History of Class 43 BREL/PAXMAN Bo-Bo diesel-electric Power Car Locomotives, Intercity 125 Express passenger trains, technical specification, images photos pictures photographs

Class 43 BREL/PAXMAN Bo-Bo diesel-electric Power Cars

[Author & photographer © Dr Phil Brown PhD

(plus text help from AI these days), page updated May 6th 2026]

The famous HST 'InterCity' 125s

Class 43 diesel locomotives were still running in 2022 and beyond? !!!

driving cab of a Class 43 power unit Class 43 locomotive 43002 Intercity 125 Class 43 Diesel engined locomotives with electric transmission.

Class 43 Power car hauled express passenger trains have a max. speed 125 mph, Class 43 locomotives were built by BREL at Crewe Works from 1975 to 1982.

Class 43 power unit locomotives have a maximum tractive effort of 80 kN/17980 lbf - low, hence working in pairs, split at either end of the train.

Class 43 trains have a maximum speed of 125 mph. Class 43 power car train sets are classified as HST high speed trains and were introduced as an example of Intercity 125 trains.

These Class 43 hauled HST trains operate on the mainlines e.g. the East Coast Mainline, London to the South-West and Wales and mainlines to the Midland cities of Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield.

The Class 43 diesel locomotives were re-engineered by Brush Traction ~2007

Class 43 diesel power units are officially the fastest of their type in the world with a design maximum speed of 148.5 mph (239.0 km/h).

Class 43 diesel-electric locomotive units have a power at rail of 1320 kW (1770 hp)

Contemporary and Heritage-Preserved, Diesel, Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives

Class 43 diesel-electric locomotives featured: 43002 (originally Class 253 253001) 43013 43014 43023 43024 43027 43029 43048 43049 43050 43052 43054 43055 43059 43061 43062 43066 43067 43075 43082 43083 43088 43093 43102 43117 43122 43136 43168 43170 43176 43192 43195 43206 43208 43233 43238 43239 43251 43257 43272 43274 43277 43285 43290 43295 43299 43300 43302 43304 43305 43308 (ex 43108) 43312 43313 43315 43318 43319 43320 43367 43408 43423 43465 43467 43468 43480 43484

The driving cab of a Class 43 power unit is shown on the right (Class 43 locomotive 43002)

My Archive Steam Photos from the 1960s

HST Class 43 power car 43002 SIR KENNETH GRANGE Inter-City 125, [40 years 1976-2016], originally 253001, York, NRM 2024

43303 August 2024, UK Rail Leasing, Leicester Yard

Class 43s 43467 at Crewe (May 2024) at the other end Rail Adventure at Crewe

An unidentified Class 43 Pullman train near Crewe Station

An unidentified Class 43 Pullman train near Crewe Station (May 2024)

In its original intercity livery, Class 253 diesel locomotive (power car) 253001 which became Class 43 43002 SIR KENNETH GRANGE in York National Railway Museum in January 2023

In its original intercity livery, Class 253 diesel locomotive (power car) 253001 which became Class 43 43002 SIR KENNETH GRANGE in York National Railway Museum in January 2023.

Class 43 diesel-electric locomotives in the yard of UK Rail Leasing Leicester where you regularly see Class 43 diesel electric locomotives

Class 43 diesel-electric locomotives in the yard of UK Rail Leasing Leicester where you regularly see Class 43 diesel electric locomotives.

A general view of the yard of a variety of motive traction at UK Rail Leasing, Leicester, including Class 43 locomotives.

Class 43 power unit 43052 used by D.A.T.S. Railway Testing & Consultancy, at Leicester UK Rail Leasing

Class 43 power unit 43052 used by D.A.T.S. Railway Testing & Consultancy, at Leicester UK Rail Leasing (Jan 2022).

Driving Van Trailer (DVT controller for Class 43 power units) 82136 connected to the carriages and Class 43 43052

Driving Van Trailer (DVT controller for Class 43 power units) 82136 connected to the carriages and Class 43 43052 (above, Jan 2022)

Class 43 diesel-electric power unit 43054 in the yard of UK Rail Leasing Leicester. Railway Testing & Consultancy

Class 43 diesel-electric power unit 43054 in the yard of UK Rail Leasing Leicester. Railway Testing & Consultancy (Nov 2021)

Class 43 diesel power unit 43304 with the 0702 CrossCountry service from Edinburgh to Plymouth trainspotting Colton Junction footbridge

Still running !!!, veteran Class 43 diesel power unit 43304 with the 0702 CrossCountry service from Edinburgh to Plymouth, Colton Junction footbridge (July 11th, 2020)

Below is a more recent addition to the National Railway Museum's collection and much younger than most locomotives in York NRM.

