The Last HST's from Paddington 

I am totally blaming Phil for telling me Camarthen instead of Cheltenham! (this is actually for real, we spoke off camera about where they were going, and this is what he told me. whoops!)

I proposed to my wife on a HST. She said yes ! Great video 👏🏻

That girl running with the train and shouting YAAAAAY

My husband, Richard Samuels, drove the first train away - the 18:03 down to Plymouth. That was him and his mate Brian Hellyer on the horns.

Hi Geoff, I have no interest in trains whatsoever, but I came across one of your least used videos by chance. They way you put the video together is brilliant and you yourself are very captivating. I've found myself watching many of your videos and will continue to do so. I'm even starting to look forward to the next time I get on my usual SWT service to Waterloo as you have spiked an interest in the rail network I never knew I had. Keep doing what your doing, it's great.

Trains and teapots, some how so quintessentially British

I'm not a train enthusiast, I've never been on any of those trains, I've only ever been in London 3 times, I'm sat at home in Germany and I still got excited watching the video 😂

Geoff - how lucky were you! Not only getting a cab ride and an engine room tour whilst on the move, but you managed to do it on the last HST to leave Paddington! I pass my thanks to the staff at GWR who made that possible, was fantastic to see it. But, a sad day, i am a decade older than the HST, so can remember them from day one - loved them then, still love them now. Still by far one of the most comfortable trains i have ever travelled on. Will never forget the first time i rode on one back in the very early 80's, just stunned at how smooth and quiet it was in the carriage when we pulled out of Paddington - would not have known we were moving if i had not looked out of the window. I will miss them - can't beat a proper train that's got it's engines at either end, with no noisy motors and power units situated under the passenger carriages.

3:28 "Is that man carrying a teapot?" This comment just won the internet - congrats Geoff.

In many ways the 125's were the single biggest improvement in passenger trains of the 20th Century. The fact they train and coaches were designed as a single unit made them far better than the loco hauled diesel services; and the fact they were faster and for universal long distance services made them better than the various pullman like services. There may never again be such a massive improvement.

I will miss seeing them whilst driving the "purple trains" but I did get to do some route learning via cab rides on a HST and that will live with me forever because those trains are legends.

Fantastic to see Sir Kenneth Grange standing right next to his namesake, in the original blue/yellow, always was my favourite livery 💙💛 Great video, especially in the engine room!

My 80 years as an enthusiast has taught me that the thing that is being replaced is the most perfect in existence, while its replacement is absolute rubbish - and it has stayed true all that time. I can remember the introduction of the HSTs which were called "trams" which were replacing proper trains. I don't doubt that the same will apply to the IETs.

I will miss the HSTs. My own HST memory is from when I was around 8 years old and my Dads' truck broke down in South Wales. After being towed to Cardiff,it was discovered the engine had dropped a valve and we were going nowhere. So,a bus into town was followed by a ride to Bristol on the then nearly new HST. To say this was a treat for a train mad 8 year old was an understatement! They have certainly served their public well and deserve their place in railway history.

4:51 I'm the guy in the T-Shirt :D ... Did you like it Geoff, Was a Homemade Effort.

I spent eleven months living on the UK in 1982/83 whilst 10 years old. My father had a a scholarship to the London University and was a train enthusiast and a history teacher. It seemed like every weekend whilst we we there we would head off on a train to some location to look at some old thing (my 10 year old coming out), but once I discovered the trip was going to be on a 125 the weekend improved immeasurably. The sense of speed, power and mystique these 125's imposed on a child don't think will be equalled, and have left me with an enduring memory.

That engine room was amazing !

Always as a kid whenever I found myself at the station Id love the sight of the HST's flying by. Such an iconic and unique design with an appearance half-way between the TGV trains in France and the little trains of Thameslink's past.

Hi My son got to despatch a train with a paddle and whistle at Lancaster Station yesterday and it made his day, month, year. Thanks to all

I remember the HSTs from the 80s and 90s. Sad day...!!! Thanks for documenting these last trains! One for the memories!

