GREAT Western Railway (GWR)’s iconic Castle Class trains made their final passenger journeys on Saturday, December 13, marking the end of nearly half a century in service on the network.

The fleet, made up of Class 43 locomotives and Mark 3 coaches, first entered service in 1976 and quickly became the backbone of Intercity travel across the UK. For decades, the trains were synonymous with long-distance routes, known for their reliability, speed and distinct design.

Their withdrawal from Intercity duty began in May 2019 following the introduction of GWR’s modern Intercity Express Trains.

GWR confirmed the ageing fleet will now be replaced by its existing trains, bolstered by 26 recommissioned Class 175 units which will be introduced gradually throughout 2026.