Farewell to a Legend: The End of the Intercity 125 Era

 

Intercity 125
GWR HST at Teignmouth 2023


I know, I know - I promise I wouldn’t turn this into a 24/7 railway blog! But sometimes, a piece of history is so intertwined with your own life that you simply have to pay your respects. Today, I’m saying a final, fond farewell to a true icon of the tracks: the British Rail Class 43 HST, better known to most of us as the Intercity 125.

A Soundtrack to My Youth

If I had to describe my early years in one sound, it would be "the scream."

While I didn't grow up in the city itself, Cardiff was a massive part of my life. I spent so much time there shopping with my Mum before catching my train back up the valleys to Pentrebach. Those HST engines were the constant backdrop to our trips. I remember being a small child and hearing that unmistakable roar echoing out of Cardiff Central.

Even when I wasn't at the station, the sound followed me. I’d be at my auntie and uncle’s house in Fairwater, and you’d hear them screaming past on the main line. It wasn't just at home, either; on family holidays to Devon, I can still vividly recall them thundering out of Paignton station. That original Paxman Valenta engine was an absolute beast, there’s really no other way to put it. It didn't just move; it announced its presence to the entire county.

Memories of '93

While I’ve watched them from afar for years, the highlight will always be the time I actually stepped on board. It was 1993, and I was traveling to London for a few days with my mum and sister.

I remember that journey very, very well. There was something special about the way an HST felt, the speed, the power and that feeling that you were truly traveling. It’s a piece of my childhood that I'll never forget, and I’m so glad my own kids got to see them in action before they began to disappear.

The End of the Line

It’s a bit bittersweet to think that, other than a few remaining sets in Scotland, these legends are now largely a thing of the past on our regular networks.

I’ve been busy lately trying to capture what’s left with my phone camera of the CrossCountry sets and the GWR Castle sets while I still had the chance. It feels like documenting the end of an era.

I’m holding out hope that I might get lucky and spot a "special" or a railtour while I’m in Cardiff next, but if not, I’m just happy I was there to hear the scream one last time.

Goodbye, old friend. The rails won't sound the same without you.

Did you ever travel on an Intercity 125? Or maybe you remember the "scream" from your own local station? Let me know in the comments!


Intercity 125
GWR HST at Dawlish 2023

Intercity 125
GWR HST at Teignmouth

Location: Devon, UK

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