Throwback to St Phillip's Marsh Open Day

As you probably remember, the milestone SPM Depot Open Day was at the start of May, with an array of locomotives, stock and DMUs. 

Such a good event, with such variety, that we've decided to take a trip down memory lane - we return to the Open Day for lots of photos plus a few descriptions.
Also, the event was the date for the 40th Birthday of the HST - the most principle point of the day. To celebrate, VTEC, Network Rail, GC and GWR all had their HST Power Cars out on show.

And here they are now, a colourful convoy captured by Anthony Whiteford! This convoy has been seen over and over again, and I honestly couldn't choose which photo to upload again from the database as they're all so good! 

In ascending order, VTEC 43300, Network Rail 43013, Grand Central Power Car 43423, Virgin Trailer First 41190, East Midlands Trains Power Car 43048. And the bonus ball, 43002! No, we haven't gone back a 'few' years, just a 'few', you may remember that it was repainted into IC colours. This was to celebrate 40 years, as stated, of the HST - 002 being the first of the fleet built!

Also at the event was 125 Group Prototype 41001, plus their Mk3s 12092 + 10206 + 11074.

A full reminder of most of the contenders at the open day: Colas Rail 47749, GWR 57603/158798 / 166214 / 150247 /43172/ 08663 (below) / 43002, 66757, VTEC 43300, GC 43243 and EMT 43048. Plus Heritage 50047/ 08822 /41101 and 37884.

 08663, of the GWR fleet, is actually named St Sillas - to commemorate the St Silas church, which was destroyed 75 years ago during a bombing raid in January 1941.

Sadly 140 lost their lives that night as German airmen attempted to hit the Railway and Docks area of the city.

Regards:

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