December 2023
Current Update:
A couple of our volunteers attended today to put tarps back over the unit ready for the winter, however the snow had already beaten us so where not able to put the tarps on, another date will be arranged once the snow has gone. Photo copyright Malcolm Kirvin
A couple of our volunteers attended today to put tarps back over the unit ready for the winter, however the snow had already beaten us so where not able to put the tarps on, another date will be arranged once the snow has gone. Photo copyright Malcolm Kirvin
November 2023
Current Update:
We have had a fuel delivery with both cars, there has been an electrical issue and being sorted now, as winter is now approaching we will be putting the Tarps back onto the unit over the next couple of weeks to protect from the winter weather.
We have raised funds for the repainting of the unit, but this has now been put back to spring 2024 as its not ideal to paint outside during winter weather.
We have had a fuel delivery with both cars, there has been an electrical issue and being sorted now, as winter is now approaching we will be putting the Tarps back onto the unit over the next couple of weeks to protect from the winter weather.
We have raised funds for the repainting of the unit, but this has now been put back to spring 2024 as its not ideal to paint outside during winter weather.
Photo copyright Malcolm Kirvin
May 2023
Current Update:
All Windows have now been fitted and Tarpaulin covers have now been removed, the seats have all been re fitted and a section still have the cushions to be refitted which will be done before end of May.
All Windows have now been fitted and Tarpaulin covers have now been removed, the seats have all been re fitted and a section still have the cushions to be refitted which will be done before end of May.
February 2023
Current update:
Firstly, our apologies for lack of information over the last few months due to not much activity taking place other than trying to source window replacements which is now happening.
On Saturday 18th February we finally made a start on replacing damage caused to the unit to which all 6 damaged doors have now been replaced, also cleaning work on the remaining window frames took place.
The Unit has finally been moved to a more accessible place at Foxfield Railway which gives us access to a power supply to enable to carry out renovation work.
We are still looking for more volunteers to come on board to help get the unit ready for operation this year, so do please get in touch if you woud like to come down and volunteer.
Firstly, our apologies for lack of information over the last few months due to not much activity taking place other than trying to source window replacements which is now happening.
On Saturday 18th February we finally made a start on replacing damage caused to the unit to which all 6 damaged doors have now been replaced, also cleaning work on the remaining window frames took place.
The Unit has finally been moved to a more accessible place at Foxfield Railway which gives us access to a power supply to enable to carry out renovation work.
We are still looking for more volunteers to come on board to help get the unit ready for operation this year, so do please get in touch if you woud like to come down and volunteer.
July 2022
Committee Meeting
Sunday 10th July we had a Committee Meeting, items raised:
Sunday 10th July we had a Committee Meeting, items raised:
- The Membership Fee has now been dropped to just £5 per year, this is due to the current financial climate we are living in.
- A date to be arranged to go collect the available spare parts from Unipart.
- Starting in September we will have volunteering days on the first Sunday of each Month.
- Work will start soon with sanding back the unit ready for painting.
- The new bank account is in process and should be up and running next few days.
June 2022
Volunteering Day
Sunday 19th June was a volunteering day, we had 2 volunteers attend who worked all day clearing the mess made from the vandalism we incurred a couple of weeks ago, the work carried out was clearing up the glass in the cabs and the oil that had been spilt by the vandals.
Sunday 19th June was a volunteering day, we had 2 volunteers attend who worked all day clearing the mess made from the vandalism we incurred a couple of weeks ago, the work carried out was clearing up the glass in the cabs and the oil that had been spilt by the vandals.
Vandalism to the Unit
Unfortunately it is with regret to inform that the unit was vandalised twice in the same week, the first occasion damage occurred was a smashed cab side window and fire extinguishers set off, the second occasion saw the majority of windows smashed in one of the carriages, Saturday 12th June we had a visit from the CSI team who carried out an investigation. The vandalism was reported nationally by the BBC. We are now working with other heritage groups to have all the windows replaced.
Unfortunately it is with regret to inform that the unit was vandalised twice in the same week, the first occasion damage occurred was a smashed cab side window and fire extinguishers set off, the second occasion saw the majority of windows smashed in one of the carriages, Saturday 12th June we had a visit from the CSI team who carried out an investigation. The vandalism was reported nationally by the BBC. We are now working with other heritage groups to have all the windows replaced.
