45-years-old at this time of writing and still serving the customers! ScotRail has received 54 Class 43 HST's (High Speed Train) from Great Western having had them refurbished by Brush Traction Works in Loughborough. The dark blue and pale grey livery features large silhouettes of landmarks located in seven Scottish cities. Long distance services between Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness began on 15 Oct 2018.

The prototype HST, 41001, was developed at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby. Below left is the 41001 prototype cab controls with the cab from HST 43083 on the right for comparison.

A photo of prototype HST 41001 is the first to be seen in the group of photos below.

The Class 43 HST (InterCity 125) locomotives were built between 1975 and 1982 by British Rail Engineering Limited at their Crewe Works. The class has a maximum speed of 148 mph with a regular service speed of 125 mph. Originally the HST was built with a 12 cylinder Paxman Valenta diesel engine producing 2,250 bhp (brake horse power) which was later replaced with the MTU 16V4000 engine also producing 2,250 horsepower. ScotRail's Inter7City 4 coach sets, with an HST located top and tail, means horsepower totals 4,500 providing ample acceleration.

Before the HST's introduction, the maximum speed of British trains was limited to 100 mph. The increased speed and rapid acceleration and deceleration of the HST made it ideal for passenger use as it slashed journey times around the country. The prototype InterCity 125 (power cars 41000 and 41001) set the world record for diesel traction at 143 mph on 12 Jun 1973.

As you can see from all the different liveries below, multiple operators have made use of this locomotive. The last photo shows one dressed up as a Hornby model train. Considering all the models produced representing real locomotives, it's rather fitting the prototype copied a model train set livery.