[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text content_last_edited=”off|phone” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Image from a postcard by Derby Evening Telegraph 1980

The city of Derby, a place intertwined with Britain’s rich railway heritage. One of the most iconic products of this legacy is the Intercity 125 train, a high-speed rail icon designed by Sir Kenneth Grange and built at the British Rail Engineering Limited’s (BREL) Derby Litchurch Lane Works for British Rail during the 1970s.

Birth of an Icon:
The Intercity 125, also known as the High-Speed Train (HST), was a groundbreaking venture for British Rail. The quest for a high-speed, reliable, and comfortable train to modernize the UK’s rail network led to the creation of this engineering marvel. The project saw the light of day at Derby’s historic Litchurch Lane Works, which had been a cornerstone of the British railway industry since the 19th century.

Technical Prowess:
The Intercity 125 is powered by two Class 43 diesel-electric locomotives, one at each end of a fixed formation of Mark 3 carriages. With a top speed of 125 mph, it was the fastest diesel-powered train in the world at the time, showcasing the prowess of British engineering. The train’s design was aimed at providing a smooth and comfortable ride, with features such as air suspension to ensure passenger comfort.

Legacy and Impact:
The Intercity 125 transformed rail travel in the UK, reducing journey times significantly and setting new standards for comfort and speed. It became the backbone of British Rail’s long-distance services and gained a special place in the hearts of the public. The trains continued in service for over four decades, a testament to the quality of design and construction achieved at Derby.

Preservation and Continued Use:
Even after the advent of newer and faster trains, the legacy of the Intercity 125 continues. Several units have been preserved by heritage railways, while others have been refurbished and continue in service with operators such as ScotRail and Great Western Railway. The HST’s design has proven to be enduring and adaptable, ensuring it remains a significant part of Britain’s rail landscape.

The Intercity 125 is more than just a train; it’s a symbol of a proud era in British rail engineering. The fact that it was built in Derby, a city with a rich railway heritage, adds a poetic essence to the tale of the Intercity 125. The story of this remarkable train is a captivating chapter in the annals of British Rail, reflecting the nation’s industrial spirit and engineering ingenuity.

 
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