Valenta HST! WARNING 60 minutes of neighbour annoying thrash!

The title say's it all, an hours worth of Valenta HST screaming action. A collection of First Great Western, Intercity and Virgin Cross Country sets filmed from the early 1990's to around 2007/08 when Class 43's were starting to be re-engined with MTU engines. Nostolgia at it's finest as many of these sets are now making their way to various scrap yards around the country as no further use for many of these sets can be seen due to the ageing nature of the rolling stock. Designed and built by British Rail in the 1970's the High Speed Trains (HST's) or most noteably known as the Intercity 125 are seen as the saviour of the railways in Britian, and hold the fastest ever diesel train record. This collection focuses on those with the Paxman Valenta 2250hp engine, which certainly made many enthusiasts turn their heads and fall in love with what is a fantastic train. All of these shot's are in the West and North West of England and Wales, whereas many other operators ran Valenta sets, along with all the opertators that do today with their new engines and upgraded stock to keep up to regulations.

[@Roadwarrior92]

I have so much respect for the Hst 125. Especially for the valenta, as a kid it terrified me. But It always intrigued me too. Brilliant video

[@MrThrash37]

You and me both! Thanks for watching!

[@liamneal6972]

It was always the rear car I covered my ears for as a kid lol

[@matty99]

@@liamneal6972agreed, it was so loud almost painful.

[@simonpegler9942]

Same!😊

[@simonpegler9942]

I miss it ! Not the same now!

[@martinhughes8500]

I worked at Paxman's just as the Valenta engines were coming into production. I worked in the test shop, usually on Venturas and the like. We used to test these in the open shop usually with only a gauze over the turbocharger intake. The "scream" was a daily feature of working life. In fact it was very useful for highlighting small variations in the load applied by the dynamometer. Test cells were built for the Valentas because they were even noisier. I did observe whilst alongside a Valenta on full load that the head stud nuts bridging adjacent cylinders waggled as the heads pulsated due to the firing pressures. I really appreciate these recordings as it takes me back to a time I enjoyed. Thanks

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks Martin, a great story.. although it does sound like a story of hearing loss! an enjoyable one at that though..

[@AirTaxiA370]

It does have a paxman engine so probably

[@ChangesOneTim]

Ha! Hope they issued you with good ear defenders! IIRC it was originally intended to rate the Valentas at 2500HP for the HST, so maybe those tests you observed led to the decision to limit them to 2250HP. Blown head gaskets and "leg out the bed" breakdowns were known to occur over the years! Tbf though, most engine shutdowns were overheat owing to cooling system failure.

[@lewis72]

Sound quality for clip at 23:44 is excellent. I am listening to this through a set of TDL RTL3s quite loudly and the sound is very authentic. I can feel the sound in my ribs !

[@shad3thehunter989]

I'm so glad that this video exists because I never got the chance to see one of these mighty engines. I just love how you can hear the pure roar of power and how the Valenta HST is given the respect that it truly deserves

[@robertbruce7686]

Sorry you missed out. As the Val powered 125 train departed your had double whammy of lead power unit scream followed by by the trailing power unit screaming in unison. Never grew out of awe for these units.

[@richardpike1387]

Aaaahhhh perfect. just how a HST should sound. Very nice montage of Valentas and the odd VP185 thrown in for good measure 👍. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrThrash37]

Thank you very much!

[@seansands424]

Now we got crappy Hitachi trains

[@matthewperks7204]

Reminds me of my childhood at York station the 125’s screaming out of there with the Valenta engines, loved every minute of it

[@ChangesOneTim]

On full power and from some distance away, the Valenta sounded to me like the Hoover Twin Tub spin-dryer😄. Good to see reminders of old-school driving technique too(!). In the final years of Valenta HSTs, local councils, H&S inspectors and then TOCs got serious about noise and smoke emissions. Great Western ended up with restrictions imposed at many stations (local councils threatened enforcement action at Paddington, Penzance and a couple of other places) and FGW banned the use of full power when starting away from any station until the rear power had cleared the platform.Happy days.

[@paulausten4656]

Superb! Nostalgic for Exeter St David's in the early 2000s, especially when staying at the Great Western Hotel!

