Those wreched nodding donkeys...

[Swift-Deere]

Compared to 150s (anyone done the Huddersfield - Man Vic on a Saturday?) they are much better; more room, more seats and better legroom. Nothing worse than having to wedge yourself in when your over 6ft.

Agreed I hate 150's they look ugly with no corridor conection and there horrid inside!!!

 

[142094]

Was on the 150 a couple of weeks back on a Saturday. Wasn't too full leaving Huddersfield, got to Marsden, most of the seats were taken. At Stalybridge there were a good load of people trying to get on (the most I've ever seen at Stalybridge in a long time), then the people at Ashton had no chance. Going back was worse, standing all the way.

 

[Swift-Deere]

I probably get stuck on a 150 tomorrow coming back from wigan nw to st helens cental as there is always one placed on the blackpool to liverpool limestreet run, and its always full even at 2:3O Grrrrr had to stand up on it last week!!!

 

[poshbakerloo]

Compared to 150s (anyone done the Huddersfield - Man Vic on a Saturday?) they are much better; more room, more seats and better legroom. Nothing worse than having to wedge yourself in when your over 6ft.
.

try going on a jammed pacer, you get to the station and suddenly realise the platform is on the other side...so everyone has to squeeze single file thru the narrow couplings as there isnt a door!

 

[37372]

To be honest, if I was looking at the situation as a member of Joe Public who is using the train everyday for his/her commute, I would say get rid of them straightaway.

I've heard some pretty derogatory pacer comments from members of the public!
My favourites include:
"Ooh, these seats are a bit cramped."
"God I hate these trains."
Then my all-time favourite, upon the arrival of an ex FNW 142, "What the f**k is that?"

 

[royaloak]

I've heard some pretty derogatory pacer comments from members of the public!
My favourites include:
upon the arrival of an ex FNW 142, "What the f**k is that?"

But at least there was something to turn up, that is the point people cannot seem to grasp, there is no alternative at the moment, and until there is somebody willing to invest a few hundred million pounds we are stuck with them.
We would all like a ferrari but if you can only afford a mini metro then at least it will get you to work and back (hopefully).

 

[yorksrob]

To be honest, if I was looking at the situation as a member of Joe Public who is using the train everyday for his/her commute, I would say get rid of them straightaway. I used to get the 08.27 York - Leeds everyday, usually a 142 or 144, yes the doors rattle a bit but on the welded track along the ECML I didn't really notice too much bounce or noise. If travelling by a Pacer means that ticket prices and taxes stay a bit lower (instead of going up to pay for the investment) then that is fine by me.

Compared to 150s (anyone done the Huddersfield - Man Vic on a Saturday?) they are much better; more room, more seats and better legroom. Nothing worse than having to wedge yourself in when your over 6ft.

I've done quite a lot of journeys on Pacers, Tyne Valley, Durham Coast and Darlo to Saltburn. Darlo to Bishop Auckland was always a good one, mostly jointed track all the way. The Esk Valley line also much of the same thing.

I might try the mother of them all one day, the 06.56 Middlesbrough to Carlisle. 3 hours straight on a Pacer.

Speaking as a member of "joe public" at least in that I commute on usually a 150 (to work) and a pacer (from work) everyday, I have to say I disagree totally. When I first encountered the 150's I thought they were a bit rubbish, but now I actually quite enjoy the ride. The seats aren't too cramped, the facing seating/ bycicle area at each end of the train is generally good for either easing yourself into a free seat, or standing and leaning against the bycicle rack. Between Pacers and 150's, standing or sitting, in my opinion there is no comparison. Pacers are rubbish.

I would also agree with Royaloak that where there is no alternative, Pacers are better than nothing. However, there are plans to build new rolling stock, and where that stock is to replace rather than supplement existing stock, the Pacers should be first in line - before anything else, to go to the torch.

 

[northwichcat]

Speaking as a member of "joe public" at least in that I commute on usually a 150 (to work) and a pacer (from work) everyday, I have to say I disagree totally. When I first encountered the 150's I thought they were a bit rubbish, but now I actually quite enjoy the ride. The seats aren't too cramped, the facing seating/ bycicle area at each end of the train is generally good for either easing yourself into a free seat, or standing and leaning against the bycicle rack. Between Pacers and 150's, standing or sitting, in my opinion there is no comparison. Pacers are rubbish.

I once did Stockport-Preston on a crowded FNW refurbished 150 I had to sit with my legs up against the seat for the entire journey to not kick the person sat opposite me, when I got up to alight at Preston my legs were so stiff that I walked in to virtually everyone who was stood up on the train. For the return journey I sat on the bench seat opposite the toilet door.

 

[4SRKT]

I bitterly recall the days when 150/2s were first introduced. There was one on display in one of the old Scarborough bays at York before the station reworking, along with a 144 and 142. "OK" I thought, "these 150s aren't too bad, just a diesel 317 really". Then came the news that one of their first uses would be to displace the peaks from the NTP route, meaning that, coupled as 6 car sets, they would be used on workings as long as Scarborough-Holyhead. We were all used to thinking of DMUs as local trains back then, and long-distance workings were almost all loco-hauled, or at the very least trams. The shock of finding these trains were to replace loco-haulage on such a long route was nothing compared to the shock one's arse received after sitting on the hard seats even just from Manchester Victoria to York.

