GWR Class 43 HST Power Cars 43041 Meningitis Trust Support for Life and 43005 Era 11 Gauge: 00 Finish: Gloss Length: 235mm DCC Type: DCC Ready Period: Era 11 (2014 +) Operator/Livery GWR Green Class: 43 Designer Sir Kenneth Grange Entered Service 1976 Minimum Curve 2nd Radius + (438mm) Age Suitability 14+ Motor 5 Pole Skew Wound Purpose High Speed Passenger Wheel Configuration Bo-Bo GWR, Class 43 HST, Power Cars 43041 'Meningitis Trust Support for Life' and 43005 - Era 11 Originally conceived as a cheaper, more reliable alternative to the Advanced Passenger Train in the early 1970s, the British Railways Board authorised the development of a prototype High Speed Diesel Train with two locomotives designated as Class 41. These aerodynamic power cars were constructed by British Railways Engineering Ltd at their Crewe Works and emerged in June and August 1972, fitted with Paxman Valenta 12RP200L engines, developing 2,250 hp. The power cars, having initially been numbered 41001 and 41002, were later given the coaching stock numbers 43000 and 43001 for operating trials on the Eastern Region and subsequent transfer to the Western Region. Following evaluation and a change of name to High Speed Train, British Rail placed orders for similar trains for use on the Western, Eastern, Scottish and London Midland Regions.