Class 143 'Pacer' Profile and Models
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with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2008, the Pacer family began to be withdrawn during the late 2010s ahead of the 1 January 2020 deadline.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. |
|
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 |