43 : The Speed Star May 2026

InterCity 125: Sir Kenneth Grange - York - National Railway Museum

The "Speed Star" of the tracks was defined by its iconic aerodynamic nose, designed by . Unlike the bulky locomotives of the past, the Class 43 looked like the future—sleek, vibrant, and fast even when standing still. It used two power cars (one at each end) to "push and pull" a rake of Mark 3 coaches, providing a smooth and quiet ride for passengers. 2. Breaking Records 43 : The Speed Star

The Class 43 wasn't just fast for its time; it was world-class. On November 1, 1987, it set a world record for diesel traction, reaching a staggering . This solidified its reputation as the ultimate "Speed Star" of the diesel era. 3. The Legacy: A Half-Century of Speed InterCity 125: Sir Kenneth Grange - York -