The Intercity High Speed Train Joins The Heritage Centre Collection.

Thanks to a generous donation by leasing company Angel Trains we are delighted to announce the arrival of HST Power Car (43018), pictured above in service near Powderham Castle, Devon as a permanent exhibit at the Crewe Heritage Centre. We would like to extend thanks to our friends at Angel Trains for this kind support.

Whilst the Heritage Centre remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are in the process of planning an ongoing restoration for the locomotive. As we prepare for reopening we are researching a detailed history of the fleet of 197 locomotives that were constructed by British Rail here in Crewe between August 1976 and September 1982. The history and other information will be on display with the locomotive itself.

Since entering service the HST’s have become a common sight all over the country, having originally been developed as a low-cost stopgap whilst the Advanced Passenger Train (APT) was still in development. However the HST proved itself to be far more than a stopgap, running for 44 years with most of the fleet still in service even today.

Did You Know?

• On November 1st 1987 the InterCity HST recorded a speed of 239 km/h (148.5mph), making it the fastest diesel train in the world, a record that still stands to this day.

• HST number 43 081 built in October 1978 was the 8000th locomotive to be built at Crewe Works.

• Australian company Comeng built 19 Power Cars under licence in Australia, these were introduced from 1982 as the XPT (Express Passenger Train) and are still in service today.

Cover and in service photo generously provided by G J Barnard