Intercity 125 HST 253 253001 Class 43 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange

Inter-City 125 HST power car formally Class 253 unit 253001 (became W43002), now preserved at the National Railway Museum.

Class 43 diesel power car 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange was built by BREL in Crewe Works in 1975.

nameplate of Class 43 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange

Class 43 43002 is painted in the original British Rail Intercity 125 livery.

Class 43 43257 leading an Aberdeen - KX LNER service through Northallerton station

Class 43 43257 leading an Aberdeen - KX LNER service through Northallerton station.

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43319 LNER train at Doncaster

Class 43 locomotives 43319 (above) and Class 43 43305 (below) hauling an LNER train service to KX passing at high speed through Doncaster station (13/09/2019)

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Class 43 diesel locomotive LNER train, Newcastle

A Class 43 locomotive 43305 hauling an LNER service south to KX, (Newcastle 13/09/2019)

The original diesel locomotive unit HST 'Intercity 125', 41001 built at Derby Works in 1972 (Prototype HST Power Car 41 001, also numbered as Class 43 43000 Advanced Passenger Train), photographed in York NRM

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43318 at York with an LNER Newcastle-KX service

43251 at rear of York-KX LNER service

Class 43 43082 Neville Hill depot

Class 43 locomotive 43314 at York

Above/below: front 43296, below rear 43295 New - KX at Grantham station

Class 43 locomotive 43206 LNER train at Grantham station with a service to KX

43206 front York - KX 43313 rear

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Class 43 43272 at the front of an LNER KX-Leeds non stop through Peterborough

Class 43 diesel leading unit 43059 passing by Knighton, south-west of Leicester with an East Midlands train service for London St Pancras.

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Class 43 locomotive 43061 "The Fearless Foxes" at York station in April 2018 with a Virgin East Coast train service for Kings Cross. At the front is Class 43 diesel 43075, both are on loan from East Midlands. The picture below shows the same train leaving for Kings Cross, London (Holgate Road bridge).

Class 43 power unit diesel locomotive 43251

Class 43 diesel 43251 at the head of a KX to Newcastle Virgin Trains East Coast service (York April 2018)

Class 43300 at York station at the rear of a train for Kings Cross, the livery celebrates Craigentinny 1914-2014

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Class 43 diesel 43059 at the head of an East Midlands service from Leicester to London, seen here near Wigston, south-west of Leicester (March 2017)

(above) Class 43 43467 entering Northallerton station, at the head of a Grand Central service from Sunderland to London, Kings Cross.

At the rear was Class 43 power unit 43423 named "VALENTA 1972-2010 40 YEARS 1976 - 2016"

Class 43 diesel 43239 speeding through Northallerton station with a Virgin Trains East Coast service from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross (Oct 2016)

Class 43 43049 "Neville Hill" leading an East Midlands train for London St Pancras, entering Leicester station early in the morning! (08/03/17), passing the K Rail Leasing Yard. In the rear was Class 43 43055 (below)

The name plate "Sheffield Star 125 Years" and driving cab of Class 43 43055

Class 43 43050 at the rear of a Leicester - St Pancras East Midlands service (08/03/17)

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43467 in the grandeur of York station with a Grand Central passenger train from London KX train to Sunderland (July 10th 2016)

Leading power car Class 43 43061 with an East Midlands Trains express passenger service leaving Leicester station with a London St Pancras to Nottingham train on April 20th 2016.

Class 43 power car 43274 at York (Aug 2015) in the new Virgin Trains East Coast Livery (see also below)

Class 43 43274 diesel power car is now named "Spirit of Sunderland"

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43467 at the rear of a Sunderland - London Kings Cross Grand Central service, stopped at Northallerton station (Oct. 2016)

Class 43 diesel locomotives 43073 and 43058 leased by Virgin Trains East Coast and working a KX to York train

Class 43 43058 leading return train to KX

Class 43 Power Car locomotive 43290 "MTU fascination with power", at Newcastle station with a train for Kings Cross (note the new Virgin Logo, March 2015, but still East coast on the carriages).

Class 43 43290 at York Station (October 2016)

Class 43 43272 heading through Doncaster on the 'non-stopping fast line' with a KX service

Power car Class 43 43367 heads into Newcastle Central station with Virgin service from Edinburgh to Kings Cross. Class 43 43315 brings up the rear (below, March 2015).

