European Railroad Discussion > Last Chance to See...Great Western's HSTs

The HST era which started on the former Western Region of BR in Spring 1976 is will end on December 13th 2025, when the remaining 2+4 Castle Class HST sets are withdrawn, to be replaced by Alstom/Metro Cammell class 175 DMUs (formerly with Transport for Wales) which are more than adequate replacements. I drove from home to South Devon today to pay my respects and say my goodbyes. I know it's not the end of HST operation in the UK, Scotrail's Inter7Cities sets are still hard at work, but their withdrawl from the lines of the former Western Region after almost 50 years does seem like a major milestone. The weather was pretty indifferent, it's supposed to be better tomorrow and Saturday but sadly I have other commitments so it was today or never.

1: 2E06 Par to Exeter St Davids with power cars 43156 Maen Castle leading 43194 Okehampton Castle
2: Maen Castle's nameplate. The designs are unique to each castle, and being a cast alloy nameplate rather than a transfer is a touch of class
3: 2C20 with Okehampton Castle leading approaching Saltash

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A fine tribute it is, indeed.  Gerry

Sad to see them go. HSTs were a real eye-opener for me in 1980 when I spent about 6 months in the UK.

Posted from iPhone

Good to see, Nick. I would have liked to have had a last go at these, but a bit of a trek and short daylight.  C.

I'll not forget my first trip on a HST in what must have been 1979.  I had come from London and intended to get off at York.  I almost wound up going further when I discovered there was no inside door handle!  Fortunately somebody came along just before the train left, lowered the window glass and reached out to open the door for me. Whew!
Gordon