The first and last production HST Power Cars into traffic, 43002 was delivered into service on 18 February 1976 and 43198 on 13 August 1982. Operational life was extended by Brush Traction when MTU power units were fitted, 43002 being fitted between 4 January 2008 and 6 March 2008, with 43132 going into Brush's Works between 19 January 2006 and 26 September 2008. On 18 May 2019, the Great Western Railway ran their last HST services out of London Paddington, with 43002 'Sir Kenneth Grange' and 43198 working the very last diagram, the 18:30 London Paddington to Exeter St. Davids.
Technical Specification & Detail
Finish Standard
Length 2 x 235mm
DCC Ready
Era 11 (2014 +)
Class 43 / HST / InterCity 125
Designer British Rail / Sir Kenneth Grange
Entered Service 1976 - 1982
Minimum Curve R2
Age Suitability 14+
Motor 5 Pole Skew Wound
Wheel Configuration Bo-Bo