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Class 43 43027 "GLORIOUS DEVON" (with 43176 at the rear) passing Royal Oak station with a Paddington - Bristol service

Class 43 diesel power car 43251 stopping at Northallerton station with a London Kings Cross to Newcastle Virgin Trains East Coast service (Oct 2016)

A Class 43 (diesel locomotive 43467) hauled Grand Central express train leaving York Station with a London Kings Cross to Sunderland service.

East Midlands diesel locomotive Class 43 43066, a rare visitor to Manchester Piccadilly station with a UK Rail Tours charter train from London Euston

Class 43 locomotive Class 43/4 diesel 43467 with a Grand Central train from London Kings Cross to Sunderland at York station

Class 43 diesel-electric locomotive 43312 stands in York station with a train for Kings Cross.

First Great Western Class 43 diesel-electric locomotive 43168 (Class 43 no. 168) at Bristol Temple Meads Station

Class 43 locomotive 43285 with a CrossCountry train at York station (Feb 2014)

Profile shot of Class 43 diesel-electric locomotive 43251 Examples of East Coast trains coaching stock below, coaching stock hauled by Class 43 locomotives.

East Coast mainline train leaving Doncaster for London, Kings Cross hauled (at the front) by Class 43 43315.

Leading Class 43 diesel locomotive 43208 'Lincolnshire Echo' at York with an East Coast Trains express for London Kings Cross (see below)

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43208 "Lincolnshire Echo", March 2017, now in Virgin Trains East Coast livery

A Class 43 locomotive hauled train passing south through Northallerton at high speed with a train from Edinburgh to Kings Cross (Class 43 locomotive 43318).

Class 43 loco 43308 HIGHLAND CHIEFTAIN (ex 43108) at the rear of a Virgin Trains East Coast express for London Kings Cross (Edinburgh Waverley station, July 2016)

Class 43 locomotive 43192 heads a First Great Western train passed Royal Oak station with a London Paddington train for Plymouth (Class 43 diesel 43195 in the rear).

Class 43 locomotive 313 (diesel locomotive 43313) south of York with an East Coast mainline train for King's Cross (see below).

Diesel locomotive Class 43 power car 43313 at York, now in the red livery of Virgin Train East Coast

Class 43 electric locomotive 43170 with a First Great Western train in Paddington station.

Diesel-electric loco Class 43/2 43302 (ex 43102), at Newcastle Station, at the rear of an Edinburgh to King's Cross train

GRAND CENTRAL trains, one of several mainline companies operating through York Station, this train is headed by diesel-electric express locomotive unit Class 43 43467 (Class 43/2, 43 467, rebuilt from Class 43/0 43067)

Class 43/2 43290 heading south at speed through Doncaster station with a train for Kings Cross (ex 43090. now named 'mtu fascination of power').

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43320 approaches Northallerton station at high speed with an East Coast train for Kings Cross. The coaching stock is in the East Midlands livery, on loan presumably.

Class 43/2 468 (locomotive 43468, ex 43068) at the rear of a Grand Central train heading north through Doncaster station.

On the east coast mainline, at Colton Junction, south of York, Class 43 locomotive 43408 (43 408) heading a GRAND CENTRAL train from Sunderland to London Kings Cross.

East Coast trains Class 43 43238 (43 238, was rebuilt Class 43/0 43038) standing in York station with a train for London Kings Cross.

GRAND CENTRAL train hauled by locomotive Class 43/2 43467 (43 467, rebuilt from Class 43/0 43067) standing in York station with an express passenger train to London Kings Cross Station.

Class 43 082 (diesel locomotive 43082 "Railway Children - The Voice of Street Children Worldwide") at Leicester Station

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Edinburgh to London King's Cross East Coast passenger train entering York station, hauled by lead by Class 43 295 (traction unit 43295) and Class 43/2 315 (43315, rebuilt from Class 43/0 43115) at the rear (shown below).

Class 43 locomotives 43029 43024 43136 and EMU 332004 in Paddington Station

A Class 43/2 Class 43 251 (43251, rebuilt from Class 43/0 43051) heading an East Coast express train from Edinburgh to London King's Cross passing at speed through Northallerton station.

Class 43 diesel-electric locomotive

Entering Leicester station, Class 43 diesel locomotive 43066 at the rear of an East Midlands express train to London St Pancras.

(Above) Class 43 480 (drive unit 43480) passenger train entering Northallerton Station, southbound for King's Cross Station. (Below) at the rear end was Class 43 423 (43423 named VALENTA 1972 - 2010, rebuilt from Class 43/0 43123)

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Grand Central Class 43 43423 speeding south through Doncaster with a Sunderland-Kings Cross service

Early morning southbound East Coast train at speed passing Colton Junction south of York hauled by Class 43 233 (43233, ex ?????) ..

