Class 143 'Pacer' Profile and Models

Class 143 'Pacer'

143608 on the route between Treherbert & Cardiff Central in April 2019. ©Train Photos

The British Rail Class 143 is a diesel multiple-unit railbus, part of the Pacer family of passenger trains introduced between 1985 and 1986. BR, seeking to procure improved derivatives of the Class 141, placed an order with the manufacturers Hunslet-Barclay and Walter Alexander to construct its own variant, the Class 143. Entering operational service during the mid-1980s, the Class 143 embodied several advances over the original model in terms of ride quality and reliability. During its operating lives, the type operated various passenger services across the United Kingdom; initially operated in the North-East of England, all units were subsequently transferred to other regions, including Wales and South-West England. Due to their non-compliance with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2008, the Pacer family began to be withdrawn during the late 2010s ahead of the 1 January 2020 deadline. Some fleets were given dispensation to operate until 31 December 2020. While modifications for compliance were proposed by rolling-stock companies, no train operator took up the option. The last trains ran on 29 May 2021.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Unit

Diesel Multiple Unit

Builder

Hunslet-Barclay
Walter Alexander Coachbuilders

Build Dates

1985 to 1986

Total Built

25 sets

Power Output

200hp to 225hp per engine (2 per unit)

Top Speed

75 mph

Passenger Capacity

104 to 122 seats

Operated By

British Rail
Arriva Trains Wales/ Transport for Wales
Valley Lines
First Great Western
Great Western Railway
Wessex Trains

Main Duties

Local/ Regional Passenger

In Service Until

2021

Surviving Examples

13 sets