Midlands first as new trains arrive at Chasewater Railway

Chasewater Railway is the first to preserve a classic of the 1980’s, the Pacer train.

The usually steam operated heritage railway will be offering people in the Midlands their first opportunity to ride in one, as the diesel trains never operated here, although they were built in Derby.

Enthusiasts have already been coming to see the two Class 142 Pacer trains at their new home in Brownhills, with the railway getting its new year cafe refurbishment finished early to provide them with refreshments.

The trains made their last trip under Northern Rail from Leeds to Sheffield, were driven to Worksop, and then brought by road to Chasewater Railway’s Brownhills West depot.

The trains had to be split in two and moved on special low loader lorries before being reconnected by the railway’s engineers.

The Pacer trains have had a full service and clean in the railway’s workshops, and drivers and guards are now being trained. The railway, a museum charity, welcomes new volunteers to all departments for those who would like to help keep these classic trains running.

Mike Hurley, Chasewater Railway’s commercial manager, said: “We are intending to use our Pacer trains to provide value-for-money children’s birthday party specials.

“Our school visits programme is being redesigned to include these classic trains, along with our museum and our wildlife filled heathland and lake.”

Barry Bull, Chasewater Railway’s museum curator said: “The money from the sales of Pacer trains is being donated by Angel Trains to the Railway Children charity, and I am pleased we are helping their work with street kids, which I have supported for many years.”

Photo credit: Shutterstock

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