Class 43 206 (loco 43206, rebuilt from 43006) at speed on the East Coast mainline at Colton Junction, south of York and London bound.

A Grand Central express train from King's Cross London south of York at Colton Junction hauled by Class 43 diesel locomotive 465 (43465, ex 43065).

DTV 82213 (left) alongside Class 43 43313 at Kings Cross Station

Class 43 272 (driving traction unit 43272, refurbished 43072) with a north-bound train at Doncaster Station

Class 43 locomotive 43317 (ex 43117) about to leave Newcastle Station with a train for Kings Cross.

Class 43 diesel 43075 entering Leicester station with an East Midlands express train for London St Pancras station.

Class 43 locomotive 43484 named 'PETER FOX 1942-2011 PLATFORM 5' (ex 43084) at speed, heading south through Doncaster station (Oct 2013).

An East Midlands express train from London St Pancras entering Market Harborough station, Class 43 diesel locomotives 43083 (leading) and 43061 (rear below)

Class 43/2 locomotive 43302 (ex 43102) with an East coast train at Doncaster station.

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43048 leading an East Midlands 8-coach train into Market Harborough station with a train for St Pancras

Class 43 locomotive 43048 is named T.C.B. Miller MBE acknowledging Terry Miller's role as chief engineer leading the design team at Derby working on the HST high speed trains

Class 43 diesel 43082 brings up the rear of the 43048 lead train at Market Harborough

Class 43 locomotive 43467 hauled GRAND CENTRAL train at York Station (Feb 2014), examples of the rolling stock of the Class 43 train sets are shown below.

Above/below: Class 43 locomotive 43048 heads an East Midlands express train passing Wigston South Junction, just south of Leicester, with an East Midlands service from London St Pancras. Class 43 43083 brings up the rear of the train.

Class 43 locomotive 43423 (heading) and Class 43 locomotive 43465 (rear, below) approaching Northallerton station with a Grand Central train from Sunderland to London Kings Cross

Class 43 diesel hauled East Coast Trains express service from Edinburgh and Newcastle to London Kings Cross, here entering York station (with York Minster in the left distant background). Class 43 locomotive 43367 leading, Class 43 locomotive 43274 bringing up the rear.

An East Midlands Class 43 diesel hauled express train south-west of Leicester a Leicester - London St Pancras train.

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Class 43 diesel locomotive 43050 at Market Harborough station with a train for Leicester and Nottingham

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43066 at Market Harborough station with an 8-coach train for St Pancras

Class 43 diesel 43055 brings up the rear of 43066 train above

First Great Western Class 43 locomotive 43088 hauling an express passenger train from Paddington to Penzance, here stopping at Didcot Station in 2010.

Class 91 stands waiting as Class 43 locomotive 43299 Virgin train for Kings Cross pulls into Newcastle station with a service from Edinburgh.

Class 43 43239 at Newcastle station with a Virgin East Coast service from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross

Class 43 diesel locomotives 43014 (leading) and 43013 (rear) with a yellow liveried Network Rail test train from Derby to Heaton, here stopping at York station

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43014 'The Railway Observer' at York

Class 43 diesel 43013 at York, the carriages are fitted with measuring equipment and the Class 43 locomotives are fitted with a front-end camera.

Network Rail's New Measurement Train hauled by two Class 43 diesel locomotives

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Class 43 locomotive 43023 heads a First Great Western train passed Royal Oak station with a London Paddington train for Penzance.

Class 43 diesel 43122 brings up the rear of this train to the West Country.

Still in the old East Coast livery, Class 43 43312 at the rear of an York - Kings Cross service (York station, March 2015), Class 43318 was at the front (temporary Virgin logo).

Grand Central Class 43 locomotive 43484 at York station at the rear of a Sunderland to Kings Cross service.

Class 43 diesel unit 43367 at the rear of a KX Virgin train service to Leeds (Peterborough station 29/11/16)

Class 43 diesel-electric locomotive 43367 "DELTIC 50 1955 - 2005" at York (March 2017)

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On loan from East Midlands trains, a Class 43 hauled Virgin train service from London KX to York entering Peterborough station (29/11/16)

Class 43 diesel 43059 leading (above) and Class 43 43047 at the rear (below)

Driver and driving cab of Class 43 43313 at Peterborough station, heading north for Newark (29/11/16) i.d. of the friendly driver?

Class 43 diesel locomotive 43277 in the rear.

