Grand Central operated Valenta HST Farewell Trips 22nd December 2010

A sad day in history as the last Paxman Valenta engined HST Power Car hauled passengers (rail enthusiasts) for the last time. 43123 and 43468 (43084 was unfortunately on another set, but is dead anyway after major engine failure, so has been acting as a DVT) were the power for the 4 special trips : 1Z11 Sunderland to York via Durham Coast 1Z12 York to Sunderland via ECML and Newcastle 1Z13 Sunderland to York via Durham Coast 1Z14 York to Sunderland via Durham Coast Featured in this video is the nameplate 'VALENTA 1972-2010' applied to 43123 the week before, 43123 with a FANtastic departure from York on 1Z12 1135 to Sunderland, 43123 again on 1Z12 thrashing through Durham (not the usual route for Grand Central and a former Valenta hotspot with GNER and Virgin HST's the norm back in the late 90's. The final scene is the 5Z14 Sunderland to Heaton ECS passing Newcastle Central just after 1830, *this could possible be the last ever video of a Valenta power car in action*