I've never ridden on a Pacer in service, and now I won't get the chance. I know people hated them, but it was Pacer or no trains for many branch lines. The idea of a bus body on a railway chassis always seemed ingenious to me too. I suspect that's no compensation for a draughty door on a winter morning however!
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Saturday Film Club: The last Pacer
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There will be opportunities to try one on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. We've been given one of the withdrawn sets we stored for Northern Rail during early lockdown.
I had the experience of a Pacer back from Sheffield to Lincoln once after a railtour mishap meant that if I stayed on that til Birmingham, I'd be risking no trains home from Nottingham.
It wasn't all that terrible, but then the weather was nice outside so I didn't experience the draughts. Overall, I'm glad I had the chance, possibly a shorter journey would have been more comfortable and enjoyable though.
I always liked them, and I rode on a lot, including one memorable run on one racing between HST's from Gloucester to Bristol. I always felt the 142's were very smart as well, and I loved my Hornby version.
That said, I never had to ride on them, less still commute on one every day...
I always thought a narrow gauge version (on bogies) would be an interesting model.
Well if they have been withdrawn because they conflict with PRM legislation, how can the Worth Valley run them? Do they have a dispensation?
I'd guess that the legislation works differently for preserved lines. If it didn't, the Tramway Museum would have to close as only one of their vehicles is accessible. Also, all the lines would have to re-paint the stock to meet the latest standards for visibility such as distinctive door colours.
Presumably, this is because they aren't transport systems, but entertainment.
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