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| Class 43 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Class 43 |
| Type | Diesel-electric locomotive |
| Builder | British Rail Engineering Limited |
| Built | 1970–1982 |
| Total | 197 |
| Gauge | 1435 mm |
| Poweroutput | 1250–1255 bhp |
| Operator | British Rail, InterCity, Virgin Trains, Great Western Railway |
Class 43
The Class 43 is a British high-speed diesel-electric locomotive widely associated with the InterCity 125 trainset and pivotal in late 20th-century British Rail operations. Introduced during the 1970s, the Class 43 reshaped express passenger services on routes radiating from London Paddington, London King's Cross, and Bristol Temple Meads while interacting with infrastructure projects such as Electrification programmes and policy changes like the Railways Act 1993. Its longevity intersected with corporate transitions involving Virgin Trains, Great Western Railway, Network Rail, and rolling stock manufacturers including Bombardier Transportation and Hitachi.
The Class 43 locomotives formed the powercars of the InterCity 125 sets, delivering sustained high-speed performance on routes such as Great Western Main Line, East Coast Main Line, and Cross Country Route. Developed by British Rail Engineering Limited with power units from English Electric and later Brush Traction involvement, the design sought to replace ageing motive power used on named expresses like the Flying Scotsman and Cornish Riviera Express. The type operated alongside multiple unit classes including the Class 91, Class 91 (EMUs), and High Speed Train successors, and it served under companies from nationalised British Rail to private operators post-privatisation.
Several subclasses emerged through life-extension, re-engining, and refurbishment programmes. Early units carried Paxman or English Electric engines before re-powering with MTU and HST powerpacks under schemes sponsored by operators such as Virgin Group and contractors like AEC and Wabtec. Distinct series included units modified for push-pull compatibility with Mark 3 coaching stock, conversions to operate with ETCS onboard signalling trials led by Network Rail, and special liveries for promotional services tied to events like the Olympic Games and anniversaries celebrated at institutions like the National Railway Museum.
Originally rated at around 1250 bhp, the propulsion system combined a high-speed diesel prime mover with an electric transmission designed by English Electric and later contractors including General Electric licencees. The Class 43's bodyshell drew on aerodynamic research influenced by projects at Aérospatiale and design teams collaborating with British Rail Research Division. Key parameters included route availability compatible with the loading gauge restrictions on lines into Paddington and King's Cross, axle loadings coordinated with standards from Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), braking systems interoperable with Mark 3 coaches, and onboard systems upgraded to meet regulations promulgated by the Office of Rail and Road.
The fleet entered regular service in the 1970s and dominated express services through the 1980s and 1990s, operating over corridors extensively used by named services such as the Capitals Limited and the Hastings line until electrification and new rolling stock replaced many sets. During the Privatisation of British Rail, fleets transferred to companies including Great Western Trains, FirstGroup, and Hull Trains, with leasing arrangements managed by rolling stock companies like Angel Trains and Eversholt Rail Group. The Class 43 participated in notable timetable changes such as the introduction of High Speed 1-linked services and was subject to refurbishment programmes aligned with franchise awards and performance targets set by Department for Transport.
Several preserved and in-service powercars are associated with high-profile events and incidents. Units were involved in accident inquiries overseen by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch after derailments and collisions that prompted safety recommendations referencing InterCity operations and signalling interoperability with ATM systems. Famous preserved examples are displayed at museums including the National Railway Museum and the Didcot Railway Centre, and special liveried units served as VIP trains for visits by figures from institutions such as the Royal Family and delegations linked to Commonwealth events. High-speed test runs during development were reported in periodicals like The Railway Magazine and covered in broadcasts by BBC News.
A significant number of powercars and complete sets have been preserved by heritage groups such as the HST Preservation Group, 30th Anniversary Group, and regional societies operating on preserved lines like the Severn Valley Railway and Mid-Norfolk Railway. The Class 43's influence persists in design lessons adopted by manufacturers including Hitachi, Siemens, and Bombardier, and it remains referenced in academic and technical studies archived at organisations such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers. Celebratory events at locations like York Station and exhibitions co-curated with the National Railway Museum mark the ongoing cultural and engineering legacy of these powercars.
Category:Diesel locomotives of the United Kingdom Category:High-speed trains of the United Kingdom