Porterbrook to create Pacer demonstrator (now unveiled)

[edwin_m]

The idea of things sliding up and down the racks is nonsense as well. The racks on Pacers are a sort of heavy plastic netting which nothing slides up or down.

But the standard is the standard (even if I think it's just a guidance note) and nobody will get sued if they follow the standard. So they'll probably go anyway.

 

[northwichcat]

Those travelling with end of term luggage tend not to use overhead racks in my experience on Huddersfield to Sheffield services. It's rare I see anything in the racks on pacer services around here. They're too small for most bags, those that do fit tend to be the sort that people prefer to keep close to hand. I don't think it'll be a major problem to be honest.

But if things which could go in overhead racks finish up being put on the single luggage rack then it means bigger bags and suitcases will finish up being left in the aisles or on seats.
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Roger Ford tweeted yesterday that he's had confirmation that there won't be a u-turn over allowing Pacers to be used by Northern Rail bidders post-December 2019.

 

[47802]

But if things which could go in overhead racks finish up being put on the single luggage rack then it means bigger bags and suitcases will finish up being left in the aisles or on seats.
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Roger Ford tweeted yesterday that he's had confirmation that there won't be a u-turn over allowing Pacers to be used by Northern Rail bidders post-December 2019.

Well that's good to know although it does still leave the question as to whether some D trains might still find their way there, which I don't consider to be much better than an upgraded Pacer, and these Pacers might still get used elsewhere.

 

[northwichcat]

Well that's good to know although it does still leave the question as to whether some D trains might still find their way there, which I don't consider to be much better than an upgraded Pacer, and these Pacers might still get used elsewhere.

There are up follow up tweets between Alex Hynes and Roger Ford. Alex's tweets are protected so it's not possible to determine exactly what is being said but it appears Hynes disagrees with Ford's claim regarding the ITT wording being ambiguous.
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Reportedly the ePacer is being unveiled to the press next week.

 

[34D]

142s also have overhead luggage racks as built. Though some TOCs have removed them on one side.

Something in my memory tells me that when new, 142 luggage racks were one side only but 144 ones were both sides. Anyone?

 

[northwichcat]

Something in my memory tells me that when new, 142 luggage racks were one side only but 144 ones were both sides. Anyone?

The 142s in the North had luggage racks on both sides pre-Northern Rail. Northern seem to have a habit of removing broken things without replacing them (unless they are essential for the operation of the train) so I don't know if some of the luggage racks fell in to that category.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4809568847_7bc8207937.jpg
http://www.pacerpreservationsociety.co.uk/uploads/1/0/5/2/10525174/6805214_orig.jpg
http://www.gbrailway.co.uk/Photogra...2091---Seating-area---Northern-Rail-(3)-S.jpg

I can't find an image of an original 142 interior but the original 141 interior had racks on both sides:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe.../141113Interior.JPG/1024px-141113Interior.JPG
So it would be strange if that wasn't the case with 142s.

 

[theblackwatch]

Something in my memory tells me that when new, 142 luggage racks were one side only but 144 ones were both sides. Anyone?

Can't remember about the 144s, but I'm pretty sure you are right with regard to the 142s.

 

[northwichcat]

Found an image of the 142 demonstrator, which went to the 86 Expo in Vancouver, which looks like it originally one had a luggage rack on just one side: https://1f7f1b46-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites...27MIVZz-LLwtKW-sXdxr4VO3Bi7g==&attredirects=0

 

[yorksrob]

Can't remember about the 144s, but I'm pretty sure you are right with regard to the 142s.

One either side on the 144's.

 

[NorthernSpirit]

Any more news regarding 144012?

 

[Smudger105e]

Was launched last Monday and has a press launch (I beleive) on Friday. There is still some detail work and minor re engineering to do.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Was launched last Monday and has a press launch (I beleive) on Friday. There is still some detail work and minor re engineering to do.

Any idea where the press launch is being held?

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Was launched last Monday and has a press launch (I beleive) on Friday. There is still some detail work and minor re engineering to do.