Interesting comment on will future generations miss the IET, if we went back to 1976 and asked the enthusiasts then if they'd miss the HSTs when they went, they'd probably say no whilst lamenting the loss of their diesel hydraulics and Castles and Kings

Great to see so many positive, happy people bidding a fond farewell and so many well-known faces too! I grew up with the HSTs in the 80s when I was spotting. They had and still have a fantastic sound, the design is such a classic and the 43s have always been a solid performer. Well done for GWR for going to such efforts to give them a great send off. Thanks for sharing the day with us Geoff.

Last HST... Not lived in the UK for 20 years now... Love the cheering for the beers being available. I also used to remember the cheese toasties from the buffet on British trains. And the almond croissants from the little shops on the station concourses. Memories.

U lucky Bugger! Not only got to ride in the cab of a HST but got to have a poke around in the engine room whilst its blasting away at full chat! What a fantastic experience, One you'll never forget no doubt.

Brilliant. Thanks Geoff. I was in the UK when the “Inter-City 125” started operating. I have memories as a young teen of being on the platform, hearing that distinctive horn and then the “woooosh” of the train and the “crack” as the last cab went past. Never rode on one but have memories of seeing and “feeling” them rush past many platforms. God’s Speed HST

5:06 there is an all the stations shirt in the background

As a young child, living in Canada, my grandparents (living in London) got me a Hornby 125 set, and it was always my favourite train on the layout. A few years later in 1980 moved to London aged 12, and shortly thereafter went to boarding school near Swindon - the 125 became very much part of my life, together with its unbelievably smelly brakes. Most of the last 20 years I’ve lived in Bristol, and can’t count the number of times I’ve used the train to London. I can’t pretend I ever really _loved_ the HST, but it’s been such a part of my life, I’ll miss it desperately.

What a fantastic farewell, thanks for capturing it. Many fond memories growing up in the eighties watching these all over the country.

Took one to St. Austell in 1995, got stuck behind a broken train just exiting Dawlish tunnel. Spent 45 minutes looking out at the most incredible scenery.

It is sad. Let's hope some units will be preserved. They are iconic.

Being in "the states" I have never gotten to ride an HST yet I feel a bit of sadness to see it retired... must be the great job done with the video. Well done.

An end to an amazing era,many memories of travelling with my mum to somerset in the holidays in the 70's and 80's...when they had the valenta engine...my favourite class of all time...wonderful video😀😎😎😎

My father was on one of the first Press and Parliament outings of the HST, many moons ago, so this reminded me of him and how excited he was to travel on it.

Dad: Why are you crying so loud son? Me:

Absolutely amazing.... What a sad day though. ..I'll never forget the sound of that Ruston Paxman engine and the speed !!!!. And i still remember the front of the old Hornby catalogue from 77' with the then new HST coming out of the tunnel mouth !!!. I'm looking forward to getting my N gauge GWR set asap....Totally iconic and can still hold there own against class 91's (225's), Pendalino's and class 800's !!!

I went on 43093 and 43188 yesterday on the 1300 to Bristol and it’s 1530 return. I saw everything, and was standing on P3 about to watch 43002 come in, before a stupid IET come in. So I had to run to the footbridge and watch it from there. If it weren’t for the brilliant gate staff, I wouldn’t have seen that. I even got to go in the cab of 43172 and 43185. An absolutely brilliant day out and high credits to GWR for this.

that's amazing. Props to GWR for letting you ride in the cab and see the engine.

Great video. And good capture of yesterday's events. They will be missed by many.

In 1982 I was a lowly cadet for NZ Railways and holidayed in Australia for a few weeks. I fronted up to NSWGR head office to scrounge the three free tickets I was entitled to as a reciprocal deal, but it was so rarely used they had no idea and instead gave me an unlimited pass with guards van privileges, and a letter of introduction that got me cab rides across the state. I was in the cab on one of the first trips of the XPT - Australia's copy of the HST - to Dubbo and return, in the fireman's seat most of the way, and went through the engine room while we were going flat out too. Thanks for bringing back some amazing memories.

It had never occurred to me that they were 40 years old.... I remember when they first started running, the most modern locos on the network. Thanks Geoff. Farewell HST IC125..

