Class 142 'Pacer' Profile and Models

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