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Prototype
Originally built in 1972 as 252001 with Power-Cars 41001/41002.41001 now in National Collection but 41002 was scrapped in 1990.
The pre-production prototype HST Power-Car 41001 from Set-252001 whose final design was changed is several ways including the loss of the buffers,added side windows and a more streamlined front-end stands next to the production-prototype 43002 shortly after its unveiling at St Philips Marsh in Bristol.41001 has now been restored to full working condition by 'Project Miller' whose final objective is to see this loco returning to the mainline some time in the near future.
..02 may 2016..
This is the view as '0Z56' rolls non-stop through Westbury hauled by 55002.As can be seen the 'Project-Miller' 41001/43000 now looks pretty smart.Over the last few years major work has been put into this machine to return it to mainline standards including a replacement power-unit,complete rewiring and considerable bodywork renovation.Several years work still remain before it can move under its own power! To further explore this ongoing restoration click HERE
..02 may 2014..
The 11:06 from Paignton to Paddington had the former 'E12002' coach in its make-up today wearing the old Blue/Grey colour scheme.This was part of the original HST Prototype Set that proved the High-Speed-Train concept all those years ago.It was repainted into the original colours to compliment the now preserved 41001/43000 at 'Railfest in York recently. Normally numbered '42353' it has gone un-noticed for decades whilst in the same livery of all the other carriages around it. Here it is drawn by 43122 with the 'Jubilee' 43186 on the rear. Regretfully by the 21st (3 days later) 'E12002' had reverted to '42353' in FGW-squiggly-line livery----------a pity-------------------
To see the original prototype HST in that colour scheme clickHERE
..18 june 2012..
The set that started it all! 252001 set number with 41001 stands in the yard at Shildon during the 150 Stockton&Darlington Celebrations held that year.Fittingly this was the final exhibit (Number 34) as at this time was the very latest in Passenger technology. The Power-Car at the other end 41002 (43001) was scrapped in 1990 whilst this one 43000 (41001) ended up in the National Collection. ..28 august 1975..
The final exhibit in the famous cavalcade at Shildon way back in 1975 was the then very new HST Prototype set 252001.Here with 41001 leading and 41002 on the rear.This actual Power-car survived to be rescued for preservation and in 2016(40 years later) is again in operation condition.Several of the coaching stock shown in the set here are amazingly still in front line service with FGW/GWR working out of Paddington daily!