Vintage Trains plans new ‘experiences’ for Class 144s
THREE former Northern Class 144 Pacers will be used for an ‘evolving market’, having been acquired by Vintage Trains in a sponsorship arrangement with Porterbrook.
Ex-Northern 144014/019 arrived at their new Tyseley home by rail on December 18. They will be joined there by 144023 in due course.
“Vintage Trains’ core operation is currently a mix of long-distance charters and ‘The Shakespeare Express’ summer programme, the majority pulled by express steam locomotives and all offering fine dining options,” said VT Chairman Michael Whitehouse.
“But the market is evolving. Enthusiasts will undoubtedly crave a ride on the main line in a Pacer, particularly on new routes for the class. But our sets will primarily be used to expand Vintage Trains into the ‘experience’ sector, targeting new audiences and building on the success of ‘The Polar Express’.”
One such offering could be a theatrical experience aboard the ‘144s’.
“Individuals and families, particularly those with young children, are looking for ‘day out with a difference’ experiences - entertainment on a train,” Whitehouse explained.
He claimed the Pacers were ideally suited to such duties, which could be marketed at an affordable price.
VT is also considering using the ‘144s’ on enthusiasts’ ‘branch line’ specials that would take the Pacers to routes where they never ran.
Already route clearance has been requested for the diesel multiple units to run on the Worcester-Birmingham Snow Hill-Stratfordupon-Avon corridor. Pacers never ran in the West Midlands during their main line careers.
Further details on the future operation of 144014/019/023, and a potential programme of events, will be announced later this year.
The three DMUs were due to have been withdrawn by Northern by the end of March 2019, but delays to new trains meant they received Government dispensation to run until August 31 2020.
However, this was curtailed when the entire fleet was placed into store following the COVID19 outbreak and the reduction of services. No Class 144s returned to Northern.