THE departure of No. 143617 from St Philip’s Marsh to the Tarka Valley Railway (see Preservation, p33) concludes the disposal of the ‘Pacer’ fleets by their former owners (Angel Trains, Porterbrook and Great Western Railway).
The rundown of the ‘Pacers’ began in 2019, and was concluded in May 2021, when the final units in use were withdrawn by Transport for Wales. While over 70 sets went for scrap, more than 50 have been preserved, although some of those are intended to be used as spares donors. A small number have also been acquired for further static use by organisations such as schools and the emergency services. Main line operators Loram and Vintage Trains have also purchased four Class 144s, although they have yet to see any use on Network Rail tracks since their sale by Porterbrook. The current status of the Class 142, 143 and 144 fleets is shown right.