[@dukedepommefrite]

The sound reminds me of standing on Peterborough station watching my Gran’s train leave after she had visited. I lived in Peterborough and she lived in Nottingham. I always had to cover my ears!

[@tommy99967]

I loved going out to wait for the HST's to come by, i used to go on malvern link common when i was a kid, they had valenta engines back then around 1995-2000, used to hear the screech when they left the station.

[@MrThrash37]

Nice one Tom, they sounded great I remember that time too!

[@DrMogilus]

I'm just so glad I've found this. What a daymaker. Thank you

[@MrThrash37]

My pleasure, thanks for watching Victor.

[@doublediesel1445]

The Valenta sings music to my ears Brilliant video's 👍

[@MrThrash37]

I agree, they’re great sounding and oh how I miss them.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Great compilation......best sounding engine ever fitted to the 125.

[@thewhiteroom23]

Fantastic footage with great sound. Really enjoyed that!

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching and the kind comments.

[@victor-uranium]

So many memories, excellent video.

[@BoomTrainspots]

My neighbours are going to be so annoyed by the end of this😂.

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching Boom! Don’t annoy them too much!

[@BoomTrainspots]

Too late, they’re fuming❗️😂

[@BoomTrainspots]

@SpeedbirdConcorde I live in a detached house, so I wouldn’t hear the banging😂🤣

[@spankflaps1365]

The Valenta HST’s were the railway’s Cossie Turbo of the 80s.

[@stuartshaw6904]

I remember standing on the end of the platform at plymouth watching the intercity swallow livery hsts scream out of the station, what a sound it was, thanks for the nostalga.

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching Stuart, its nice to look back!

[@yoville73]

“60 minutes of neighbour annoying thrash” more like 60 awesome minutes of a proper British diesel train at work! Paxman Valenta HST’s just sound so awesome!

[@MrThrash37]

They certainly do, thanks for watching!

[@OlafProt]

I wrote to The Chairman of BR in 1979, and long story short got a sent 1st class ticket from Dorking to Reading for me aged 7 and my mum to go and trainspot for the day. This was the heyday of the HST and it was just amazing. Endless HST scream (and loads more). Sadly back then we didnt own a camera so no photos! Why did they get rid of the Valenta engines? Rich home owners complaining about the noise?

[@boyfromblackstuff7859]

Excellent,bringsback good memories of happier days! Thanks for posting.

[@frostycola42]

All the old liverys

[@MrThrash37]

I wish there were some more GNER footage as I love that livery. Thanks for watching Frosty Cola.

[@tattoo1084]

Great footage mate of the 43's, well put together, didnt know they had up to 2250bhp! Cheers.👍

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks David, I was shocked at that much too but does explain their rather fast acceleration.

[@wharris302]

@@MrThrash37 4500HP a set, they're quite slow off the line but can really shift when they get going obviously. However they're still outpaced by modern stuff. But quite good for a diesel locomotive

[@antman09ful1]

Wow great footage from your family collection Tom, will have to watch this in two sections.

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks Mike, hope you enjoy the second part...

[@karlstephenson3015]

It's that scream that get's me evrey time. I miss them alot, great video and very nostalgic

[@stevejohnson8655]

Grew up in Grantham, you could hear them from the other end of town due to the town being sent in a valley. Echoed for ages when storming through the station on a non stop

[@oldskool7313]

I want that sound played at my funeral

[@MrThrash37]

Hahah, thanks for watching.

[@kristjen86A]

Gods I forgot what Newport looked like back then! Thank you MrThrash37 you hero!

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching... I havent been much recently for good reason..

[@kristjen86A]

@@MrThrash37 Completely understandable! Will be nice to see the new TfW locos/Trains soon here too, just a shame there's no Valenta's anymore such a good thrash

[@justinobrien3593]

I ain't heard a screamer for a long time it's must be 30 years ago at Doncaster/Wakefield-westgate Station with my dad as a kid! In Manchester we never seen many hst's we had 2 a day into Manchester piccadilly on the western region Plymouth runs that was it! But that was ages ago! The only class 43 I see occasionally is the network rail flying banana i love this noisy loco's they remind me of a class 56 a bit noise wise at power!!! Good video of these retro beasts 🤩😍🥰

[@nathanw9770]

I believe the class 56's had paxman valenta engines too. Shame they are being converted to class 69s now.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Very nice to see. The FGW green/gold was quite a nice livery looking back at it (as well of course as Virgin), certainly better than 'Barbie', which had too much going on (though the blue cabs was certainly an improvement on the white cabs).

