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GWR Pacers

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RPI

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Yes they've had a stay of execution until the spring, there are numerous conditions though, they have to be run in multiple with a PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) compliant unit which are 150/158.
The guard in such a formation has to work the train mostly from the PRM unit when its trailing as there has to be a competent person to attend to the call for aid (this can be the driver or the guard).
When the pacer is at the front of the formation the guard cannot be out of the PRM unit for a period longer than 10 minutes.
You cant put a wheelchair in the pacer and theres loads more too! The toilets however do remain in use.
They're used exclusively on the Paignton-Exmouth corridor and the pacer should be positioned at the Briatol end of the set.
 

class717

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Thanks for the info, I'm going to newton abbot in a few weeks and I've never been on a pacer so want to experience it before they go
 

greatvoyager

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Probably won't surprise you to know that they can get very packed depending on what time you go. They get a lot of bad press, but they're not too bad in terms of comfort on Paignton-Exmouth runs.
Either way, I hope you enjoy it!
 

M1544

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It’s a shame GWR can’t take on Northerns 144012 (144s being similar to 143s) as 144012 is the prototype evolution set as that is refurbished to be compliant with disabled toilet, wheelchair spaces, PIS screens, ramps etc and might help have avoided some of the mentioned restrictions.
With everything working I can’t see why 144012 couldn’t work alone on a branch line somewhere economically.
 

CR165022

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It’s a shame GWR can’t take on Northerns 144012 (144s being similar to 143s) as 144012 is the prototype evolution set as that is refurbished to be compliant with disabled toilet, wheelchair spaces, PIS screens, ramps etc and might help have avoided some of the mentioned restrictions.
With everything working I can’t see why 144012 couldn’t work alone on a branch line somewhere economically.
Possibly because northern might still need it
 

Milo T.K

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It’s a shame GWR can’t take on Northerns 144012 (144s being similar to 143s) as 144012 is the prototype evolution set as that is refurbished to be compliant with disabled toilet, wheelchair spaces, PIS screens, ramps etc and might help have avoided some of the mentioned restrictions.
With everything working I can’t see why 144012 couldn’t work alone on a branch line somewhere economically.
There's a low chance of that happening since all pacers that are not being preserved are being scrapped
 

Mitchell Hurd

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Is it me or are the GWR Pacers in better condition than the ones in the north given the smoother running on the GWR services the 143's are used on?

Looking at Wikipedia, they were built in 1985-1987, and 150's were built in 1984-1987 so if the GWR Pacers were PRM'd then I reckon they could continue. Emission-reducing equipment are the only thing that I'd like to see added to the Pacer's.
 

michael74

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Probably won't surprise you to know that they can get very packed depending on what time you go. They get a lot of bad press, but they're not too bad in terms of comfort on Paignton-Exmouth runs.
Either way, I hope you enjoy it!

Clearly your not 6'1" with long legs....... :D :lol:
 

cactustwirly

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Looking at Wikipedia, they were built in 1985-1987, and 150's were built in 1984-1987 so if the GWR Pacers were PRM'd then I reckon they could continue. Emission-reducing equipment are the only thing that I'd like to see added to the Pacer's.

They aren't so they're being scrapped after spring
 

ed1971

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There's a low chance of that happening since all pacers that are not being preserved are being scrapped
An article about Class 143s and 144s in The Railway Magazine December 2018 on page 30 stated that Porterbrook's intention is not to scrap them.
 

ed1971

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Is it me or are the GWR Pacers in better condition than the ones in the north given the smoother running on the GWR services the 143's are used on?

Looking at Wikipedia, they were built in 1985-1987, and 150's were built in 1984-1987 so if the GWR Pacers were PRM'd then I reckon they could continue. Emission-reducing equipment are the only thing that I'd like to see added to the Pacer's.

The Cummins LT10R engines fitted to Pacers are more modern than the NTA855R engines fitted to Sprinters.
 

