125 Heritage - InterCity 125 in Essex

23/05/2026

Don’t forget if you’re bringing little ones to look out for the colouring in! It’s on the luggage rack in first class. Please help yourselves.

Send us your pictures!

23/05/2026

Good morning! The AC is on, the drinks are chilling, the scones are in the oven. The first train departs at 11.

Check the previous posts for details of today’s event.

22/05/2026

We are all setup for tomorrow. Enjoy 23 sitting in the evening sun.

See you all in the morning.

21/05/2026

Coupling up! We’ve been setting up for Saturday where we will be doing a live demonstration of coupling and uncoupling 2 power cars. 43071 will start the day on the set and at 1pm we will swap it for 43023.

43023 is sitting looking picture perfect next to Hedingham signal box.

Check the pinned posts for more information and tickets.

20/05/2026

This Saturday! A family day out with something for everyone.

On Saturday, 23rd May, we’re running 3 power cars in one day!

🕐 Live power car change
At 1pm, there will be a live HST power car swap demonstration. Visitors will be able to watch a power car being uncoupled from the set and drawn away, after which the replacement power car will be propelled back onto the stock and coupled up. A separate HST power car will also be on static display in Platform 2.

🚂 Unlimited HST Rides
Your ticket includes unlimited travel. Hop on and sit on board all day if you like

⚙ Cab rides in power car 43082
Available on the day and bookable in the onboard buffet

Plus, all day:
- Train every 30 minutes
- Food, drinks & licensed bar onboard open all day
- Air-conditioned, open first-class seating
- Dogs welcome
- Free parking

The model rail will be open along with the signal box, the museum, and the Plotlands cottage.

👉 Book now: https://colnevalley.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/special-hst-running?date=2026-05-23

Cab rides booked in the buffet, site opens 10:30. Last train 3:30.

19/05/2026

A visual demonstration of a spirax valve. The valve uses differential air pressure to remove moisture from air systems.

18/05/2026

Don't forget, 43023 will be one of the 3 powercars used on Saturday! It will be on display for a portion of the day by Hedingham signal box, ready for pictures.

Tickets are still available for this great family day out:
https://colnevalley.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/special-hst-running?date=2026-05-23

Air-conditioned first class is available to everyone
Cab rides in 43082
Onboard buffet open all day, serving hot and cold food & drinks
Unlimited rides on the set all day

Dogs welcome, free parking, and toilets on every platform.

13/05/2026

We've been hosing around this week. 43023 sprang a small coolant leak, and we needed to keep our cool before it got worse.

It wasn't really the space to take pictures, but here are a couple to show the old versus the new. We did have to cut the old one off.

13/05/2026

Our running day is fast approaching on May 23rd!

Swapping power cars was normally confined to the depot, so we are excited to demonstrate it.

Check the details below.

09/05/2026

Running day preparations yesterday. 43023 glistening in the late afternoon sun