InterCity 125 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids InterCity 125 |
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| HST Powercar 43316 at London King's Cross | |
| Power type | Diesel |
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| Build date | 1976–1982 |
| Top speed | 148 mph (238 km/h) |
| Disposition | still in service |
The InterCity 125 was the special name for British Rail's High Speed Train (HST) fleet. This train was made up of two powerful locomotives, one at each end. These locomotives pulled a set of passenger carriages in the middle. The InterCity 125 could travel very fast, reaching speeds of 125 mph (201 km/h) during its regular journeys.
British Rail first used these amazing trains on important routes. These included the Great Western Main Line, the East Coast Main Line, and the Cross Country Route. Later, they also ran on the Midland Main Line. The trains connected many big cities like London, Bristol, and Edinburgh. They traveled as far south as Penzance and as far north as Aberdeen and Inverness. In 1987, the InterCity 125 even set a world record! It became the fastest diesel-powered train ever, reaching an incredible speed of 148 mph (238 km/h). Starting in 2017, some of these classic trains began to be replaced by newer British Rail Class 800 trains.
Contents
What Makes the InterCity 125 Special?
The InterCity 125 was designed to be a fast and reliable train. It helped people travel across the United Kingdom quickly. Each train set had two power cars, one at the front and one at the back. This design meant the train did not need to turn around at the end of its journey. It could simply change direction by using the other power car.
Speed and Performance
The name "InterCity 125" came from its top operating speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). This was very fast for its time. The record-breaking speed of 148 mph (238 km/h) showed how powerful these diesel trains were. They were a big step forward for train travel in Britain.
Routes and Destinations
The InterCity 125 trains served many important cities. They connected different parts of the country.
- London: A major hub for many routes.
- Bristol: In the southwest of England.
- Edinburgh: The capital city of Scotland.
- Penzance: The very tip of Cornwall in the southwest.
- Aberdeen and Inverness: Cities in the far north of Scotland.
These trains helped millions of people travel for work and holidays.
The Legacy of the InterCity 125
The InterCity 125 trains were very popular. They were known for being comfortable and fast. They changed how people traveled long distances in Britain. Even though some are being replaced, many InterCity 125 trains are still in service today. They continue to carry passengers across the country.
A Design Icon
The look of the InterCity 125 was also very famous. Its sleek, modern design made it stand out. It became a symbol of fast and modern train travel in the UK. The designer, Sir Kenneth Grange, created a timeless look for these trains.
Gallery
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A BR HST set near Chesterfield
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A East Midlands Trains liveried HST in Leicester
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A East Coast HST at Grahamston in Scotland
More Cool Pictures
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The Blue Pullmans which were in service between 1960 and 1973, are often seen as forerunners of the HSTs.
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Class 252 prototype HST at Weston-super-Mare in 1975
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An InterCity 125 about to depart Manchester Piccadilly in 1986
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The cab fronts of three HST's at London King's Cross in 1981
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A HST set in the later InterCity livery at Leamington Spa in 1992
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InterCity 125 at London Paddington in 1988
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First Great Western HST passing Old Oak Common Train Maintenance Depot
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43002 has received vinyls of its original InterCity 125 livery to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the IC125 and named after the man that designed them, Sir Kenneth Grange.
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Highland Chieftain InterCity 125 arriving at Haymarket
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GNER liveried InterCity 125 departing King's Cross
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National Express liveried InterCity 125 in Central Scotland on the first day of National Express East Coast operations
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Grand Central InterCity 125 set departing London King's Cross with a service to Sunderland in 2011. All Grand Central Class 43 power cars had exposed front buffers due to previous use as surrogate Driving Van Trailers (DVTs).
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East Midlands Trains InterCity 125 passing a Class 222
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HST power car in CrossCountry livery at Bristol Parkway. CrossCountry operates these trains on its northeast–southwest services.
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ScotRail HST Inter7city
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The New Measurement Train speeds past the site of Clay Cross railway station in Derbyshire.
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An InterCity 125 with a Paxman Valenta engine. The Paxman Valenta engine produced a lot more noise and exhaust gases than its replacements.
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Refurbished Mark 3 coach First Class interior (First Great Western)
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A NSW TrainLink XPT at Central station, Sydney in January 2017
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