The Last LNER InterCity 125 HST

Following on from the last HST passenger service, LNER ran a special railtour taking a Class 43/HST set from Scotland down to London over the course of four days. We hopped on board for the last leg between Peterborough and King's Cross on Saturday 21st December.
Thanks to everyone we spoke to onboard, and to LNER of course for organising the event and inviting us along!
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[@clnre]

My HST memory: after our wedding my wife and I travelled on an HST on the first leg of our honeymoon from Bristol Parkway to Paddington and the guard congratulated us on the train's intercom. That was nearly 40 years ago, we celebrate our ruby wedding anniversary next month!

[@PC_MCQ95]

Congratulations

[@smac4749]

Scotrail have just introduced a fleet of refurbished HST’s to their network for anyone who wants a quick HST fix!

[@michaelocyoung]

And XC have just bought two power cars today. Also GWR still run the Castle Class.

[@Ranalol]

GWR still have some in the south west I went on one between Taunton and Cardiff in December

[@GrumpyFrogProduction]

or pop down to Australia

[@DavidShepheard]

"Refurbished HSTs"? Have Scotrail fixed them, so they don't drop poop out of the bottom? I feel so sorry for the engineers who have to put up with getting covered in human poop when they check the bottom of the train to make sure it's safe.

[@johnmccallum8512]

David NO they have not and the despite all the promises that Scot Rail have given it wont be until 2023 before they do. Although Scot Rail have now lost the contract.

[@babettesfeast6347]

Darlington to York on the HST in the early 80’s, so stylish and graceful- it was a special occasion to travel on such a spectacular train

[@Karlinski73]

I know it has been said before on social and whathaveyou but it needs saying again. The paint job on that old girl for its last waltz. Simply superb.

[@chrishewitt4220]

And just like that, another icon of my childhood fades into memory! Loved the 125, many an hour spent on board between King's Cross and Aberdeen.

[@jayzo]

I find it kinda surreal that one day I'm gonna see the HST on preserved railways.

[@lekoro1]

they need to put the old engines in though, when i was young we used to go down to me grandmas on the train and I really liked the sound of the HSTs because they sounded like jet engines (it was actually a dirty great turbo spooling up)

[@MrJimheeren]

@@lekoro1 you want the crew of an preserve group to put the old, dirtier, worse engine in just for the bloody sound. It’s a miracle enough if they can keep one of these beasts going. It’s not like there are so many spare parts around

[@meltrain]

In The Netherlands we had a farewell tour for the oldest double decker trains on Sunday 15th December.

[@stevenjlovelace]

Glad I'm not the only American who's a British train enthusiast. One day I want to go to London and try the Tube Challenge.

[@geoffreyhansen8543]

I'm an Australian and I find the British and American railways interesting.

[@emporioalnino4670]

@@geoffreyhansen8543 me too, melbournes trains are boring

[@janmelantu7490]

It was absolutely wild hearing such a familiar accent on this channel

[@chasc2389]

I served my electrical apprenticeship at Laira Depot, Plymouth in the early 1980s and worked on many sets based there. They were and remain awesome examples of classic engineering. To walk through the engine compartment, then the radiator compartment when a power car was at full revs was an elemental experience. The design was in most areas logical and with safety and servicing in mind. Superb.

[@Martindyna]

You may find the documentary about the Aussie XPT (power cars are based on the IC125) interesting, here on KZbin - search `xpt by comeng'

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I first saw an intercity 125 at Birmingham New Street in the 1970's. The old hand driver invited me and my brother to have a look in the cab, which made my day. Back on the platform I commented to my brother "I'm going to drive these one day"...he laughed. This year is my 28th on the railway, 27 of them on HST's. Trust me, if you've never been lucky enough to go in the front of one, I feel for you.Best train ever.

[@paleriksson3345]

A very emotional and fun video. Can´t imagine anywhere else than in the UK, where a commercial railway company would repaint an old train that´s retiring, and making a 4 day tour. Hail to LNER, the British trainspotters and most certainly the makers of this film!

[@c0rtikoZteroids1]

Geoff and Vicki, your work brings joy to so many people. Please continue to share your experiences with us!

