DMU

CLASS 143 ‘PACER’

AN upturn in passenger numbers following the easing of lockdown restrictions during March led to Transport for Wales increasing its unit requirement and returning some of its Class 143s, which had been stood down after timetable reductions in late January, to traffic.

The first to return was No. 143616 on March 15, followed by No. 143607.

Nos. 143601/22, which had been sent to Landore (Swansea) for storage on February 2, returned to Cardiff Canton on March 11 pending a possible return to use. Transport for Wales has dispensation to use its ‘143s’ until the end of May.

CLASS 158 ‘SPRINTER EXPRESS’

THE last of Northern’s fleet to be refurbished, No. 158861, was released from Arriva Traincare at Crewe on March 13 and ran via Derby to Sheffield in the company of No. 158787.

Heading from Cardiff Canton to Wabtec Doncaster for overhaul, No. 158825 was noted passing through Denton on March 6.

CLASS 170 ‘TURBOSTAR’

HAVING run to Bristol Barton Hill on February 27, No. 170521 returned to Tyseley as No. 170621 with its centre car (No. 56633) added on March 13. It was in traffic just over a week later.

CLASS 195 ‘CIVITY’

UNDERGOING Platform Train Interface (PTI) trials on the Harrogate loop, Nos. 195018/108 formed the 5Z40/12.08 York-Leeds via Knaresborough on March 7. A run in the opposite direction was cancelled due to late running of the Leeds-bound working.

After a spell back at Newport for derailment damage repairs, No. 195021 returned to Edge Hill in early March.

The set, which is the only member of the class yet to be used in service, was on mileage accumulation runs to Carnforth on March 15-16 and again the following week.

CLASS 196 ‘CIVITY’

DURING March, No. 196009 arrived at Donnington Railfreight Terminal for storage, where it joins Nos. 196006008/108.