Class 142 - The Bus That Became a Train
The British Rail Class 142 Pacer was an attempt to produce a cost-effective train to replace the worn-out and elderly first-generation BR Diesel Multiple Unit fleet that had been introduced in the late 1950s.
The Class 142 concept was a marriage of proven bus technology, traditional railway chassis and powertrain by utilising modular Leyland National Bus Bodies mounted on a substantial steel underframe and powered by conventional underfloor diesel engines.
They came at a time when the network was lacking in investment, and when first introduced from 1985 onwards, they presented a fresh, bright and clean image, breathing new life into many suburban and rural services.
Unfortunately, soon after introduction, there were serious reliability problems, which necessitated much re-engineering and design issues. However, the British Rail Class 142 Pacer became a familiar sight across the network.
With the remaining ninety-four trains now all past their thirtieth birthday, the fleet is due to be retired by 2020.
Product details
| Author: | Martyn Hilbert |
|---|---|
| Details: | 96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.31 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 0.8 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | 141 color photos |
| Publisher: | Fonthill Media (GB, 2020) |
| ISBN: | 9781781558232 |
Class 142 - The Bus That Became a Train
Language: English
Available on Amazon - safe payment and fast delivery
Buy on Amazon.comBuy on Amazon UK
Buy on Amazon CA