[@robbybobbyhobbies]

I was nine when they were introduced, so for me a “fast” train has always been identified as a “125” in my mind. Now in the scheduled-passenger-train-free province of British Columbia. Thanks for sharing this end of an era event with us.

[@geoffcook1446]

Great video Geoff & Vicki. I loved the interview with Gideon, as you sped through Stevenage! I was on the platform at Stevenage on March 20th 1978 when the first up Intercity 125 service stopped there on the 1500 Edinburgh - Kings Cross. The photo I took that evening was published in Dave Percival's book " Kings Cross Lineside 1958-1984". I was also instrumental in getting power car 43162 named Borough of Stevenage, which happened on March 21st 1984! Hard to believe they have been retired from front line service, but has it really been 41 years? Your video brought a tear to my eye!

[@thefareplayer2254]

Gideon is the BEST!

[@canyontiger4022]

As an American, I can confirm, that if you like railways outside of America it is considered weird. However, there is a large group of us that appreciate trains outside ‘the states’. I’m saddened to see this era of British railroading come to an end. FYI, the Class 90 is my favorite locomotive. I’ll be sad to see them retire as well. Amazing footage as always! Seeing your videos bring a massive smile to my face.

[@Slaithyte]

The class 91 is my favourite, the IC225

[@harrierjames7727]

Can't believe Geoff said "let's do this all again" and not "let's go round again" on the outtake!

[@317Dan]

Hey Geoff! It was great to meet you at Kings Cross (I'm the guy who asked about the KZbin jumpers lol). It was such a great day; never had a day out where the staff at all locations have been so kind & helpful. Thanks for uploading :)

[@joeseff8126]

I lived in London as an exchange student in 1984. I remember the Intercity 125 trains. Loved living there.

[@johnlochness]

I got a train set for Christmas of a 125 set when I was a kid and they were launched. Still got it.

[@davidprice6994]

1979 was the first time i traveled on one of those .classic colours and will miss them loads.thanks for covering the event.

[@hullhistorynerd]

I'm so going to miss those old trains. They came out when I was only little and I remember the sound of the original Paxman Valenta engines as they screamed out of the station terrifying and exciting me! These were the train of my generation. Wish I'd got to see this in its original livery!

[@radders261]

What amazes me is the fact that steams trains ran just 10 years to the launce of the HST!

[@MontytheHorse]

This was THE Railtour of 2019. I did Days 1 & 2 (no camping, sorry, Vicki) and did nearly step on the OO line in Coach B at one point! :-) Thanks to LNER for a great tour.

[@steveamurray59]

Here in Sydney, we still have them albeit a little different but still running, we call them XPT Express Passenger Train.

[@johnbouttell5827]

Sir Kenneth Henry Grange was responsible for the aerodynamics, interior layout and exterior styling of the nose cone of the InterCity 125.

[@Jess_Jenk]

The hsts are still used by GWR as shorter castle sets. They mainly go from Cardiff to Penzance. Fab video guys, hope your well and safe xxx💕💕💕🚂🚂

[@Jules_Diplopia]

The train of my lifetime. 44 years of service. I was 18 when they were introduced. Amazing that they kept going for so many years.

[@kdean9537]

Hi Geoff & Vicki wonderful video! Loved Matt's cute miniature train set 🚄 😊 ...take care!

[@Harvy500]

My grandfather Mr William (Bill) Kerr was one of a very few test/development driver's. I've got a picture of him stood in front of one of the prototypes. What a man. I miss him every day.

[@mattjackson9859]

All considering, they've aged well - they don't look like a 40+ year old design!

[@simongleaden2864]

They still look modern, up-to-date even.

[@dronespace]

They're great trains

[@YorksLancsTransportHub]

Yeah they look newer than the Intercity 225

[@Spacebug111]

@@YorksLancsTransportHub Look at the top, the IC225 are electric but the HST is still way better

[@caturlifelive]

agreed

[@Joe-og6br]

Many great memories of late night 125 journeys on Didcot to Bristol. Miss slam doors. Poking my head out of the window, rather stupidly as a teenager whilst it was going full speed.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

It's cool they repainted the train as a nice sendoff. Had a good run

[@simongleaden2864]

Did they modify the brakes and ventilation so that you get that "lovely" smell when the brakes are put on hard?