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching Andrei! I quite liked the dynamic lines across the locos and the white cabs looking back! I didn’t like them at the time though..

[@ianrankin5686]

Good morning 🙏, excellent footage of the 43s, I can remember when my brother's would visit and leave for the army in London the 125s would scream out of Edinburgh waverley blue and grey back then you could feel the platform vibrate cheers IAN RANKIN.

[@BritishRail60062]

Great HST compilation right there with the original notes. Thanks for sharing.

[@robgingervikingjohnson7031]

Glad I found this video that old valenta scared me as a kid but it grew on me hopefully 125 group do put a valenta in one of its power cars be nice to hear once again

[@JackTheOfficeWorker]

4:47 *That One Is My Ultimate Fan! 😄*

[@MrThrash37]

What you mean?

[@JackTheOfficeWorker]

@@MrThrash37 Oof didn't you see it on 4:47 Instead of saying "What you mean?"

[@hatsoffhairdownpodcast]

As a lad in the late 90s I remember how noisey those engines were, just amazing hearing them back gives me goosebumps! I'm a Metalhead I would prefer this sound over Metal Music lol! Just a pitty we're stuck with MTU engines they sound like a large Haul Truck, in fact: those MTU engines where also fitted to the Belaz 75710 Worlds Biggest Haul Truck! Great video and Sound! 🤘🤘

[@MrThrash37]

Can’t wait to hear one of these in action once again.

[@charliehicks]

I remember theas growing up in ealing London them screeming by the watrose on their way to Paddington and out of Paddington this video brings back memories

[@vegvisirphotography5632]

That turbos whistling louder than Elton John's first fart after he lost his virginity 🤣💙💪💯🇬🇧

[@MrThrash37]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ianwalters11]

At 9:36 folks i think thats a Mirlees Blackstone the MB190? They fitted a few as potential replacements for the Valentas but i guess they didn’t work out so the VP185’s were tried, and were successful after some teething issues. They operated just great with EMT and on the OZ equivalent of the HST still going strong. Shame FGW didn’t wait for the temporary issues with service and repairs to settle down at Paxman, instead pushing for the MTU. I know the MTU is a brilliant engine and I warmed to them after a while (kept the HST in regular service) but they are just too quiet. The VP has more soul and is an excellent engine still being used in rail and maritime use because of its exceptional long life low emissions etc..I think k the engine here is the Mirlees as it had a louder tapping sound than the VP, I’ve heard one before departing a Wales station in a separate video. It saddens me to see those Hitachi trains replacing HST’s they are not a patch on those comfy Mark 3 coaches. HST’s are in Scotland and the NMT but aside from some shunting work and a few private companies grabbing a few sets the rest are in storage rotting away. Rail Adventure have a few sets parked up in Kings Norton which I see every day, occasionally if I’m lucky I see them being given a run along the main line. Recently another set has turned up in can’t tell what company they used to be with as the name has been removed and a lot of the paint has peeled off, sad to see how tatty they look and shows his quickly they can deteriorate if just left in sidings exposed to the elements. There are bits of red and white on there, maybe some old east coat units I’m not sure. They need some tlc though.

[@alextrainspotterhd6444]

They such lovely trains why couldn’t they keep these types of HSTs

[@MrThrash37]

Times move on unfortunately

[@jledge8715]

The Paxman HST's were the best sounding trains ever made in my opinion. Good memories.

[@MrThrash37]

Defintley the best ever sounding passenger only train

[@alexrail5351]

valentas, some VP185s and an MTU nice

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching Alex, a skill full ear to capture those!

[@Stefan8u]

Ah the memories! Whilst I do love the sound of the Valenta, when it comes to living with one, the new MTUs are much better. Namely you dont have to yell and go deaf!

[@MrThrash37]

I know which one id prefer to drive day in day out too..

[@cidertom5140]

What???? Pardon????

[@hans2406]

That is not the point. Valenta = British. MTU = German owned by RR.

