The Colne Valley Railway at Castle Hedingham near Halstead in Essex is holding a special event on Saturday 28th March to celebrate 50 years of services on the UK railway network operated by Class 43 High Speed Trains, more familiarly known as HSTs.

The day will feature the naming of No. HST 43023, which will also operate a full day of services. The name chosen for 43023 will mark 50 years of HST service, but it will be revealed on the day. The naming of 43023 will take place at 1 pm at Platform 1.

Tickets for the day include an unlimited number of rides on the HST, and visitors are welcome to hop on and sit on board the train all day. Visitors can also take a cab ride in power car No. 43082; tickets for the cab rides will be available on the day from the onboard buffet.

There will be power cars on display at Platform 2, where visitors can view them close-up, tour the engine room, and experience the sensation of an HST being started up.

Trains will run every 30 minutes, and food and drinks will be available from a licensed bar onboard. The train is air-conditioned, with seating in first-class being open. Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs along for the ride.

Other attractions at Castle Hedingham station include a model railway, which will be open all day, a signal box, a museum, and Plotlands cottage.

Tickets for the day include unlimited rides and cost £15 for adults, £12 for senior citizens, and £8 for children aged 3 to 15; children under 3 travel free.

Further information and booking details are online at https://colnevalley.hops.org.uk/…/special…/43023-naming.

The Colne Valley Railway started operating services with its HSTs in 2022, and also held an HST event last Christmas.

British Railways ceased services along the line on 1st January 1962. It was originally part of the Colne Valley and Halstead Railway, which was opened in the 1860s.