[@sadiqmohamed681]

Great video. Made me feel old. I was in my 20s when these first appeared. Over the years I've been to York, Bristol, and many times to Leicester on HST's. I have the same BVE TrainSim that the young guy at 06:30 mentioned. I have the HST Western Region route, and the Northern Line. Haven't run it for some time, but I plan to download the latest version and have a go. It has the authentic Velenta spooling up sound! My most memorable HST moment was travelling north to Leicester, when the train was redirected onto the Up Fast past some track work. It then switched back and a few block sections later, one went past in the other direction! Both were going at full chat, so it was interesting to think about the signalling and points work need to keep us all safe.

[@brumsgrub8633]

Exactly why I like trains, this video sums it up. Them trains mean good memories, whenever I stepped on one it meant something good was happening, mainly following Birmingham city around the country and having brilliant days out. If you know you just know. Great video.

[@rolandharmer6402]

Thanks for posting. In the mid 70s I remember travelling on the prototype when it was in service from Paddington to Bristol. It was painted a sort of reversed BR blue and grey livery and looked a bit odd and very different to all the loco hauled trains of the time. At every platform and every bridge people were watching it go by. It was the future and very exciting! The production HSTs with their stylish cabs designed by Ken Grange really caught the public’s imagination.

[@joannegray5138]

That brought back memories of family holidays to my grandparents in Kent in the 70s and 80s. The York to King's Cross leg of the journey pulled by a 125, the old blue and yellow livery, my father pointing out to me that we were travelling at two miles a minute, and the family dog sitting serenly under the table that was just big enough for my colouring book and a flask of tea and a Tupperware box of corned beef sandwiches (no expensive buffet car for us).

[@wilfbm9067]

Love that the t guage hst was technically travelling at about 125mph so it's the fastest and smallest model hst 😂

[@OskarOH]

5:53 I flew into London, from Stockholm, just to see the arrival into (and departure from) King's Cross. At least he rode the train.

[@oliverbrelsford5472]

Minor correction there Geoff, when the HSTs go on the Midland Mainline, GWR will still have some short formation sets for use in the West Country (4 carriages) and CrossCountry will still have a limited number. (I STILL cannot work out why they are not used on the longest train journey. WHY do they not use more comfortable trains on longer routes?Also, anyone brave enough to travel THIRTEEN HOURS on a VOYAGER in the name of research deserves a medal.)

[@paulhigbee3311]

My favourite memory on HST125: In the buffet car, 3 off us. York to London non stop. All off a sudden a cry goes up "I wanted to get off here, sob, sob, sob" as we sped through Rugby Station at 100mph plus. Unforgettable.

[@barryprice9962]

What a good day it was and yes a lot of people and a lot of love for the HST. Was also vary nice to meet you both what nice people you are so thank you.

[@Foolishoverlord]

Lovely video again. Always just takes me away from the world for a bit. But into another world of Trains that I use daily but seldom really see. I never got the chance to ride a 125 but remember seeing them as a kid and thinking How amazing they looked. Thanks for the insight into what the train was like and the people who enjoyed using them!

[@ninjagoggles]

I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! I've never even been on one!! Thank you!!!

[@Jeagles]

Nice seeing you at Kings Cross Geoff! Great day out.

[@SmallWonda]

To think I've actually lived thru' AN ERA! Was so excited when they were developing the 125s and I was able to take them from Paddington to Devon back in the mid - late '70s - Nice one Geoff & Vicky - great to see such a turn out - I was looking at some footage of the last HST coming into Exeter & there were no flags let alone red carpets & paparazzi 😕 Happy travels... 😎👍🦘🐾🚄

[@Ed_Gilbert]

Took almost a month to come out! I remember meeting you at Kings X. I was the person who took a picture with you both in the black coat! It was a lovely time there. What a great after party to end an era.

[@OlafProt]

Geoff you are the luckiest man on earth. Vicki is a train fan and so funky!

[@amfwelsh]

Superb upLoad. I’m in love with your ident music

[@ZacharyUKTransport]

I was here and saw both of you there & it is sad to see the HST leave the ECML. Also I was in a black coat with straps. It was also nice to meet you both.

