Final journey for Intercity 125

GWR says it will retire its Intercity 125 trains this weekend after nearly 50 years of operation.

The Castle Class locomotives and Mark 3 coaches have been in service since 1976 and were once the mainstay of Intercity services across the country.

The company says that, to help manage expected interest from those wishing to mark the final journeys, an additional service will operate a round trip between Plymouth and Penzance on Saturday.

The train will leave Plymouth at 15:16, calling only at Par, before returning from Penzance at 17:32, again calling only at Par, and arriving back into Plymouth at 19:17.

Following the introduction of the Intercity Express Trains, the Intercity 125s ended long-distance GWR operations in May 2019 before being refurbished to support regional services between Cardiff and Penzance.

They will be replaced by GWR’s existing fleet, alongside 26 recommissioned Class 175 trains, which will be gradually rolled out throughout 2026.

The Intercity 125, also known as the High Speed Train (HST) became the fastest diesel-powered train in regular operation, reaching speeds of up to 125mph. Designed to modernise Britain’s rail network, it went on to transform long-distance travel and became one of the most successful and recognisable trains ever to run in the UK.
 
Radio Newquay's resident train buff will be watching the final service as it travels through Cornwall this weekend. He has been looking at the history of the trains. PRESS PLAY to listen...