Chasewater a temporary home for VoBR ‘Pacer’

THE Vale of Berkeley Railway project’s second ‘Pacer’,

No. 143603, has not joined No. 143612 at RSS Wishaw (RM Feb. p68). Instead, it has gone to the Chasewater Railway for storage… but has been started up and run.

These are still the only ex-GWR Class 143 Alexander/ Barclay ‘Pacers’ secured for preservation.

However, two sets may possibly pass to the West Somerset Railway and No. 143608 to the Wensleydale Railway.

The VoBR has formed the Sharpness Diesel Group to look after the embryonic railway’s diesel shunters and DMUs. This includes ensuring the two ‘Pacers’ in storage off-site do not deteriorate in its damp climate. Those interested in joining the group should email frank. wooldridge@btconnect.com or check Facebook ‘Sharpness Diesel Group’.

ALISTAIR GRIEVE Vale of Berkeley Railway project’s Class 143 No. 143603 (Nos. 55658 and 55669) is seen at the Chasewater Railway on March 14. Chasewater’s own ‘Pacers’ are due to see service later this year when trains start running again from May 22.