ScotRail Class 43 128/135 HST Power Car Set

ScotRail Class 43 128/135 HST Power Car Set

1:76 scale model produced by Hornby. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Features:

• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in Scotrail company markings
• Best suited to 438mm radius curves

Details

The British Rail Class 43 (HST) power cars are the heart of the legendary InterCity 125 High Speed Train, one of the most iconic and influential diesel trains in British railway history. Designed by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) and built between 1975 and 1982, a total of 197 Class 43 power cars were produced to provide high-speed express services across the UK from 1976 onwards. They are renowned for their streamlined design, dual diesel-electric power units, and a regular service speed of 125 mph, making them the backbone of mainline passenger travel for decades.

The InterCity 125 concept revolutionised rail travel by dramatically reducing journey times and restoring confidence in long-distance diesel services. A prototype set of the HST even briefly set the world diesel speed record at 148.5 mph, emphasising the Class 43’s remarkable performance credentials.

Class 43 HSTs enjoyed widespread use with British Rail and later multiple private operators, hauling express trains on routes from London to Scotland and throughout the UK. Although gradually replaced on the core main lines by newer trains, many Class 43 power cars continue to operate in secondary roles, heritage services, and abroad, while others are preserved on heritage railways.