Paxman Valenta MML 125 HST races a Class 319 EMU out of Luton

A Valenta powered HST races a 319 out of Luton. The 319 wins but did have a bit of a head start. The acceleration of a 319 should intitially, at least, be faster than that of an HST anyhow. RIP Valenta.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 319
• Class
• HST
• Valenta
• Race
• Luton
• MML

[NIR111Class]

Do HSTs still stop and pass at Luton? I'm going there in a month's time and I want to try and spot a couple of them.

[SANSPAREIL1977]

@NIR111Class To my knowledge generally speaking HST's dont stop there any longer just pass through, think you only see 1 each hour each direction too as EMT dont operate as many HST services as they used to. Also you wont be seeing any Valenta HSTs as they are all gone now. Things arent like they used to be...

[NIR111Class]

@SANSPAREIL1977 That's a real shame. I was looking forward to seeing and especially hearing some Valenta ones.

When did the last one get re-engined?

[SANSPAREIL1977]

@NIR111Class Last ones left the network xmas 2010, in works now. The EMT ones are at least paxman which are better than MTU in terms of sound. However its not a patch on a valenta. Shame they are no more.

[NIR111Class]

@SANSPAREIL1977 Oh well, at least there's the hst that works for network rail. I think that's valenta powered.

[SANSPAREIL1977]

@NIR111Class Nope, they went MTU some time ago. All gone other than the prototype in the NRM.

[1madaboutguitar]

Damn, you should have locked him in the toilet

To see the HST catch up and overtake it would have been priceless

[Jordy43008]

Great vid, love the thrash and the Marston ;)

[MrJezza31]

damn 319

[NIR111Class]

@bwhugul Really? Phew! That's good to hear. I'm confident as well with the fact that not one HST is going into the scrap heap. With their historical, mechanical and national importance having all the class preserved is inevitable!

[bwhugul]

@NIR111Class It may well be heard again, but not for around a decade! The "125 Group" have saved quite a few Valentas and Marstons for when the trains are actually retired and some can enter preservation.

[NIR111Class]

@SANSPAREIL1977 Once again, that's a real shame. And I don't think it's ever likely they'll run the engine on the prototype again, so the Valenta engine is never to be heard again.