Rail enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the world record breaking InterCity 125 alongside heritage diesel railcars this November.
The best-selling Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Gala is returning to East Lancashire Railway this November – and the lineup is its best yet.
The event will be paying tribute to the post-Beeching era of British Rail in the 1970s and 80s, throughout which DMUs carried out operations across the northwest and led the daily commute to major cities.
The iconic High Speed Train holds the world record for the fastest diesel train, reaching a speed of 148 mph in 1987.
The InterCity 125 reversed the fortunes of British Rail in the late 1970s, and featured on most long-distance routes and many inter-city services to and from London.
Easily identifiable by the streamlined iconic ‘cone shape’ designed by Sir Kenneth Grange, enthusiasts will get the opportunity to ride the High Speed Train as it is welcomed to East Lancashire Railway for the first time.
Arriving from Derby on 8th November, these iconic locomotives will bring passengers to the much anticipated event, and will be available to ride along the East Lancashire Railway throughout the weekend.
Alongside the visit from the two Class 43 Power Cars (43089 / 43159), courtesy of the 125 Group, other locomotives and DMUs will operate:
Class 40, 40012 ‘Aureol’
Class 50, 50015 ‘Valiant’
Class 104
Class 105 ‘Cravens’
Class 122 ‘Bubblecar’
Class 144 ‘Pacer’ as featured in the TV series ‘Sherwood’
Mike Kelly, Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, said: “We are always looking to widen the range of guest locomotives visiting the East Lancs Railway that will appeal to a wide range of young and older enthusiasts. Our annual Diesel Multiple Unit Gala, this year, shines a light on DMUs, which are often overlooked as the support act.
“This year, courtesy of our friends at the 125 Group, we are excited to welcome the iconic InterCity 125 – also known as the ‘Journey Shrinker’. Who could forget those early adverts promoting the groundbreaking features of the 125 – check these out on YouTube.
“The opportunity to ride on board a world record breaking train is thrilling to any train enthusiast, and we expect tickets to be sold out for the event.”
Secure tickets for the gala that is taking place 9th-10th November here. Information, including timetables, allocations and ticketing is available on the East Lancashire Railway website. The opportunity to ride the InterCity 125 from Derby to East Lancashire Railway is separate from ELR and available from the 125 Group website.