Amazing video Geoff, a tribute to the best class of locomotive ever built in this country, ill share my greatest memory of this loco. As a 4 year old I was invited into the cab of a class 43 on New Street Station Birmingham and I sat in the drivers seat. Just before he was due to leave the driver asked me if I wanted to go with him to Penzance, not expecting me to say yes apparently I cried for an hour when I had to leave the cab. Gutted I couldn't be at Paddington on Saturday Andy

Thanks so much for this fantastic video Geoff. It's a privilage to watch. What a great atmosphere and an emotional day. It feels like you're looking back through 40 years of Great Western Mainline History when you look at the four iconic liveried HST power cars all lined up together at Paddington before they were due to depart. That was a great sight. In answer to your question. I'm not sure the IET's in the future will be missed in the same way as the HST will be now. They don't have the same character and the design, sound as well as the longevity and reliability of the 125 is what made them loved by so many. Many Rail Enthusiasts don't think the IET'S will last as long as the HSTs have done as well

Well done, great video. It really shows the enthusiasm you and so many others have for the HST.

Amazing, Geoff. I've stood on the platform at Slough, on vacation from Canada, and was truly impressed by the wind and the sound from the HST at speed. Great to see the inside of the engine room. Fantastic video.

my HST memory is when the engine caught fire and we had to emergency stop in the middle of box tunnel.

That's cool that you got to go inside the engine room and ride a GWR HST before it moves to ScotRail

That was excellent, Geoff. A very well documented memo of a great occasion. You even got into the engine compartment! Thanks for doing all that - I've never known time to go so fast . . .

Great video Geoff! So sad to see them go I will always cherish my memories of the HST!

I didn't know I wanted to do that till I just did it LOL That's quiet some access you got there that was fantastic What a noise imagine if it had been a oaxman though WOW But excellent R,I.P HST we'll miss you Not a bad Run for a stop-gap

I hope one day we can make our own trains again. I love the Japanese and their engineers, but I think that it is important to the pride of the country that we can show the world true British engineering

I honestly love your videos and it's really great to see you so happy in the cab. I've only started using the trains from the north-west into London so I never got to experience these trains.

One of if not my favourite of your video's Geoff. So much enthusiasm and genuine passion from everyone and it's great that you help others plug their sites. I want your job!

The railway ticketing system needs to go: Standard Class First Class Rear Cab Class

WE'LL MISS YOU CLASS 43 HST GWR

I really love all your interviews Geoff! So much fun to watch.

Chris here from Montreal, Canada and I just discovered your great channel. I lived in the UK for three years back a decade ago and I vividly remember the HST’s since I was commuting from OXF to BTH (change at DID) every workdays. These trains were rocking somehow perfectly since it happened once in a while that I missed the Didcot Jump to the Cotswold Line napping, ending up at Reading!! Fond memories!!

the IETs are wonderful though, when your're a getting train back from Oxford or further and when you reach didcot it's so refreshing to hear the sound of the engines dying then just near-silent except for that lovely VF-Pulsing noise.

Ah the HST - greatest British diesel, and I say that as a Deltic fan!

The end of an era. We will miss you class 43. You were always there for us. My HST memory was of going to see my gran in Bristol

Although I’m from America, I’ve loved the designs of the HST’s.

"This is Adam! ... You don't know Adam yet-" Yes I do. He's one of the SLIPs guys :P

A British classic! Will be missed. :)

Great work Geoff. I just love your enthusiasm for what you do.

That was a great video! Thanks, Geoff!

I saw 43198 and 43002 ‘sir Kenneth Grange’ at Cardiff yesterday. Very sad 😢

RIP HST [from paddington] :( I can still go to KGX for my HST train to the north:)

I think there's moments that you were speechless you were just so excited to be able to do that fantastic thanks for sharing again hello from the US

Thanks for the video. Have many memories of the HSTs both on board and watching / listening from platforms. I was last in the UK in 2017 (from Australia) and enjoyed many trips on GWR both in the west country and in / out of Paddington.

My HST memory is of being in Durham in the late 1970s, and being able to hear the Valenta engine scream all around the city centre.

I remember seeing the prototype HST at Weston-super-Mare as a kid in the 1970s - it looked really futuristic compared to the existing locos.

SO HAPPY YOU MADE THIS VIDEO GEOFF!! I wasn't there on Saturday, but I did take a special trip down to Newton Abbot on Wednesday aboard a HST, and soaked up the beautiful Dawlish sea wall. Such a lovely video, well done - and I'm definitely not jealous about the cab/engine room ride!

