First Great Western Class 43 136/189 HST Train Pack

First Great Western Class 43 136/189 HST Train Pack

1:120 scale model produced by Hornby TT:120. 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 First Great Western company markings
• Best suited to 365mm radius curves
• Highly detailed Class 43 HST power car pair (43136 & 43189)
• Authentic First Great Western Railway Heritage Trust livery
• Fine bodyshell detailing including roof fan, grilles, and underframe detail
• Directional lighting for realistic operation
• Designed for smooth high-speed running on TT layouts

Details

Recreate modern high-speed rail travel in the UK with this Hornby TT:120 First Great Western Class 43 HST Railway Heritage Trust Train Pack, featuring locomotives 43136 and 43189. This highly detailed set represents the iconic InterCity 125 High Speed Train in its later First Great Western service life, preserved and supported through the Railway Heritage Trust.

The Class 43 HST is one of the most successful express train designs in British railway history. Introduced in the mid-1970s as part of British Rail’s InterCity 125 programme, it revolutionised long-distance diesel travel with sustained high-speed performance and became a defining feature of UK mainline services for decades. The formation typically consists of two power cars operating with Mk3 coaching stock, delivering fast and reliable intercity services across the country.

This model captures the distinctive First Great Western livery associated with the Railway Heritage Trust-liveried HST set, reflecting the preserved and heritage-supported phase of the class in modern rail operations. It is ideal for Era 11 layouts and brings contemporary railway realism to TT:120 collections.

This train pack features finely moulded bodyshells, separately applied detailing, and accurate representation of the aerodynamic Class 43 profile. The set is designed for realistic high-speed passenger operation and pairs perfectly with matching Mk3 coaching stock for full HST formations.

It integrates naturally into modern and transitional layouts alongside other contemporary diesel and intercity stock, offering authentic mainline express operation on TT:120 layouts.

Historical Background

The InterCity 125 HST was developed in the early 1970s as a stopgap solution to provide high-speed diesel services across Britain before widespread electrification. It entered service in 1976 and quickly became one of the most successful passenger train designs in the world.

The Class 43 power cars, built by British Rail Engineering Limited, enabled speeds of up to 125 mph and operated across major routes including the Great Western Main Line and East Coast Main Line. Many sets remained in service well into the 21st century, with several preserved or used in special heritage-supported operations under organisations such as the Railway Heritage Trust.