 

[yorksrob]

I once did Stockport-Preston on a crowded FNW refurbished 150 I had to sit with my legs up against the seat for the entire journey to not kick the person sat opposite me, when I got up to alight at Preston my legs were so stiff that I walked in to virtually everyone who was stood up on the train. For the return journey I sat on the bench seat opposite the toilet door.

Ah yes, but would a Pacer have been any more comfortable for that journey?

Generally I'd agree with the last couple of posts. I think the 150's are pretty good really, but only for shorter distance branch/suburban type services, certainly not York-Holyhead. Of course in an ideal world for me, all trains would have a Mk 1 style layout with all facing seats and plenty of room for legs, but alas such pleasures are unlikely to be seen again. I'm not saying that 150's are in anyway perfect, merely much better than the Pacers.

 

[poshbakerloo]

the 150s are waaaay better than the pacers. no competition! the ride is so much smoother! and the refurbished units are great!

 

[ukrob]

the 150s are waaaay better than the pacers. no competition! the ride is so much smoother! and the refurbished units are great!

Apart from the /1s in the summer.

 

[142094]

I haven't used 150s as much as Pacers, but comparing both a Pacer and 150 when full, the Pacer still wins it for me. The ex-Northern Spirit ones have much better legroom than a 150, and in my opinion have more room for passengers standing up. Granted I'd rather do a 15 minute trip on a 150 than a 142, but Man Vic to Huddersfield, stading all the way isn't too much fun. I also did a Barnsley - Huddersfield via Penistone on a 150, and had to sit near the toilet. Not the best view in the world.

Still neither are as good as a 158 or a 333. Wish they would hurry up and electrify the York and Selby lines.

In the end I guess it depends on the length of the journey, the time of day and how tall you are. I probably wouldn't have a problem with a 150 at off-peak times but still would prefer the Pacer in the rush hours.

 

[royaloak]

Well I had a lovely trip from Plymouth to Penzance today on board 143620, really enjoyed it, and the trip back on 158886 (on the last SWT service from Penzance) was pretty good as well.

 

[yorksrob]

I haven't used 150s as much as Pacers, but comparing both a Pacer and 150 when full, the Pacer still wins it for me. The ex-Northern Spirit ones have much better legroom than a 150, and in my opinion have more room for passengers standing up. Granted I'd rather do a 15 minute trip on a 150 than a 142, but Man Vic to Huddersfield, stading all the way isn't too much fun. I also did a Barnsley - Huddersfield via Penistone on a 150, and had to sit near the toilet. Not the best view in the world.

Still neither are as good as a 158 or a 333. Wish they would hurry up and electrify the York and Selby lines.

In the end I guess it depends on the length of the journey, the time of day and how tall you are. I probably wouldn't have a problem with a 150 at off-peak times but still would prefer the Pacer in the rush hours.

Yes, I suppose some Pacers have a third carriage which which would give them an edge over a solitary 150 in the rush hour.

Now 333's on Huddersfield stoppers (Including ones from Leeds) that would be nice

 

[142094]

Was at Leeds recently and they had a 2 car 144 on an Ilkley run. Bet the people on that weren't too pleased their 333 had been substituted. The only thing that I don't like on the 333 is the announcements: far too frequent, sometimes totally wrong and surely they could have put it in a different accent?

Will be on a few 142s today, ah the joy.

 

[Aictos]

Agreed I hate 150's they look ugly with no corridor conection and there horrid inside!!!

Here's another traction spotting lesson from yours truely,

150/1s do not have end gangways on either ends.
150/2s do have end gangways on either ends.

Simple,

As to that 142 being used vice a 333, could it be that the 142 was the only available traction at the time?

 

[142094]

Quite possible, although Wikipedia says that 144s are sometimes used (wasn't sure if this was in a normal day or when a 333 is out of action). Saw a 333 which had Doncaster displayed on Friday, and I've heard they sometimes send them that way, but guessing this is rare too.

 

[4SRKT]

Was at Leeds recently and they had a 2 car 144 on an Ilkley run. Bet the people on that weren't too pleased their 333 had been substituted. The only thing that I don't like on the 333 is the announcements: far too frequent, sometimes totally wrong and surely they could have put it in a different accent?

Will be on a few 142s today, ah the joy.

Three of the stations on the Airedale line are mispronounced on those announcements. We have Bradford FOR-STER Square (should be pronounced 'Foster'), 'SAWLTaire' instead of 'SoltAIRE' (with stress on second syllable), and 'CROSSflatts' instead of 'CrossFLATTS'.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Here's another traction spotting lesson from yours truely,

150/1s do not have end gangways on either ends.
150/2s do have end gangways on either ends.

Simple,

As to that 142 being used vice a 333, could it be that the 142 was the only available traction at the time?