Thanks for sharing Geoff Absolutely brilliant video and a joy to watch just a shame this is the demise of our beloved HST 125’s Just love them and I remember climbing all over them at Old Oak open days 40yrs ago 😢 Great memories you’ve captured 👍 All the best Garry 😉

Paddington will look so diffrent with out a class 43 in the platform. the last time i went to dawlish 43 002 Sir Kenneth Grange pulled our train historical day. 800 era begins

Nooo!! I’m so sad! I loved the HSTs and even though I’m from Ireland I was lucky enough to go on one! Great video!

What an amazing sight at Paddington! The departure of the last four GWR HST's was seen almost as equal to the end of steam in Britain! My HST travel memories are limited as I am Australian and have so far only been to the UK once, but I very much enjoyed rides to Didcot and later Bristol. Well done Geoff and GWR! 😍

Can't put my finger on why but at the first horn sounding from train #1 departing I had to swallow down an unexpected lump. It's the history, maybe, or the togetherness, something like that. Lovely video. I do love your videos Geoff. Am always sharing them.

Thankfully they're still a frequent sight on the Midland Mainline, for a few more months at least!

And to think 40 years ago we were all at Paddington cursing the HST's because they were displacing the class 50's.

Great piece of film Geoff Marshall! Nice to see and indeed hear the great voice of Nigel Harris! Best regards from Germany!

Thanks again Geoff for a brilliant video. My 1st HST memory when i was about 14 was photographing them at speed through a closed station near Rothwell, Northampton

And that's the end of the line of the HST out London Paddington. R.I.P to the GWR HST's.

Film yourself in the back cab driver's seat. Run the footage backwards and 'hey presto!'

I sent this to 15 rail friends in Canada. I was in Paddington on a Friday afternoon in August 1965 when Clun Castle pulled the last steam hauled express out to Banbury. Only the British can generate this feeling over rail. Great video, thank you as always.

I shed a tear with this one, i have fond memories of the hst from when i was youngster. They will be missed. I will try to attend the last day of hst operation on the east coast main line in October.

Damn the HSTs are already gone now? So fast, time just flies 😨

return me the HST soft seats, the hardness of IET seat is...😭😭😭

Oh man the feels. Nice one Geoff, and wow the size of those engines!

Thank you for this video, Geoff. A bittersweet moment, for sure. The InterCity 125 started running when I was nine, and we would often ride from Paddington to Neath to visit my Nana. My favorite memory is my dad splurging on dinner service in the restaurant car after my brother and I had begged for what felt like years, but was probably one of our first trips. Roast beef and potatoes on British Rail China and white linen-absolute magic.

R.i.p the intercity 125s and the rest of the HSTS you will be missed I would have come to see it but I was away

Class 43 In service 43 years Number of views 43k Nice coincidence! EDIT very soon after posting this, the views went beyond 43k.

Great video. Happy memories of travelling HST's when I first went to London on my own in the late Eighties.

Hahaha Geoff, what a wonderful video! I especially loved the part in the engine room, what an experience with all my speakers at full volume! Thanks for sharing and cheers from Vienna!

We will never know if Geoff made it home ... until the next video

thumbs up if you had HST Hornby train set

Absolutely amazing video to commemorate an icon of the railways, these shall be dearly missed. I was lucky enough to ride on the last service from Swindon Bristol Temple Meads and was truly a train enthusiast service. When waiting for my train back to Cardiff, a Classic short set pulled in from Cardiff.

West coast main line in the late 90's Preston to London and back, many a time as it went from BR to Virgin, didn't even know they were still running, not seen one for ages. Thanks for the memories.

11:36 Maybe not. Class 43 is a true beauty, while some other trains are not. GreaterAnglia is replacing its Liverpool St to Cambridge service (currently run by Class 317) with newer Class 720, and the last Class 317 departing Liverpool Street will be Q4 2020. I don't miss Class 317 at all, and I want Class 720 to come faster.

Already ? This is sad...

What a treat! Thank you for this, Geoff!

Thanks for that, from someone who couldn't go on the last ones although we will stall have them in Cornwall. Memories, when they first came out, taking my eldest two daughters on them running down the central isle saying we are running faster than 125 mph.