Remembering 43185 'Great Western'

With the news that HST power car 43185 formally named 'Great Western' is to be stripped and cannibalised as a source of spare parts for Abellio ScotRail's Class 43 power cars. I felt it would be ideal to look back on the last few years of 43185 in service, some shots even feature fellow celebrity power car 43002 'Sir Kenneth Grange' tailing with 43185. The power car had been a firm favorite of mine for two reasons, the Intercity Swallow livery that she carried in service between 2016 and 2019. All the HSTs in the late 1980's to the late 1990's carried this nice livery, as a kid growing up I use to watch HSTs in their IC Swallow colors which I firmly admired and is why its a firm nostalgic connection with me. And secondly she carried the name Great Western, which is only natural for me to favor as I've always lived in the Great Western Railway region.

[@robmasterman]

A wonderful tribute to this much loved Power car Ryan, it's very sad to hear it's being stripped for parts.....Bob

[@GreatWestern175]

Its sad yes that she didn't get preserved as many of us HST fans wanted to, but I suppose at least she's keeping other power cars going successfully for several more years

[@rachelstirling6613]

She's held at Haymarket Depot now. Makes my day seeing her 😁

[@charliestransportvids]

The weeknd told me to save my tears for another day and this is what I’m crying to. RIP 43185. 1982-2020

[@tenny_tenten]

43185 should also been preserved aswell at NRM