Heritage Railway

‘Derided’ Pacers getting new lives in the heritage sector

THEY have long been lambasted by members of the travelling public – but heritage railways are now queueing up to add a Pacer DMU to their fleets.

A familiar sight to millions of commuters in the north of England, with their distinctive flat front, bus seating and functional design, the first Pacers were built in 1984 to create reliable and affordable trains to replace ageing first generation DMUs from the 1950s and 1960s.

With their low speeds and basic features, the body was based on a Leyland National bus and many fixtures and fittings are shared by both vehicles. Simple to build, run and maintain, with a rarely-surpassed fuel economy of 10 miles per gallon, Pacers quietly provided an essential rail link for commuters in many parts of northern England and Wales – in some cases for over 30 years.

Their use of

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Heritage Railway

Heritage Railway1 min read
Kings Heath's Station Sign Returns - 85 Years After Its Closure To Passengers
AWOODEN sign from the original Kings Heath station, which closed to passengers on January 27, 1941, due to the Second World War, has been returned to the site ahead of its anticipated reopening. Transport for West Midlands has acquired the original s
Heritage Railway1 min read
Help Save Goathland's Harry Potter Access Bridge
THE North Yorkshire Moors Railway has launched a public SOS fundraising appeal to save an access bridge that featured in the hit movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Goathland station, the filming location of Hogsmeade station in the film,
Heritage Railway1 min read
New General Manager For Wansford
THE NeneValley Railway has appointed Tracey Spring as its new general manager. Tracey has carried out the duties on an interim basis since the previous general manager, Sarah Piggott, left the role. A statement said: “The NVR board wish to congratula

Related