IamTrainsYT

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i'm assuming 144012 is exempt from the derogations and fine to run past 2020?
Nope, the government have found something with it and it is not PRM compliant. Not sure if that’s just the government trying to stop more evo pacers from existing. It was also suggested TFW take on 144012 to run Cardiff bay to Cardiff queen street
 

greatvoyager

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I am 6'1" with long legs and I don't have a problem with 142s, 143s and 144s. The Class 153s and 155s are the worst, there is no knee room.
I agree. Personally, I'd rather have a comfortable seat than lots of legroom, and I don't mind those fitted on GWR pacers.
 

greatvoyager

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An article about Class 143s and 144s in The Railway Magazine December 2018 on page 30 stated that Porterbrook's intention is not to scrap them.
Aren't they trying to donate them to various heritage railways and for community use?
 

michael74

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I do have a (very small) soft spot for Pacers, except on a cold rainy day, sitting near the corridor connection with the delightful smell of diesel filling the area.....

Edit to add: also on a hot stuffy day when its rammed.....
 

Mitchell Hurd

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I do have a (very small) soft spot for Pacers, except on a cold rainy day, sitting near the corridor connection with the delightful smell of diesel filling the area.....

Edit to add: also on a hot stuffy day when its rammed.....

Yes. That's why I tend to sit in a forward facing seat nearest the entrance / exit doors near where the cab ends are. Hasn't always worked on the handful of Pacer trips - occasionally yes.
 

irish_rail

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Is it me or are the GWR Pacers in better condition than the ones in the north given the smoother running on the GWR services the 143's are used on?

Looking at Wikipedia, they were built in 1985-1987, and 150's were built in 1984-1987 so if the GWR Pacers were PRM'd then I reckon they could continue. Emission-reducing equipment are the only thing that I'd like to see added to the Pacer's.
No, I think it's more to do with people in the southwest having less propensity to moan than our northern counterparts!!!
 

michael74

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No, I think it's more to do with people in the southwest having less propensity to moan than our northern counterparts!!!

Oh I don't know I think I have filled a few bytes of server space with an anti pacer whinge :lol:

Edit to add: but I am Northern by birth.... South West now lol
 

RPI

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Probably won't surprise you to know that they can get very packed depending on what time you go. They get a lot of bad press, but they're not too bad in terms of comfort on Paignton-Exmouth runs.
Either way, I hope you enjoy it!
If theres a pacer in the formation then its 4 car so not much of a crowding issue anymore, all the EXM-PGN diagrams are now booked 4 cars (actually I think one diagram may be booked for 150/0 bit haven't seen one for a while)
 

greatvoyager

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If theres a pacer in the formation then its 4 car so not much of a crowding issue anymore, all the EXM-PGN diagrams are now booked 4 cars (actually I think one diagram may be booked for 150/0 bit haven't seen one for a while)
For the last few years, single pacers have been less common. The ones I've been on have been 4-car formations. Perhaps the fact that Exmouth-Paignton is now half hourly and Barnstaple has been split, that capacity has increased.
 

IamTrainsYT

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If theres a pacer in the formation then its 4 car so not much of a crowding issue anymore, all the EXM-PGN diagrams are now booked 4 cars (actually I think one diagram may be booked for 150/0 bit haven't seen one for a while)
When I was in Dawlish a few months ago I saw no class 150/0s only /2s and 143s as well as the odd castle set and class 158
 

Rapidash

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RE: long legs and Pacers. I'm 6'3 and cannot physically get into the standard seats and have to lodge myself sideways. Other than the limited mobility seats, quads and flip seats, it's not great.

And funnily enough the short legged brigade always try and nab the decent seats!

Heightists! :lol:

Mercifully the 158's and refurbed 152's have a lot more options, and are appearing more frequently now.
 

Sion John

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I am 6'1" with long legs and I don't have a problem with 142s, 143s and 144s. The Class 153s and 155s are the worst, there is no knee room.
I agree that 153s don't have much legroom if you are at a table im 22 and a half but i do have medium legs
 
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