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

VP185

[@Mazerage2023]

Wow these Valentas sound like jet engines

[@tomlyons3846]

yes, miss those at paddington and the jet like sounds, galore, tm, crystal palace.

[@AnthonyAnthony-o4v]

Music to my ears. Gaz.😊

[@AndyReggae67]

A fantastic video loved it.

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching Andrew, appreciated.

[@tomlee9534]

I got some new headphones recently. I’ve come to watch this again to test them. Unfortunately they have a health and safety compliant volume cap. I remember standing under the bridge at Burton upon Trent listening and feeling HSTs and other locos pull away from the station. That’s where I’d go back to if I had a time machine.

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for coming back to watch! Got to love the valentas.

[@donkhan1593]

@@MrThrash37 Are they still operated anywhere?

[@voidjavelin23]

​​@@donkhan1593 basically not even a single hst have the valenta engine nowadays except for the prototype hst

[@donkhan1593]

@@voidjavelin23 quite sad, they were good trains

[@MrMaguiresTrains]

Hi mate! I love this video, will it be alright if I use a couple of clips in this video please I will leave a link to your channel, cheers mate have a great day😊

[@hans2406]

The Valenta and Deltic, my favourite engine sounds. And: Built in Britain!

[@MrThrash37]

Valentas are great!

[@joeritchie7286]

I miss the loud screams that the HSTs use to have

[@haz2005]

Got this on speaker and oh god this is annoying my mum

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching Harry, don’t annoy her too much! Tom.

[@trainman86trainstramsandmore]

This is great!

[@cleanerben9636]

fantastic

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching and commenting Ben!

[@Winklepicker84]

As a kid stood on Westbury platform, I hated the sound of the trailing power cars Miss it now…

[@MrThrash37]

Don’t we all!

[@simonpegler9942]

Love you son!

[@kyleJohn1997]

40:20 Network Rail would be screaming their heads off if this happened today

[@LordEverythingtrains]

They would be screaming like a bass boosted valenta

[@1984cu]

Why was everyone 'trackside'?

[@misterflibble9799]

​@@1984cu at the end of the clip you can see the cloud plume from an approaching steam loco.

[@oRINZLERo]

Is there anywhere that these can still be seen operating ?

[@voidjavelin23]

Yes that is the prototype ver of the hst

[@evilnigga68]

41001 in some heritage railways or the NRM idk

[@nathanw9770]

Yes there are a few VP185 sets still about and the prototype HST sometimes does tours.

[@simonpegler9942]

I love ❤️ Cheltenham Spa Station

[@simonpegler9942]

Okay😢

[@simonpegler9942]

Love! CHELTENHAM SPA

[@simonpegler9942]

I always love ❤️

[@train4905]

Awsome beasts,

[@MrThrash37]

Love them!

[@loucosportrem]

great videos of congratulations for your channel, you make great capture, I posted 2 more videos of the locomotives of the logistic course here in Araraquara sp. - Brazil, thanks

[@MrThrash37]

Thank you very much!

[@Bahamas-rd8le]

Trespassing at 40:25?

[@MrThrash37]

Done thing 30 years ago.

[@ColasRail-it3ur]

Obviously a Kettle Ex due, you can just see the clag in the distance at 40:40

[@ttvvideos2050]

Loved it

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching!

[@class313]

Even managed a VP185 in one of the first clips

[@MrThrash37]

oops ;)

[@njfox3305]

Theres the jet engine screach I remember from my child hood.

[@ashleygggytttttu5888]

i miss the sound of these its like they just disappeared

[@MrThrash37]

Its a shame we currently have none active.

[@mrollivetti]

No chance. Neighbours also love thrash.

[@MrThrash37]

Sounds they will have to either like it or lump it! Thanks for watching Mr Rollivetti

[@Slothdeman]

What were the squeaks that the Mk3 carriges used to make when moving ?

[@neilmarktaylor4386]

Lady’s & gents the world’s fastest diesel train British train 🚂

[@MrThrash37]

It certainly is Mike, what a fantastic design!

[@SomersetTrainspotter]

Great vid,

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching as always!

[@SomersetTrainspotter]

@@MrThrash37 what editor do u use?

