KWVR reveals transformed ‘Pacer’

THE KWVR Railcar Group unveiled Class 144 No. 144011 in West Yorkshire Metro Trains livery at Haworth on October 30. This follows extensive bodywork preparation at Haworth MPD, by volunteers and shed staff.

This eye-catching livery was only carried by Class 144s in the West Yorkshire region. The earlier Class 141s also had a similar WYPTE Metro Trains livery, but with a wider cream strip.

Set No. 144011 (DMS No. 55811 and DMSL

No. 55834) was transferred to KWVR ownership in June 2020, having been stored on the railway following withdrawal by Northern, whose deep blue, purple and white livery it then carried. The other ‘Pacers’ stored with it have since departed, most going to other heritage railways.

An official launch date for the ‘Pacer’ has yet to be confirmed as it is not expected to enter passenger service until next year – further driver training and paperwork must be completed first.

MARTYN TATTAM KWVR ‘Pacer’ No. 144011 is seen in its reinstated Metro Trains livery during a short test run from Haworth Yard to the top of Haworth Loop on the afternoon of October 30.