UPDATE: Great Western Railway (GWR) has officially bid farewell to its iconic 2+4 ‘Castle’ High-Speed Trains (HSTs) during a special run from Plymouth to Penzance on 11 December. The event marks a significant moment for railway enthusiasts and commuters as these beloved trains make their last journey.
The farewell journey, which featured the final HSTs, included locomotives Nos 43198 and 43193 and made a limited stop at Par. In a noteworthy turn of events, four HSTs were in operation: Nos 43042, 43156, 43186, and 43198, with one set stepping in at the last minute to replace a failed Class 150 on the Par-Newquay route.
At 17:32, the last HST from Penzance rolled into Plymouth, concluding its journey at 23:40—26 minutes late—after a final revenue-earning arrival from Newquay. The special lineup at Plymouth station included Nos 43042, 43186, and 43198, celebrating the end of an era for GWR HSTs.
While the lineup was initially intended to commemorate the final HST call at Plymouth, GWR confirmed that Nos 43156 would operate additional Newquay branch services later that afternoon. This unexpected twist made it the last revenue-earning HST to arrive at Plymouth.
GWR has retained these trains even after the introduction of Intercity Express Trains (IETs) on long-distance routes. However, starting from 14 December, they will be replaced by ex-TfW Rail Class 175s for regional services across the South West.
This farewell not only signifies the end of the HST era for GWR but also evokes nostalgia among many passengers who cherished their journeys on these reliable trains. With the transition to newer models, GWR emphasizes its commitment to modernizing the fleet while still providing quality service to its customers.
Stay tuned for a comprehensive report on this landmark event in an upcoming issue of Modern Railways. As GWR makes this transition, the railway landscape in the South West is set to change significantly, raising questions about future services and the impact on local communities.
For those who have traveled on the ‘Castle’ HSTs, this farewell is a poignant reminder of the journeys shared and the memories created. Share your favorite HST moments as we celebrate the legacy of these remarkable trains!
