The British Rail Class 43 (HST) was designed by BR Derby and manufactured at BREL Crewe between 1975 and 1982. The design many would say reflects the pinnacle of diesel locomotive design with the HST still holding the world record for the fastest diesel locomotive in the world. In all 197 diesel power cars were manufactured to provide a high speed passenger service in a time when public budgets were constrained and mass electrification of lines was not financially viable. A testament to the success of the design of the HST is that 193 of the power cars are still in service today, with three being scrapped due to accidental damage and one being preserved at the NRM. Post the privatisation of BR the fleet has been distributed amongst various operators including East Coast, East Midlands, Grand Central, Cross Country, First Great Western and Virgin Trains. The HST was originally built without buffers, however to allow it to act in conjunction with Class 89 and 91 electrically powered locomotives on the electrified East Coast Line, eight power cars were fitted with buffers. Network rail has also converted a HST as a measurement train. This is packed with measurement and safety equipment and is used on the West Coast line to ensure lines are fit for use and safe for high speed and tilting locomotives.
The Dapol Model of the HST’s are sold in Booksets with one motorised power car, one dummy power car and two Mark 3 Coaches. Dapol have also produced the measurement train in its Network Rail Livery. This is sold as a twin pack with one dummy and one motorised power car.
Features of the HST Sets include:
Finely detailed body with many extra fitted items
5 pole Super Creep motor with incredible controllable slow running speed.
All wheel drive and pick up
Directional lights
Buffet & TGS Coaches are light bar ready
DCC Ready with provision for a NEXT-18 decoder
Accessory bag with optional fitted parts.
