Class 142 'Pacer' Profile and Models

Class 142 'Pacer'

142036 at Eccles in June 2013. ©Rept0n1x

The Class 142s were constructed between 1985 and 1987 as a cost effective method of providing temporary rolling stock on branch lines in the North and South-West of England. The units were a development of the earlier Class 141 and had a body based on the Leyland National bus, with many fixtures and fittings shared between the two vehicles. Featuring a long wheelbase with no bogies, the units have often proved to be uncomfortable and unreliable with some modifications made throughout their life to improve running quality. Incredibly, the units ran in service right up to the end of 2020, vastly exceeding their expected service life.

(Information Provided by Wikipedia)

Type of Unit

Two-car Diesel Multiple Unit

Builder

British Rail Engineering Limited
Derby Litchurch Lane Works
Leyland Bus

Build Dates

1985 to 1987

Total Built

96 Units

Power Output

225hp (Cummins Engined Units)
205hp (Leyland Engined Units)

Top Speed

75 mph

Passenger Capacity

105 to 121 Seats

Operated By

British Rail
Regional Railways
Valley Lines
Arriva Trains Northern
First North Western
Wales and Borders
Arriva Trains Wales
Northern Rail
First Great Western
Arriva Rail North
Transport for Wales
Northern Trains

Main Duties

Local & Regional Passenger

In Service Until

December 2020

Surviving Examples

20 Preserved
Remaining examples scrapped or in store