Virgin Trains East Coast service from Newcastle to London Kings Cross (Peterborough station 29/11/16)

Class 43 diesel 43277 at the front (above), Class 43 43313 in the rear (below)

Class 43 diesel 43465 in the winter sunlight, at the rear of A GRAND CENTRAL service train from Sunderland to London Kings Cross, at Northallerton station (Feb 2017)

CLASS 43 (HST) diesel-electric power cars from Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_43_(HST)
The British Rail Class 43 (HST) is the TOPS classification used for the InterCity 125 High Speed Train (formerly Classes 253 and 254) diesel-electric power cars, built by British Rail Engineering Limited from 1975 to 1982, and in service in the UK since 1976. The class is officially the fastest diesel locomotive in the world, with an absolute maximum speed of 148.5 mph (239.0 km/h), and a regular service speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). The record run was led by 43102 (43302) and trailed by 43159. History and background. In the early 1970s, the British Railways Board made the decision to replace its main-line express diesel traction.

Financial limitations were tight, so mass electrification was not possible. As a result, a new generation of high-speed diesel trains had to be developed. Experience with the high-speed Class 55 Deltic locomotives had shown that a low axle weight was essential to avoid damage to the track at sustained high speed, and that high-speed engines were the only way to provide a good enough power-to-weight ratio for diesels. To power the HST at up to 125 mph (201 km/h), each power car had a new diesel engine, the 12-cylinder Paxman Valenta, running at 1,500 rpm and developing 2,250 bhp (1,680 kW). The 70-tonne weight of the power car gave it a 17.5-tonne axle loading. Development and design. Prototype power car 41001 (with first production power car 43002. The prototype set was developed at the Railway Technical Centre, Derby, the power cars having been constructed by British Rail Engineering Limited's (BREL) Crewe Works and the British Rail Mark 3 passenger cars by BREL's Derby Litchurch Lane Works. The engine used in the prototype power cars was the Paxman 'Valenta' 12RP200L, which developed 2,250 horsepower (1,680 kW).

The electrical equipment was supplied by Brush. The power cars had a main driver's position at one aerodynamically shaped end with the other flat and gangwayed end having only an auxiliary driving position for shunting purposes. The two prototype power cars emerged from the works in June and August 1972 and were initially numbered 41001 and 41002, but after a short period the entire set, including the passenger coaches, became reclassified as a diesel-electric multiple unit: British Rail Class 252. The power cars were given the coaching stock numbers 43000 and 43001. After proving trials on the Eastern Region the prototype High Speed Diesel Train (HSDT) was transferred to the Western Region, where it was deployed on Paddington – Bristol – Weston-super-Mare services. Production series. The design was successful and led to production orders being placed for similar trains for the Western, Eastern, Scottish and London Midland regions.

The production power cars featured a redesigned front end without conventional buffers, although a rigid drawbar can be used to connect an HST to an ordinary locomotive. Following the introduction of production HST sets, the prototype unit was withdrawn, the power cars passing to the Research Division at Derby. Of the ten prototype coaches, two were adapted for use in the Royal Train, five were modified for use with the production HSTs,[6] and three were transferred to Departmental stock. The 197 power cars produced are numbered 43002-43198. 43001 was applied to the second of the two prototype power cars, while the first of the pair (now preserved at the NRM; formerly operational on the GCR) became 43000, which is unusual because BR TOPS classification numbered its locomotives from 001 upwards (this was because it was not, at the time, classified as a locomotive). In 1987, as electrification of the East Coast Main Line was under way, British Rail realised that the new Mark 4 carriages for the Class 89 and Class 91 locomotives were not going to be finished in time for the introduction of electric services on the East Coast Main Line so, in late 1987, a total of eight Eastern Region power car conversions were carried out at the Derby Engineering Development Unit, whilst the other six were converted by the diesel repair shop at Stratford to have the lower valancing removed and buffers fitted. After being fitted with buffers, these power cars began work as surrogate DVTs to work with the Class 91s and 89. The locomotives, working with conventional Mark 3 stock, worked on the line between 1987 and 1991, when the last Class 91 locomotives entered service. As well as buffers being fitted to these power cars, special remote control equipment was also added to the locomotives so they could be controlled by the locomotive at the front. Once these locomotives left DVT duties, the remote equipment was removed.