Having just got off 144014 at Denby Dale, it has to be said that even if the e-144 concept isn't taken up, the fleet is going to need some work if it is to last for another four and a half years. Much like no.18 yesterday, it made heavy weather of the gradient between Clayton West Junction and Cumberworth tunnel. At one point it sounded like it was going to give up, seemed that the leading car (55014) had it's engine shut down.

 

[Smudger105e]

Having just got off 144014 at Denby Dale, it has to be said that even if the e-144 concept isn't taken up, the fleet is going to need some work if it is to last for another four and a half years. Much like no.18 yesterday, it made heavy weather of the gradient between Clayton West Junction and Cumberworth tunnel. At one point it sounded like it was going to give up, seemed that the leading car (55014) had it's engine shut down.

Unfortunately the upgrades are purely in the passenger environment. No cab or mechanical upgrades for the 144e, although further vehicles may not be done the same.

The press launch is at Derby RTC.

 

[Jordeh]

Photos from @PaulBigland1 Twitter

 

[Bringback309s]

I'd still prefer traveling in the Anglia liveried Mk2 in the background!

 

[Smudger105e]

I'd still prefer traveling in the Anglia liveried Mk2 in the background!

Not in the state it is at the moment you wouldn't!

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

Photos from @PaulBigland1 Twitter

It looks great except for no racks can be seen.
The loo and seats look better and I do like the paintwork also.
Can't wait, is there any chance it will run on Sheffield based routes?
Why is the 'Metro' writing gone? They should have classified it as a Class 145 Pacer instead of 144e in my opinion.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Other than the lack of luggage racks, which may not be an actual problem if they are used where they should be (quieter branch lines and commuter services), I think that looks like a quality job and well worthy of consideration.

Now, if the quality of the interior fit of the D-train is as good, perhaps there'll be a bit of competition for cheapo DMUs!

 

[Smudger105e]

I believe that it will be operating out of Neill Hill

 

[northwichcat]

I believe that it will be operating out of Neill Hill

All 144s are based there. I wonder how many people will board the train and think it's a new train, then when it starts moving will think the new train has come from Poundland.

 

[Bletchleyite]

All 144s are based there. I wonder how many people will board the train and think it's a new train, then when it starts moving will think the new train has come from Poundland.

I remember near enough exactly that featuring in comments when I first rode the then very new fNW Class 150 refurb.

"Nice new train, isn't it"?
"No, it's an old train that's been tarted up."

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

This is what it would look like with a large rack on one side.
(Artist impression)

 

[crehld]

Other than the lack of luggage racks, which may not be an actual problem if they are used where they should be (quieter branch lines and commuter services), I think that looks like a quality job and well worthy of consideration.

This is Northern we're taking about so it's use will vary considerably. And there's no such thing as a quiet branch line in West Yorks!

As for the job I agree, looks smart on the inside. A new interior and repaint doesn't hide the fact it's still a pacer though!

 

[yorksrob]

It looks as though it's got new seats, which seems a waste of money, given the previous seats were perfectly adequate. Would have been better spending it on some seat back tables for example.

Removal of luggage racks, counter productive and pointless.

Rebuilding some of them into three carriage units would have been more worthwhile to account for the current market and the loss of space for the loo.

 

[WatcherZero]

Toilets an improvement, don't think the rest of it really is and its certainly not the trains unrecognisable as not being brand new that they promised.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Toilets an improvement, don't think the rest of it really is and its certainly not the trains unrecognisable as not being brand new that they promised.

It looks like a brand new Pacer. Short of putting a new body on the old underframe, it always *will* look like a brand-new Pacer.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Could they be converted so that instead of being an axle on each, they get the cars be made articulated to share a bogie between the two (would that make any difference to the ride quality?) with a "through corridor" connection (like S stock) without it being ridiculously expensive?

 

[NorthernSpirit]

Rebuilding some of them into three carriage units would have been more worthwhile to account for the current market and the loss of space for the loo.

When some of the 142's are withdrawn, my thought is that the former 142 units could be stripped down and rebuilt so that it could form a four car Pacer.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

When some of the 142's are withdrawn, my thought is that the former 142 units could be stripped down and rebuilt so that it could form a four car Pacer.

Be afraid, be very afraid. Your idea may reach the ears of a certain Mr. A Shooter and the Vivarail (new lamps for old) organisation....