Maybe, but meanwhile a 3-car 158 was probably trundling between Huddersfield and Wakefield or Leeds and Knottingley. Roughly one coach per passenger off peak.

 

[yorksrob]

Maybe, but meanwhile a 3-car 158 was probably trundling between Huddersfield and Wakefield or Leeds and Knottingley. Roughly one coach per passenger off peak.

Lol only for stock movement purposes I'm sure. I was on the Hudds - Wakefield train at about 8:45 in the evening the other day (a 150) and there were about 10 people huddled under the canopy at Huddersfield.

Leeds - Knottingly is usually very busy, often rammed - particularly on the Leeds - Castleford section (even in the off-peak) and is usually only formed of a 2 car Pacer (3-car if "lucky").

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

I might try the mother of them all one day, the 06.56 Middlesbrough to Carlisle. 3 hours straight on a Pacer.

I've been on this, and I have to tell you I wouldn't do it again. I used to like Pacers, until every couple of seconds there would be a huge screech as we went round a tight bend (such as Stockton or Hartlepool), or extremely loud squeak as the brakes are put on full as we come in to stations. Im sorry, but Pacers on the Durham Coast Line (Where i live) is terrible, 156's are much better suited to this line in my opinon.

 

[Drsatan]

I've heard some pretty derogatory pacer comments from members of the public!
My favourites include:
"Ooh, these seats are a bit cramped."
"God I hate these trains."
Then my all-time favourite, upon the arrival of an ex FNW 142, "What the f**k is that?"

Lol. A mate said "That looks so old" a few weeks ago at Exeter St Davids when he saw the arriving 142 that would take us to Exmouth. Since he didn't know what a 142/3 was I said it was made using bus parts and doesn't have bogies. He looked pretty alarmed!

 

[142094]

Im sorry, but Pacers on the Durham Coast Line (Where i live) is terrible, 156's are much better suited to this line in my opinon.

We have family in Hartlepool so would take a trip down every month or so. The worst bit is coming around the corner from the High Level Bridge, and until fairly recently it was terrible. However on some of the 142s now the noise has lessened, so Heaton must be doing a good job somewhere.

 

[4SRKT]

My last two trips on the Durham coast route have been (deliberately engineered) journeys on Grand Central Valenta engined trams. Having been very sniffy about trams for most of my life (they replaced my beloved Deltics when I was a mere 10 years old, so I formed an early dislike of them), I was convinced that doing this was a good idea by a HST-bashing mate of mine. True enough, the scream of the Valenta was awesome, and about all that's left to remind me of my teens, apart from, ironically, Pacers! When I found myself high-fiving my mate in the vestibule of the Mk III right by a power car screaming out of the Sunderland tunnels, I knew that things had reached a new low.

On Saturday I will be experiencing the delights of this route behind a pair of DRS 37s, on the return leg of the Spitfire mini-tour to and from York. My Lordz!

 

[CCF23]

Have never been on a 142 or any pacer (coming from the South-East) where we seem to get more funding than in other parts of the country, although i would love too they sound very fun.

 

[MCR247]

Have never been on a 142 or any pacer (coming from the South-East) where we seem to get all of the funding, although i would love too they sound very fun.

Thats better

 

[Drsatan]

Have never been on a 142 or any pacer (coming from the South-East) where we seem to get more funding than in other parts of the country, although i would love too they sound very fun.

To put a dampener on your parade, the South West of England has had to put up with Pacers for nearly two years now after DafT decided it would be a jolly good idea to send some of FGWs 150s/153s/158s elsewhere. They're commonly used on Exmouth-Exeter St Davids-Barnstaple/Paignton trains. They're just about ok on the Exmouth branch but not to Barnstaple - who'd want to spend an hour on a 142 along a branch line with some very dodgy track!

 

[4SRKT]

who'd want to spend an hour on a 142 along a branch line with some very dodgy track!

Well, it's a cheaper way to get your thrills than going to Alton Towers or Blackpool Pleasure Beach (but probably only just!).

If you go to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, you can get there directly by Pacer. Two rollercoaster rides for the price of one.

 

[northwichcat]

Was at Leeds recently and they had a 2 car 144 on an Ilkley run. Bet the people on that weren't too pleased their 333 had been substituted. The only thing that I don't like on the 333 is the announcements: far too frequent, sometimes totally wrong and surely they could have put it in a different accent?

Will be on a few 142s today, ah the joy.

It's the same as what's happening in the North West recently. Services which should be 323 operated (on Macclesfield/Crewe/Alderley Edge service) are being operated by a single 142. A single 142 has actually less than half the capacity of a 323 despite it only having one less carriage.

Some Crewe and Alderley Edge services have actually be retimed to take longer with 75mph 142s being used instead of 90mph 323s. Just what's needed for a packed WCML.

 

[jopsuk]

A single 142 has actually less than half the capacity of a 323 despite it only having one less carriage.

The carriages are a fair bit shorter- you get two 15.5m carriages rather than three 23.4m carriages!
Two 142s coupled would be about the same overall length as a single 323 unit.