Inter City 125 / HST

[Rich1973]

Just thought I would start a thread, as the new railway timetable on Sunday will mark the end of HST services into London.
After 40+ years of being the top express train from Paddington, Kings Cross and St Pancras to destinations all over the country, it will only be left on cross country, some GWR services and Scotrail.
Services from Paddington & Kings Cross stopped a while ago, very soon to be followed by St Pancras
.
It is testament to their brilliant design that they continue to provide fast and reliable service and are expected to do so until they are at least 50 years old.

I have travelled to London twice in the last fortnight by HST, with today likely marking the last time I will do so.
Here is a picture from Yesterday with 43102 waiting to depart Alfreton to St Pancras.

[Rich1973]

This picture was taken this evening on the return to Leeds. Again at Alfreton in the twilight.

[Rich1973]

Just been back to Alfreton to photograph the last ever weekday HST departure from this station direct to London.
Not only are the HSTs going but Alfreton loses its direct London service.
Pity the driver stopped so far forward so couldn't get the same shot as before.

[Rich1973]

Another trip to Alfreton this morning for the last day of Midland Mainline HSTs.
Both sets out.
Red set was first followed by the 'celebrity' set.
Good turn out to mark the occasion.

[Rich1973]

EMR are no longer using them in passenger service but cross country, scotrail and GWR are. It might have been a cross country service you saw. EMR had one purple power car. 43274.

Edited by Rich1973 on Monday 14th June 22:13

[Rich1973]

I still have delusions of youth so can I have a girl in running gear leaning out the cab of a hst...