[@paulusintas8627]

A lady driver at 42:10? Very nice.

[@Abandoned23345]

Can’t tell exactly, maybe she has replaced someone. Or it is just a male with long hair

[@joshwestwood3727]

Was this filmed when 43 153 had engine block S508 fitted? Later moved to 43 143 (FGW) after use with virgin trains. Moved to 41001 for the Project Miller program with the 125 group. I wonder. Hopefully some useful information to tell me about it please.

[@MrThrash37]

Not sure on that one Josh, was there a shot of 153?

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

They’re really noisy them valenta hsts

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

40:35 look trespassers on the track they need to move away otherwise they’re gonna get themselves killed

[@MrCrabbing]

The second power car is ace

[@MrThrash37]

Always gives a big scream!

[@emt43043]

This has my hairs up on end 🤤🤤

[@MrThrash37]

Thank you, not so sure on your channel name though..

[@s.a.m_e.v.a.n.s]

What it must of felt like the be behind the controls of these back then

[@MrThrash37]

I would like to be now!

[@mancing_bejan22]

Jadi teringat waktu naik kereta api saat berkunjung ke rumah saudara

[@MrThrash37]

Thanks for watching.

[@waverunner3911]

My dad was a fireman, driver on the steam and doesn't understand that I rather be. In the cab of a 33 than a steam engine

[@MrThrash37]

Cleaner, noisy, faster, less sweaty.. what else could you ask for?

[@NorthWestElectrics]

be honest with me, is virgin the best HST livery, I think so.

[@Kev5565]

They lost their soul when they lost the Valentas also they look so wrong with buffers.

[@MrThrash37]

agree with the first bit! but i do love a buffer set!

[@bennickss]

Was the second clip taken at Hereford?

[@MrThrash37]

Yes

[@Jeagles]

What’s being chucked out of the cab at 32:50?

[@MrThrash37]

Looks like newspaper??

[@Jeagles]

@@MrThrash37 delivering the signaller’s morning paper by HST!

[@tweed532]

Driver of 'Swallow Inter City 43146' @32.50 into the video delivering Newspapers then from the drivers cab enroute.?

[@jamesrobert4106]

Ahhh. Crewe station.

[@MrThrash37]

Love it!

[@giorgosk5532]

What is thrash? Also I liked the sound

[@MrThrash37]

Thrash is the sound of the engine revving up.

[@uktransportgames]

60 mins on Title but on the video. It’s 57 mins * insert what meme *

[@MrThrash37]

Be 60 mins with ads 🤪

[@AndreiTupolev]

*insert rolleyes emoticon*

[@yeeye3395]

Whats the difference between a Paxman, a Valenta, and a VP185?

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

Paxman = the company that made the Valenta and VP185. Valenta = Paxman's 79L 4 stroke 60 degree V12 turbodiesel, 2250hp, used in HST and marine applications (Victoria/Upholder class submarines, Royal Navy Type 23 frigates) VP185: Essentially a Paxman Valenta, however a 90 degree V, different conrods, unit pump injectors, slightly more power and the single turbo from the Valenta being ditched in favour of six smaller ones. Hope this helped :)

[@Meehan2023]

Vp185 is the Paxman because of a different engine sound for the class 43 valenta has the screaming engine

[@grated_lemon5630]

is that newport at 4:58?

[@MrThrash37]

Yes

[@sanjsharma8184]

09:40 VP185 front car?

[@evilnigga68]

that is an affirm chief

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

Probably, since FGW tested the VP185s before choosing to MTU their fleet

[@ianwalters11]

@@Danse_Macabre_125is it a Mirlees Blackstone they tried a few around this time? Louder ticking than a VP, there is a video with one leaving a station in Wales and the front car has the Mirlees fitted and it sounds the same.

[@The_Midland_MainLine_Guy]

Where my shout out

[@MrThrash37]

Not sure what you mean?

[@The_Midland_MainLine_Guy]

In the prem you said you would give me a shoutout

[@MrThrash37]

@@The_Midland_MainLine_Guy in the prem?

[@The_Midland_MainLine_Guy]

Premiere

[@MrThrash37]

@@The_Midland_MainLine_Guy of what?

[@simonpegler9942]

Sorry