43 : The Speed Star Site

The story of the —famously known as the InterCity 125 —is a tale of British engineering that quite literally saved a dying rail industry.

The "Speed Star" of the tracks was defined by its iconic aerodynamic nose, designed by . Unlike the bulky locomotives of the past, the Class 43 looked like the future—sleek, vibrant, and fast even when standing still. It used two power cars (one at each end) to "push and pull" a rake of Mark 3 coaches, providing a smooth and quiet ride for passengers. 2. Breaking Records 43 : The Speed Star

The Class 43 wasn't just fast for its time; it was world-class. On November 1, 1987, it set a world record for diesel traction, reaching a staggering . This solidified its reputation as the ultimate "Speed Star" of the diesel era. 3. The Legacy: A Half-Century of Speed The story of the —famously known as the