Present your case

If there’s a prototype that you think needs to be offered ready-to-run, here’s the place to voice your opinion…

Prototype: British Rail/leyland Class 141 two-car DMU Gauge: ‘OO’ Proposed by: Simone Barnes, Glossop What is it?

In the late 1970s, cash-strapped British Rail was faced with a need to replace an aging fleet of first-generation Diesel Multiple Units and had begun experimenting with short, twin-axle chassis originally planned for high-speed freight vehicles. The plan was to combine this chassis with Leyland bus body components (from its successful National single-deck bus design) to produce a lightweight, cheap vehicle for suburban and branchline duties.

Initially, single-car rail vehicles were created, before a two-car unit was trialled, which became the Class 140 and was the forerunner of the famous ‘Pacer’ family of DMUS which followed. The first production fleet was the Class 141, which were built by BR and Leyland and introduced in 1984. A fleet of 20 two-car sets were constructed and their similarity to the contemporary Leyland buses was obvious. Allocated to Neville Hill depot, the ‘141s’ worked services emanating from Leeds, York and Sheffield, running to destinations including

Harrogate, Huddersfield and Cleethorpes.

Reliability issues plagued the ‘141s’ and their rather cramped interiors didn’t prove popular with passengers. However, they continued in service until 1997. Twelve units were exported for use on the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways in 2001/2.

What would make it viable?

The demise of the ‘Pacer’ family of DMUS in recent years has led to a revival of interest in these humble units, not least as they provided a clear indication of how poorly funded rail transport was in the later BR years, especially away from the Capital. While the chassis differed from the later Class 142/3/4 ‘Pacers’, a common drive train arrangement could be employed across multiple models. So, if anyone does eventually produce a Class 142 model worthy of the 21st Century, perhaps the ‘141’ could be factored into the design at the same time?

There’s a choice of liveries: original cream and green, later red/cream ‘Metro’ livery, plus Serco grey/red for the converted weedkilling unit (141118), dubbed ‘Flower’.

Can I see a real one?

Yes, two units survive in preservation, 141108/13. Two further units were also initially preserved, but were scrapped a few years ago.

Have your say

Do you agree with Simone’s argument? Join the debate on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/modelrail