[@edwardsmith8679]

I’ve waited for this so long

[@digswelljourneys6461]

Thank you very much for making the video

[@AllTheStations]

Sir Kenneth GRANGE, oops! Also "Edinburgh". as you were ... :-D

[@steady_94]

Was gonna say 😂 I thought "Edinburugh" was a mockery of how a Scot might say it 😁 Excellent video and highly anticipated

[@EastMidlandsTrainspotting]

Geoff I know that the LNER HSTs are going to St Pancras on the Midland Mainline for about a year or so hope this has let you know something

[@AndrewG1989]

TrainMidDom Transport, gaming and more Absolutely. Before it is to be replaced by the Class 804 IETs.

[@Martindyna]

Perhaps Geoff is a fan of ‘Are you being served?’ ref Mr. Granger lol

[@BarneyLeith]

The HST was a great work of British engineering. Wonderful trains, which I used mostly on the Great Western main line between Paddington & Didcot Parkway in years gone by. Sad to see them go from frontline service.

[@thestationinspector]

Yes i've been waiting for this!

[@Frecciarossa-wk1rk]

Very beautiful video. I love the Intercity 125, I have seen one of that in scotland in 2019. I hope to get back in Scotland as soon as possible to see another one of that. Greetings from Italy. Carlo.

[@kiwitrains]

Excellent you two

[@robertp.wainman4094]

That livery sure looks classier than most of the current UK offerings.

[@epender]

I'm sure this specific unit was painted in its classic colours, LNER trains are usually red.

[@andygordon9947]

Geoff and Vicky..we mustn’t forget all the HSTs that are still serving All Stations in Scotland and still so very comfortable to travel and sit on..unlike the seats on the new Azuma trains, where you have to carry a cushion to sit on..I think they have got to sort that one out very soon..I just love all your programs..good luck to both of you..

[@LNER_TRAINS22543]

Fantastic video HST LNER no more been amazing working with these

[@kellyphillips6656]

Guys I love your videos. I watch all of your productions. I love trains I love the London underground . Keep going and never stop. 👍♥️.

[@theovanstaden5766]

Look like Everyone enjoyed themeselves on this trip, Great video!!

[@darrenchantler2562]

Proper colours...even had this as a HO model train

[@AnimatedIsaac]

Saw you both at Peterborough but didn’t get a chance to say hi- glad you had such a great time!!

[@briansr.5219]

I was on board the final day run from Plymouth to Paddington of the HST. Memorable morning all round !

[@100SteveB]

Sad to see them go. But hats off to BR for building such a great train that lasted so long. Still in my view one of the most comfortable trains i ever traveled on, and nice and quiet - noisy bits at each end, quiet coaches in the middle, none of the noise of traction motors being fitted to each coach. Just a shame we don't build our own trains anymore - i bet they won't be getting 40+ years service out of the modern replacements.

[@user-zw5ye3mg4m]

连西朝鲜都想分一杯羹

[@whyyoulidl]

I got the email invite to attend but alas, prior arrangements (blah, blah, blah....) Thanks for sharing. You both bring out my inner geek - and long may this continue :-)

[@paulyh4531]

As I'm similar age to you Geoff I rem when they first came out these trains. Good vid as usual.

[@gileslawrence1168]

I saw this in Grantham Station on the same day, as I was traveling from Peterborough to Nottingham... Platform was packed..... Was also on the LAST one in public service out of King's Cross on 15th December as well, from King's Cross to Peterborough... Emotional day, having grown up with these beasts....

[@LowBudgetKiwi]

I remember my first time setting foot on one of these as a kid back in 82. Was expecting the usual Class 86 or 37 but one of these was waiting at the platform. Damn near pulled my grandmothers arm out her socket trying to get to it :)

[@SaturnCanuck]

Thanks for this guys. I know, I'm Canadian, but I was in England in 1978 (visiting Nan and Grandad) and I remember these lovely trains whizzing by as we waited for slower trains to take us places. I still can remember the distinctive sound and "crack" as they went past. Thanks for this. Brought back a lot of memories. :)

[@johnstilljohn3181]

Brilliant...! In 1978, Mum paid a huge amount to take three of us from King's Cross to York for the day on the HST. Still remember that...

