ANOTHER TWO Class 43 HST power cars have been stood down from service by Great Western Railway as the rundown of the operator’s short-formed Castle Class HSTs continues.
However, despite initial indications that the HSTs would be retired from service by GWR before the end of the year, some of the sets are to be retained into 2024.
There was always an intention that some of the HST sets would be retained for a period to assist on occasions when fleet availability might require them, but GWR has now clarified that some sets will remain in traffic beyond the new year.
It is intended that the remaining sets will stay on mid-distance journeys in the region where they currently work.
The power cars and coaching stock sets that are being stood down are all due for major exams, with the necessary work not being authorised considering the rundown of the fleet in preparation for their complete removal from traffic.
One of the key issues with the retention of the HSTs is the availability of spare components, with a number of donor HST power cars stripped to provide parts for the operational Class 43.
GWR’s Castle Class fleet consists of 16 four-coach Mk.3 standard class rakes and 35 power cars.
