HST 'Castle' at Shrub Hill.

[TimBrown]

Many GWR 'Castle' sets have been withdrawn and put into storage with the whole batch due to be withdrawn at any time now, it was an unexpected bonus to photograph 43029 'Caldicot Castle' and 43155 'Rougemont Castle' at Shrub Hill today, Saturday 14 October 2023, working the Bristol to Worcester Foregate Street service.
43155 in 'work-worn' condition is seen leading the rather less than clean train as it arrives at 09-20 from Bristol.

The return working to Bristol at 09-56 was with 43029 leading.

[MattW]

They all seem to be off to Mexico!

[TimBrown]

They all seem to be off to Mexico!

Yes, at least one already in the Mexican livery. Amazing length of service from the HSTs; entered service in 1976 and 1977, that's nearly 47 years hammering around the country. The CrossCountry sets were withdrawn a couple of weeks ago and still working the 520 mile Edinburgh to Plymouth services right until the end. My very first ride when the HST's were brand new did Paddington to Swindon 77 miles non-stop in 48 minutes, approx.
96 MPH start to stop average, and I recorded a 26 second mile, around 133/135 MPH at which point the Mark III coach had just a hint of a roll in the riding quality. It was rumoured at the time that some HST's reached 140 MPH in service, and I believe a specially shortened set still holds the world speed record for diesel trains at 144 MPH achieved many years ago on the East Coast main line. A legend in their own lifetime!

[MattW]

To the best of my knowledge the 140mph in service is correct!

The difference between the Mk4 coach and the GWR 800s is like night and day - if I have to come back to Worcester on the train now I try and catch a Voyager for some of the way, and that's saying something!

[MattW]

To the best of my knowledge the 140mph in service is correct!

The difference between the Mk4 coach and the GWR 800s is like night and day - if I have to come back to Worcester on the train now I try and catch a Voyager for some of the way, and that's saying something!

[TimBrown]

Yesterday, Monday 30 September 2024, a de-branded HST 'Castle' set with 43094 and 43122 passed through Worcester Shrub Hill platform one en route from Plymouth Laira depot to the Severn Valley Railway, presumably to take part in their Autumn Diesel Bash from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October 2024.

[MattW]

As today, I often walk the dog down by Par station in the afternoons. Between 4pm and 5 there are two westbound Castle departures - to hear them start away up the slight slope towards Carlyon Bay still sounds great, even after all these years. I don't suppose they will be around that much longer.