British Rail Class 144 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 144 "Pacer" |
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Class 144, unit number 144017 at York railway station on 3rd June 2004.
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| In service | 1986 - present |
| Manufacturer | BREL Derby and Walter Alexander |
| Family name | Pacer |
| Refurbishment | 2003 - 2004 - 2008? |
| Number built | 23 |
| Formation | DMS(+MS)+DMSL |
| Operator(s) | Northern Rail first great Western |
| Line(s) served | Harrogate Line, Huddersfield Line, Hallam Line, Pontefract Line, York & Selby Lines |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75MPH |
| Prime mover(s) | Cummins LTA10-R (Originally Leyland TL11) |
| Safety system(s) | AWS, TPWS |
| Track gauge | 1435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) |
The British Rail Class 144 "Pacer" trains were a special type of diesel multiple unit (DMU). They were built by BREL Derby between 1986 and 1987. A total of 23 of these train units were made. They were designed to replace older, first-generation trains that were getting old.
The Pacer trains were unique because they were built using parts from buses. This made them cheaper and quicker to build. They were often called "bus-trains" because of their design.
Contents
What is a Pacer Train?
A Pacer train is a light, two-axle railway vehicle. It was designed to be a low-cost solution for local train services. The idea was to use bus bodies and parts, which were cheaper than traditional train parts.
Why Were Pacers Built?
In the 1980s, British Rail needed new trains quickly and cheaply. They wanted to replace old trains that were breaking down often. The Pacer project was a way to do this without spending a lot of money.
How Pacers Were Designed
The Class 144 Pacer trains used a bus body made by Walter Alexander Coachbuilders. This body was placed onto a simple train chassis. This design meant they had a different feel compared to other trains. They were known for being a bit bumpy on the tracks.
Inside the Pacer Trains
Inside, the Pacers looked a lot like buses. They had bus-style seats and windows. They were often used on shorter, local routes. This was because they were not as comfortable for long journeys.
Where Pacers Operated
The Class 144 Pacer trains mainly operated in the north of England. They served several important railway lines.
- Harrogate Line
- Huddersfield Line
- Hallam Line
- Pontefract Line
- York & Selby Lines
They were a common sight on these routes for many years.
Life of the Class 144 Pacers
The Class 144 units started service in 1986. They were used for over 30 years. Over time, some parts of the trains were updated.
Refurbishment and Updates
Some Pacer trains went through updates to make them better. These updates happened around 2003, 2004, and possibly 2008. These changes helped keep them running for longer.
End of Service
Many Pacer trains have now been retired from regular service. Newer, more modern trains have taken their place. Some of the retired Pacer units have been saved for museums or heritage railways. This means people can still see them and learn about their history.
Images for kids
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Class 144s 144004 and 144016 at Bedale railway station after retirement. These units have since entered preservation with the Aln Valley Railway.
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Class 144 in Northern Livery.
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