[@sianwarwick633]

This is great. A stellar train service

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

BR blue HST. Oh the memories over 40 years. Thank and goodbye 👋😥

[@tomgruitt6563]

I’m glad we still have them in the West Country.

[@mrmister0484]

i was at kings cross for it. i even managed to get into the cab! great video Geoff

[@UKTransportVideos82]

Excellent video I seen this train at Newcastle last month

[@davidfewtrell3479]

I was 10 with a dad who worked on the railways at Chester as an engineer at the time this came into service. He used to take me to work sometimes and it was pretty great hanging round the engine shed - it wouldn't happen these days of course. I remember the HST coming into service and I was pretty obsessed with it. It looked like the future and to be honest the design still looks pretty modern if you ask me.

[@babywolf1]

brilliant vlog but I feel so old now as these trains came out when I was 6 and yes I remember them.

[@mikenkatechandler5243]

AHH Progress ... What a sad sight. Glad the 125 Group has managed to get some We have seen so much old rolling stock got too scrap here in Western Australia Nice Job Great video work

[@chrisfleming4756]

Its an absolute heartbreaker that the HST is going from the east coast ...luckily i can still travel on them here in scotland but going south i will miss them ...i went Avanti West coast to london last week and i hate the pendolino and their first class food is rank rotten ... i came back on the east coast on the new 800 and i hate that too ..seats are uncomfortable and the ride is shockingly bad ..almost as bad as the 385s we have here on scotrail .....i hope they preserve the IC125 so people can still ride them ...i was on the first 125 to go to aberdeen when i was 8 and i loved it ...even though it was speed restricted and the class 37 i got back was actually faster ....but R.I.P the classic ..legendary...mindbogglingly brilliant HST

[@hughrobertwright]

I was on the train for that trip, Leeds to Kings X, great video!

[@GamingRobioto]

My first trainset was a Hornby version of the 125 in this livery. Got me into loving trains and I have a weird nostalgic connection to these trains and will miss them

[@quarryfield]

Fantastic video, iconic train, lovely people....what more could anyone want? Thank you :-)

[@profesitter-rohl4159]

I remember seeing them as well as the 252 and APT-E in there early days at York when I was a nipper. Never thought I would be nostalgic for them.

[@andyhill242]

Pity they weren't 2 Valenta Powercars!

[@HSMiyamoto]

The old BR colors were so handsome. Fond memories of visiting Britain in 1984.

[@jf840fourtheloveoftransport]

and it was great to see you on that day

[@HSMiyamoto]

Let's all remember just 40 years ago, very authoritative men were invited to television news shows to declare without contradiction that passenger trains are "doomed" and funding them was "a waste of money" and effort. The high speed train had the last word.

[@srgntsylveon2919]

It was nice meeting you that day

[@mylesrichardson2087]

The Azuma has no gravitas,Classed all the HSTs in 1987...Jesus I feel old,Great Video ,as always.

[@saintuk70]

As much as I perhaps think it's funny Scotrail have scooped these up..... I'm so glad they have! Scotrail Classic - I've been an HST fan since first stepping aboard in 1977 at Waverly Depot Open Day in Edinburgh. I still turn and smile as I see one of these trains enter a station. Oh, come to Scotland and do all the classic Inter-City runs :)

[@TheLondonguy]

Great video

[@newworldorder4728]

A truly beautiful train...

[@LukeAlfordUKsteam]

So great that they were supporting charity instead of taking all the profit. And so sad that the hsts are gone

[@EdwardMason9000]

Nice seeing you at Peterborough folks. My right sleeve just made it into the video at 02:50! 😅

[@class444swr3]

‘After that we will be in a HST free world’ CrossCountry: I’m about to end this mans whole career

[@nickhiscock8948]

Except for a another 3 years operations with NSW Trainlink in Australia

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

ScotRail: *laughs in planning to keep them until 2030*

[@MrLawnmower72]

great video so sad to see the hst go

[@nathantew946]

I was on the platform at king cross went the train came in. Very emotional moment!

[@will13333]

I’ll miss them, just like everyone probably!

[@divarachelenvy]

bloody love your videos..