[CH] The Screaming Valenta

[CH] The Screaming Valenta

25th March 2026 2 By Chuntley

This is a scenario for AP’s Midland Mainline Enhancement Route.

A long-term ambition of the 125 Group is now well underway: the restoration of 43044 to its original configuration with a Paxman Valenta engine and Marston cooler group. While still a project in progress, this scenario imagines that vision brought to completion, with 43044 fully returned to mainline operation.

Take charge of 43044 alongside 43048 on the final part of the opening leg of a special railtour from Sheffield to St Pancras, working the service between Bedford and the capital. Hauling the group’s full 2+8 InterCity Executive Mk3 set, this run represents the culmination of a landmark journey.

 

This tour celebrates the hypothetical return of a Valenta-powered HST to the main line – something not seen since 2010. Fittingly named “The Screaming Valenta,” the scenario captures the spirit, sound, and nostalgia of the original InterCity 125 era, reimagined through the 125 Group’s preservation ambitions.

 

Essential Requirements:

 

Non-Essential Requirements:

  • DTG Chatham Mainline

 

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About the author

All my scenarios follow actual WTTs, these span span the 1980s to modern day – from Class 1 expresses to heavy freights, with plenty of chasing yellows. I play with trains for a living, and when I’m not on the real railway, I’m usually playing with ones that are 76 times smaller and made from plastic. I’m also quite keen on repainting and weathering these. Besides playing trains I also play a certain six stringed instrument.

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