After privatisation, these power cars joined the Virgin Trains fleet working both Virgin CrossCountry and Virgin Trains West Coast routes, where they displaced loco-hauled stock. All the units were repainted from their original InterCity colours to the Virgin red livery. Later, Virgin Trains withdrew the HSTs when new Class 220 and 221 units were delivered, and nearly all of these power cars went into storage at Long Marston. After years of storage, several of the power cars were bought by Midland Mainline to be part of Project Rio, special services running from London St Pancras to Manchester while major engineering works were undertaken on the West Coast Main Line. These units were kept in the de-branded Virgin Trains livery throughout their time with Midland Mainline and put back in storage once Project Rio had finished in 2006. Two units joined Network Rail's New Measurement Train in 2003 and have continued to work with this service ever since. Both of these units have now had MTU engines fitted. One unit was leased to GNER as a one-off power car, working as a spare unit that could be easily called for if an HST failed. For most of its time with GNER, it was based at Craigentinny yard in Edinburgh and was painted into GNER colours. This locomotive's lease ended in 2006 and it was returned to storage at Long Marston.

In 2007, Grand Central took an interest in the stored power cars and amalgamated them into its fleet of three HST sets. In total, six were bought by the company and ran high-speed services between Sunderland and London Kings Cross. Two were the final operational Paxman Valenta power cars, being re-engined in 2010 with the MTU treatment. While at the works being re-engined, Grand Central added the orange stripe that appears on its Class 180 units, re-painted the front ends (making them look more like the non-buffered HSTs), and re-numbered the power cars into the four-hundreds. They were withdrawn from Grand Central service in 2017 after more Class 180s were acquired.

The Engines were Paxman VP185 engine in a Class 43 of East Midlands Trains. British Rail experimented with Mirrlees Blackstone MB190 engines in four Western region examples (43167–43170) between 1987 and 1996, but this experiment was unsuccessful and the standard Paxman Valenta engines re-installed. Paxman began development of the Valenta's successor, the Paxman VP185, in 1987. The suggestion that British Rail participate in a trial of the new VP185 engine in the IC125 was first mooted in January 1991, and a formal agreement for the trial was signed in May 1993. A qualifying requirement for the trial was that the engine should undergo a British Rail Type Test which was carried out between December 1993 and February 1994.[9] The test involved completion of 3,000 cycles, each of 10 minutes duration, with four minutes at the maximum power of 2,611 kW (3,501 bhp) and six minutes at idle, simulating the typical 'on-off' nature of IC125 duty. The test was much more severe than operational duty, where the train operates at a maximum of 1,678 kW (2,250 bhp). The successful results of the test cleared the way for installation of a VP185 in Power Car 43170 at Plymouth Laira Depot for in-service trials in the summer of 1994. Power car 43170 entered service on 22 September 1994.[9] 43170 was given the nameplate "Edward Paxman".

During the late 1990s twenty-five HST power cars were re-engined with Paxman VP185 engines in order to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions. The last VP185 engine to be manufactured at Paxman's Colchester Works was despatched from the factory on 15 September 2003 as part of a programme to convert 14 Midland Mainline power cars to VP185 engines to supplement the four already converted during 1994/95, and this led to 43043/045/048-050/052/055/060/061/072/073/076/082 joining 43047/059/074/075 with this engine type. Today there are no production power cars fitted with a Paxman Valenta engine, although the 125 Group have reinstalled a Paxman Valenta in the surviving prototype power car, 41001 (formerly 43000). The 125 group are also in the process of reinstalling a Valenta into 43044 for preservation. Diesel-battery hybrid trial.

In 2007, Brush Traction and Hitachi equipped Paxman Valenta powered 43089 and a semi-permanently coupled Mark 3 coach with a diesel-battery hybrid power system for experimental trials. The power car was named "Hayabusa" (Hayabusa, はやぶさ, Japanese for Peregrine falcon, project name 'V-Train 2'). It returned to normal service with East Midlands Trains. Life extension. The HST fleet, having been in operation since the late 1970s, has been largely replaced by the Intercity Express Programme. During 2005, two Class 43 power cars (43004 and 43009) operated by First Great Western were fitted with new MTU V16 4000 engines before being tested in passenger operation on the Great Western Line. In December 2005, First announced that all its power cars would receive the MTU engine. The MTU engine offers improvements over the existing Paxman 12RP200 'Valenta' engines, with reduced noise, smoke and exhaust emissions, improved reliability and fuel efficiency. East Coast also re-engined its fleet with MTU engines, a process begun under its predecessor GNER. East Coast's fleet of re-engined power cars have been renumbered into the 432xx and 433xx series by adding 200 to the existing power car number. East Midlands Trains stated that it would install Paxman VP185 engines in all its power cars before the end of its franchise. It has since completed this operation, though the re-engined power cars retain their original numbers..

