BR Class 142

The **British Rail Class 142** is a class of *Pacer* diesel multiple-unit passenger trains used in the United

Kingdom. 96 units were built by British Rail Engineering Limited's Derby Litchurch Lane Works between 1985 and 1987. They were a development of the earlier Class 141 which were introduced in 1984.

They were initially built for use on rural branch lines. As at October 2018, Transport for Wales operate fifteen units and Northern 79 units. All will be withdrawn by December 2019.

## Fleet List

 Northern
142070-142071, 142078-142079, 142084, 142086-142096

## Accidents

* 23rd June 1999 - Driver of 142 008 operated by First North Western, running empty from Crewe to Liverpool Lime Street overran a red signal on the slow line and stopped in the path of the 06:15 London Euston to Glasgow Central Virgin Trains express, hauled by a Class 87 electric locomotive, No. 87027 *Wolf of Badenoch*. The impact, which caused the unit to be written off, severed the Pacer's body from its frames and caused severe internal damage. This raised concerns over the crashworthiness of the design.
* 11th June 2009 - 142 042 operated by Northern Rail derailed while en route from Blackpool to Liverpool. All but one of the 40 passengers on board escaped injury. This was due to an engine falling into the track, whilst traviling at around 57 mph.
* 3rd October 2009 - a unit of the class collided with another train at Darlington.
* 10th April 2010 - A cardan shaft failure on 142 045 led to an incident at Durham, injuring a member of the public with a piece of ballast kicked up by the detached shaft.
* 27th April 2012 - 142 091 was working the 1125 Lincoln - Adwick service when it hit a landslide after exiting Clarborough Tunnel near Retford causing major frontal damage to the unit. Two people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, one of these being the driver. The landslide was blamed on heavy rain and poor drainage. The unit has since returned to service.
* 8th August 2009 - Arriva Trains Wales unit 142 069 derailed during an empty stock movement at Rhymney, South Wales. The unit was preparing to work a morning service with 143 625 when it derailed on a set of points and hit the platform edge. 142 069 was later removed by road to Cardiff Canton depot and fears were raised that the frame might have been damaged beyond repair. These fears proved unfounded and the unit has since returned to service.
* 4th January 2010 - unit 142 029 collided with a train comprising two Class 159 diesel multiple units at Exeter St Davids. Nine people were injured.
* 4th October 2016 - unit 142 072 caught fire at Caerphilly.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.barrowmoremrg.co.uk/BRBDocuments/Book220Issue.pdf
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Traction Recognition, Colin J. Marsden, ISBN 978-0-7110-3277-4
3. ↑ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/375946.stm
4. ↑ "Far-reaching implications for Pacer safety". *Railway Magazine*. May 2000. p. 18
5. ↑ https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/547c8fffe5274a429000019b/090828\_B092009\_Broad\_Green.pdf
6. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c8ff9ed915d4c10000163/100108\_B012010\_Darlington.pdf
7. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c8fe1e5274a4290000189/R122012\_120702\_Durham.pdf
8. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-17873541
9. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-19248617
10. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment\_data/file/411193/100621\_R102010\_Exeter\_St\_Davids.pdf
11. ↑ https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/shocking-pictures-show-moment-fire-11980350