably that's why the focus is on the HSTs
Beautiful machine as a kid traveling the east coat mainline on a weekly basis getting out onto the open straights south of York standing in the doorway of the old mark 3 coach and pulling the window down to feel 125mph great times , great memories
HSTs are one of my favourite trains of all time I'm gonna miss them so much
Cross Country still has some
@@RF_765 and GWR
@@TEBEnthusiast I was talking about full set HSTs
@@RF_765 yea, and that’s what I meant as well.
@@TEBEnthusiast But GWR hasn’t got full set HSTs
Never ever again will such a comfortable and roomy train be experienced sadly
Great send off video, and nicely produced too. Many happy memories of the HST
What a fantastic tribute to an amazing piece of engineering. Farewell HST! 💙
Don't say "farewell" just yet.
ScotRail still has some HSTs at its disposal.
For years I took HSTs to/from Loughborough and for years, until the platforms were extended to the north ("for the Olympics" IIRC), there was the instruction to move forward from the rear carriages so that you got off north of the A60 road bridge. I think back in the 1980s when I first did the journey that instruction didn't exist because I distinctly remember getting off on the old disused south part of platform 1 and walking under the road bridge just as the trailing power car thundered past!
Dont cry because its over
Be happy because it happened
-A wise man
Me being a child of the late 70s early 1980s, my dad would often take me trainspotting over the old Midlands central line out of New Street Birmingham. Seeing a brand new InterCity 125 HST in it's old classic BR livery and iconic front and back engine cabs starting up it's powerful engines and hearing it swish past at full tilt on a bridge or grassy embankment was an absolute thrill back in junior high school. They remain my all time favourite train to this very day 40+ years later.
Shame I didnt travel on a midland mainline one...But this video is beautiful..Shows a fitting tribute to a HST on the MML and the last HSTs out of London. Nicely done EMR!
Up here in Scotland we are only too happy to have many of these great machines still working hard doing their job. Smooth and comfortable. Nothing better than seeing a piece of engineering stand the test of time. Brilliant engineers designed it and equally brilliant engineers still maintain and upgrade them to this day. You’ll see plenty of them up here in Scotland. I’m sure they will be here for a while yet working hard after their upgrades a few years ago.
I have worked in my current job for 20 years and if I can continue my carrer for another 26 years I can say I have worked as long as the IC125! We shoud be proud of what this country has created and how long HSTs lasted for. Cannot wait to see 43002 and 43102 together at the NRM York. IC 125 thank you for your amazing contibution for keeping this contry moving.
Is 102 not going to Shildon?
it is sorry
@@dannypaulread1023 no need to apologise mate, I was looking for clarification myself was wondering if you had heard something different. 🤣
They were always a joy to ride on, very comfortable, and very quiet in the coaches. Will never forget the first time I travelled on one. I did not feel or hear the train moving, but moving out of Paddington we were. So different to all the multiple units I had been used to . Sadly the newer trains are nowhere near as good - the underfloor traction motors on modern stock brings a lot of noise into the coach - along with the noisy air conditioning systems. Plus of course your more cramped in the new units. Loved the buffet cars on the HST - possible of course because you could walk from one end of the train to the other - something you cannot do on a lot of the new units. I did not travel that often on the railway, but when I did i always enjoyed the HST experience. I will miss them.
I remember as a child travelling to Somerset on various occasions with my Mum on the Great Western Valentas from Paddington...the holiday began when we boarded this magnificent train👍👍👍
Ever since I first saw the HST I feel in love with it, I love the shape, the feeling I get standing by one and the engine powering up when the driver gives it some when he/she powers out of the station and I will miss them and they have change the railway since the first HST rolled of the production line
Superb tribute from Team EMR.
They will always be in my heart. ❤️😔
I miss the HSTs from the Great Western Main Line. My memory of East Midlands HSTs is catching an more original Paxman VP185 powered HST, run by East Midlands Trains in 2018 from Leicester to Nottingham. It was an awesome, excellent and fun ride, and very quick! Thankfully I came down from the concourse in time to catch it. Thank you HST, I'll miss you...
as a first class season ticket holder 2008 - 2018 it felt a privilege to travel of the HST’s daily and be served by the wonderful staff of the day at my seat.
no rattling cups, comfortable seats, no underfloor engine to disturb ones thinking.
Quite a fitting and emotional video of how the HSTs have dominated the UK’s railways. Including on the Midland Main Line. Will most of them be stored and some to be preserved and some cascaded to other train operators. The Class 43 HSTs will never die.
I think 4 are being preserved including the 125 group’s one and the Sir Kenneth Grange.
Scrapped. The ones being cascaded have been already. The rest stored but eventually scrapped.
Quite happy if 4 of them have been preserved. The HSTs will never be forgotten.
@@Andrewjg_89 There are much more reliable than IETs!
@@TEBEnthusiast Indeed.
So very sad. I will never forget the excitement of seeing my first one as a child in the seventies. I still think there's a use for them on the railways.
The Australian version of the HST we call XPT here will keep on running till at least 2023
This is such a nicely put together video! And clearly a lot of people who have a passion for their jobs! Incredible stuff!!!
These high speed trains will still be in our souls for many years on if you saw them on LNER or MML we will never forget on how much excitement these trains gave us. Hst will never be forget. That last bit dose not make sense but I hope you know what I'm on about
excellent video and they were very good trains giving excellent service
What a lovely film to watch, Many thanks.
An excellent video. I designed the engine control system for the four power cars that had the Mirrlees MB190 engines in , late 80's. I traveled around with them for many months keeping an eye on my bits. Fortunately my bit kept working so I had no panics trying to fix a fault in service. I was on one that did 143mph. They had more power than the Paxmans and the drivers loved them. Mainly Padington to Bristol but I got to Newcastle on one and down to Penzants. Happy days 🙂
In many ways, the HST was what the APT wasn't--a reliable train that actually changed the commutes of many people in England. Smaller cities well away from London started to become bedroom communities because of the HST's high speed.
What a well produced video, well, documentary really. So informative and good that @EMR saw fit to do such a thing.
Can't help but be sad to think that they're gone:(
Wow that brought back memories. I was a keen trainspotter as a kid and remember going to Derby with a mate to see the prototype (if i remember right?) doing trial runs (or speed trials?). Realised watching this that I was 10 years old and trips like that were pretty normal back then for a trainspotter. How times have changed. Very sad to see them go the way of things like Deltics, Westerns, etc.
Travelled to great malvern from Paddington in 2007. Still remember these trains.
FAREWELL ROCKET OF THE RAILS Sad to see you go you deserve your place in British history with a place right next to Concorde from childhood memories to filming you when and where I could simply THANK YOU