Grand Central had fitted its HST fleet with MTU engines. The first pair entered service on 21 September 2010; they have also been repainted with an orange stripe to match Grand Central's Class 180s.[17] 43123 was the final Valenta power car; it now carries a plaque reading "Valenta 1972-2010". The final passenger service of a Valenta-engined power car was on 19 December 2010. On 22 December 2010 the Valenta was used in four farewell tours between York and Sunderland using 43123. All power cars have been re-engined by Brush Traction, Loughborough, and have been renumbered in the 43/4 range. CrossCountry's first CrossCountry-liveried HST power car, 43301 (formerly 43101) was released from its overhaul at Brush Traction, Loughborough on 16 July 2008. CrossCountry also renumbered all its HST units by adding 200 to the old number. In 2003, Network Rail launched its New Measurement Train, a specially converted InterCity 125 set. Its yellow livery has earned it the nickname "The Flying Banana".

History of Class 43 power cars

The Class 43 High Speed Train (HST) power cars—built 1975–82—became the fastest and most successful diesel‑electric locomotives in British history, while the later Driving Van Trailers (DVTs)—built 1988–90—enabled push‑pull operation on locomotive‑hauled InterCity services.

Below is a structured, fully grounded history of both fleets, integrating their development, purpose, technical evolution, and long‑term legacy.

Class 43 Diesel‑Electric Power Cars (HST)

Origins and Development (1970s)

British Rail needed a new high‑speed diesel train after mass electrification proved unaffordable. In the early 1970s, BR developed a high‑speed diesel concept using two medium‑power engines rather than one large unit, to keep axle loads low at 125 mph.

Prototype power cars (41001/41002) appeared in 1972, followed by full production from 1975–1982 at BREL Crewe Works, totalling 197 power cars, numbered 43002–43198.

Technical Characteristics

Power type: Diesel‑electric
Prime movers: Paxman Valenta 12RP200L (original), later Paxman VP185 and MTU 16V4000 R41R
Power output: 2,250 hp
Max speed: 125 mph in service; 148.5 mph world diesel record (1987) with 43102/43159.
Configuration: Bo‑Bo
Train heating: Electric Train Heat

Operational Role

The HST formed the InterCity 125 sets (formerly Classes 253/254), revolutionising long‑distance travel across Britain from 1976 onward. They dramatically reduced journey times and became the backbone of BR’s express network.

Later Life and Re‑engineering

From the 1990s onward, many power cars were re‑engined with VP185 or MTU units for improved reliability and emissions. They continued in front‑line service into the 2020s with operators including GWR, ScotRail, EMR, and Network Rail.

Preservation

At least 15 power cars are preserved, including 43002 at the National Railway Museum.

Driving Van Trailers (DVTs) for the Class 43 diesel-electric power cars

Purpose and Introduction

A Driving Van Trailer is an unpowered control car allowing a driver to operate a locomotive from the opposite end of a train, enabling push‑pull operation and eliminating time‑consuming run‑arounds at terminal stations.

DVTs were introduced in the late 1980s to modernise InterCity locomotive‑hauled services.

Construction and Variants

Two main types were built:

Mark 3 DVTs (52 units, 1988–1990) by BREL
Mark 4 DVTs (32 units) by Metro‑Cammell for InterCity 225 sets on the ECML

They visually resemble locomotives (Class 90 for Mk3, Class 91 for Mk4) and contain no passenger seating due to high‑speed safety rules.

Technical Features

Max speed: 125 mph (Mk3), 140 mph (Mk4)
Control system: Time‑Division Multiplexing (TDM) for remote locomotive control
Facilities: Driver’s cab, guard’s office, luggage space

Operational Use

DVTs were used on:

West Coast Main Line (Mk3)
East Coast Main Line (Mk4, InterCity 225)
Later by operators such as Chiltern Railways, LNER, DB Cargo UK, and Transport for Wales

They remain in service today, especially on Chiltern’s locomotive‑hauled sets.

Summary Table for the Class 43 power cars and DVTs

Feature	Class 43 Power Cars	Driving Van Trailers
Role	High‑speed traction for HST sets	Push‑pull control car
Built	1975–1982	1988–1990
Quantity	197	84 total (Mk3 + Mk4)
Power	2,250 hp diesel‑electric	Unpowered
Max Speed	125–148.5 mph	125–140 mph
Key Use	InterCity 125 services	WCML, ECML push‑pull sets

