Spares donor ‘Pacer’ to be spared!
142 ‘Pacer’ purchased as a spares donor by the owner of 142013 on the Midland Railway Butterley is returning to service on the line rather than being stripped for spares, as was the original intention.
142011 has been at the MRB for two years following its withdrawal by Northern during the rundown of the ‘Pacer’ fleets. The two Class 142 DMUS were bought with the intention that 142011 would donate components to provide a spares pool for 142013.
However, the owner of the two units managed to secure a large quantity of spare parts following the withdrawal of the Class 142 fleet, including spare wheelsets and engines, meaning that original intention is no longer necessary.
The owner of the two DMUS told Railways Illustrated that 142011 was actually found to be in slightly better condition that its sister unit when the pair were closely examined following their delivery to Butterley, which is the reason it is being reactivated ahead of 142013.
The unit is now undergoing a repaint into Provincial blue livery, as applied to a number of Class 142 units when they were first built, although 142011 was actually delivered to BR in GMPTE orange and tan when new.
The ‘Pacer’ has also had new windows and window rubbers fitted, as well as receiving mechanical and electrical repairs.
Work on reactivating 142011 has been fast-tracked for it to take part in the MRB’S DMU gala on June 18/19, which will also include the line’s Class 108 DMU and 141113. Meanwhile, work on the restoration of 142013 has also commenced, although it is expected to be some time before this unit enters service as it is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul. It is expected that 142011 will also receive more thorough attention once 142013 has been completed.