‘Pacer’ makes first run of class in East Anglia
LOCAL transport history was made at the Mid-Norfolk Railway as recently arrived Class 142‘Pacer'No. 142061 undertook a test run from Dereham to Wymondham Abbey Halt and back on April 14 as part of the line's preparations for reopening.
The trip – believed to be the first ever running of a Class 142 in East Anglia as the class did not see service on the main line in the region – was a test of the unit's systems following routine maintenance and servicing, and the opportunity for drivers and guards to become qualified to operate this new class of unit on the railway.
A call for working members to support the test run was met with an enthusiastic response, with the slots to operate the signalling and level crossings quickly filled.
General manager George Saville said: “The ‘Pacer' performed extremely well and our staff passed assessments with flying colours.
“These units are a valuable addition to the railway's fleet as they provide us with units that are renowned for low operating costs, which is ideal for our midweek low-season timetable.”
Meanwhile, Class 142 ‘Pacers' Nos. 142004 and 142058 have arrived at the Telford Steam Railway. They join a Class 144 ‘Pacer' No. 144013 and Class 108 heritage DMU cars Nos. 50531 and 51950. Also, Class 142 ‘Pacer' No. 142049 has been secured for the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.