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My Archive Steam Photos from the 1960s

docspics images of Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays photos of Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays photographs of Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays pictures of Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays © Dr Phil Brown * Treyn Railway Holidays to France, Italy and Spain from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Booking tickets for Great Railway Journey luxury Rail Trip holidays Train travel in Europe Rail holidays from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays to the USA & Canada luxury train through the Rocky Mountain Canadian rail railway holidays through the Rockies US Cities by train from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Continental rail holidays to France Germany Italy Austria Switzerland Glacier Express Treyn Holidays from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays from Eurostar to Paris Brussels Avignon Turin Turino Rome Roma Florence Firenze TGV fast trains Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Travelling by train always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery to Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of Europe! The railway trip from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive in action and there is nothing like the sight and sounds of a steam train to invoke feelings of nostalgia in some of us to Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays even more luxury by having a special trip out on a steam dining train! England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland top class hotels in Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays dining out travel tours top tourist destinations tourist information on Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays weekend breaks mini-breaks family holidays restaurants touring coach trips from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays continental tours cruise ships pleasure cruises summer breaks spring breaks continental winter breaks European winter holidays spring holidays summer holidays European Rail tours Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains European Rail tours US and Canadian Railway travel holidays special steam excursions to Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Travelling by train from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery either in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of the railways of Europe! The railway trip involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive or heritage diesel in action on a special trip from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets Stuttgart Brussels Eurostar Brussels from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays by TGV to Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International Stratford International, St Pancras International Paris Gare du Nord Paris Gare de Lyon Paris Gare de L'est Paris Gare Montparnasse by Eurostar from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays London to Paris, Eurostar London - Brussels Eurostar London to Lille deals bargain city breaks Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Great Railway Journey holidays in Italy, Spain and France by TGV booking from Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets to the Continent eg Paris Brussels Avignon or railway tours across France, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, Asia or China for a travel spectacular Class 43 diesel locomotive rail tour holidays

Good trainspotting 'TRAINSPOTS' Good trainspotting and photographic locations Barnetby Station, North Lincolnshire * Carlisle Station * Clapham Junction Station, London * Colton Junction, south of York * Coventry * Crewe Station * Doncaster Station, South Yorkshire * Grantham * Hellifield station - Carlisle to Settle line * Lancaster station * Newcastle Station * Northallerton Station * Nuneaton Station * Sheffield Station * Stratford Station, East London * Tamworth * Warrington Bank Quay station * Wigan North Western - WCML * York Station

See other TOPS classes of diesels and electrics * Class 01 * Class 02 * Class 03 * Class 04 * Class 08 * Class 09 * Class 10 * Class 11 * Class 14 * Class 20 * Class 24 * Class 25 * Class 26 * Class 27 * Class 31 * Class 33 * Class 35 * Class 37 * Class 40 * Class 43 * Class 44 * Class 45 * Class 47 * Class 50 * Class 52 * Class 55 * Class 56 * Class 57 * Class 58 * Class 60 * Class 66 * Class 67 * Class 68 * Class 70 * Class 71 * Class 73 * Class 76 * Class 77 * Class 84 * Class 86 * Class 87 * Class 88 * Class 90 * Class 91 * Class 92 * Derby Lightweight * Class 101 * Class 108 * Class 114 * Class 117 * Class 120 * Class 121 * Class 122 * Class 127 * Class 141 * Class 142 * Class 144 * Class 150 * Class 153 * Class 155 * Class 156 * Class 158 * Class 159 * Class 165 * Class 166 * Class 170 * Class 172 * Class 175 * Class 180 * Class 185 * Class 195 * Class 196 * Class 197 * Class 220 * Class 221 * Class 222 * Class 252 * Class 313 * Class 315 * Class 317 * Class 319 * Class 320 * Class 321 * Class 322 * Class 323 * Class 325 * Class 331 * Class 332 * Class 333 * Class 334 * Class 350 * Class 357 * Class 360 * Class 365 * Class 373 * Class 375 * Class 376 * Class 377 * Class 378 * Class 379 * Class 380 * Class 387 * Class 390 * Class 395 * Class 414 * Class 423 * Class 442 * Class 444 * Class 450 * Class 455 * Class 458 * Class 460 * Class 465 * Class 466 * Class 489 * Class 507/508 * Class 700 * Class 730 * Class 755 * Class 800 * Class 801 * Class 802 * Class 803 * Class 805 * Class 3000 *

INDEX of My IMAGES OF PRESERVED STEAM LOCOMOTIVES

Class 43 Diesel‑Electric Power Cars (HST)

Origins and Development (1970s)

Technical Characteristics

Operational Role

Later Life and Re‑engineering

Preservation

Driving Van Trailers (DVTs) for the Class 43 diesel-electric power cars

Purpose and Introduction

Construction and Variants

Technical Features

Operational Use

Summary Table for the Class 43 power cars and DVTs

Class 43 Diesel‑Electric Power Cars (HST)