New Email account
We now have a new email account as part of our re branding, our new email address is the142055group@gmail.com
We now have a new email account as part of our re branding, our new email address is the142055group@gmail.com
Name Change
We have now taken the decision to re brand the Group to THE 142055 GROUP formerly The Pacer Rail Group, this will allow us as a Group to concentrate on our Unit 142055, this will affect our branding and a change in Logo design which will be cascaded soon.
We have now taken the decision to re brand the Group to THE 142055 GROUP formerly The Pacer Rail Group, this will allow us as a Group to concentrate on our Unit 142055, this will affect our branding and a change in Logo design which will be cascaded soon.
December 2021
Tarps are off...
The Tarpaulins have now been taken off so work can continue cleaning the outside of the unit, seats in the second coach have now been removed so cleaning can take place. Volunteering work is now commencing again starting with cleaning, we do fire up the unit occasionally to ensure the engines are running fine,
Drive r & Guard training will commence mid February ready for the start of the season, staff at Foxfield Railway will be trained first on the unit prior to opening up to our own volunteers.
We have updated our website home page with a new volunteer pack for those who wish to become working volunteers. just follow the link and complete accordingly.
November 2021
Winter cover
We will be shortly placing the tarpaulins over the unit to protect from the winter weather, the unit has been used during the Santa Specials at Foxfield Railway mainly as storage and changing area for the staff.
July 2021
Maintenance on 142055
Our Maintenance plan is still underway and unfortunately taking longer than expected, this is due to waiting for the unit to be moved out of the platform at Caverswall Rd so the unit can have its spring replaced, and to finish off the Exam.
The Unit was due to start operating during August, but unfortunately this has been postponed due to waiting completion of maintenance to be completed.
We are open for visitors to come and visit the unit and in doing so we have taken plenty of donations from the visitors which has helped to fund fluids and other bits & pieces for the unit.
Our volunteers have done an amazing job in cleaning the interior literally spending many hours on hands and knees scrubbing the floors, also seats have all now been placed back in place and cleaned.
Our Maintenance plan is still underway and unfortunately taking longer than expected, this is due to waiting for the unit to be moved out of the platform at Caverswall Rd so the unit can have its spring replaced, and to finish off the Exam.
The Unit was due to start operating during August, but unfortunately this has been postponed due to waiting completion of maintenance to be completed.
We are open for visitors to come and visit the unit and in doing so we have taken plenty of donations from the visitors which has helped to fund fluids and other bits & pieces for the unit.
Our volunteers have done an amazing job in cleaning the interior literally spending many hours on hands and knees scrubbing the floors, also seats have all now been placed back in place and cleaned.
BACK TO PROVINCIAL BLUE
We have now set up a GoFundMe to raise funds to enable the unit to be painted back in to Provincial Blue Livery, there is a link on our home page if you wish to make a pledge to this cause.
June 2021
Open to the Public
While we wait for training and maintenance to be completed, the unit has been open to the public to come inside and have a look round and have a chat with the volunteers.
While we wait for training and maintenance to be completed, the unit has been open to the public to come inside and have a look round and have a chat with the volunteers.
Maintenance report
Welcome to the latest maintenance report for 142055. Following on from the previous report two weeks ago some of the issues encountered have been attended to.
Firstly, the fuel filter on 55705 has now been changed and the engine has been started successfully and is now again running smoothly and was run for 90 minutes with no further problems. The fuel filter on 55751 will be changed in due course once a competent Driver is available to shunt the unit out of the bay platform to allow access to that side of 55751.
Welcome to the latest maintenance report for 142055. Following on from the previous report two weeks ago some of the issues encountered have been attended to.
Firstly, the fuel filter on 55705 has now been changed and the engine has been started successfully and is now again running smoothly and was run for 90 minutes with no further problems. The fuel filter on 55751 will be changed in due course once a competent Driver is available to shunt the unit out of the bay platform to allow access to that side of 55751.
A replacement suspension spring has now been sourced to replace the broken spring on 55705. With co-operation from Foxfield Railway members the spring will be taken for testing and certified before being fitted. To allow fitment to take a safe method of working and risk assessment is being written to satisfy the Foxfield Railway Safety Management System. Arrangements will then be made to lift the vehicle to replace the broken spring.
Work has also continued inside vehicle 55705 to refit the double seat frames after the legs and wall brackets had been cleaned up, treated with anti-corrosive paint, then repainted is grey gloss. The cushion bases and back have been cleaned and will be refitted during the next working day on the unit.
During the next working day more maintenance checks will take place before Driver training takes place following lock down restrictions being lifted.
Work has also continued inside vehicle 55705 to refit the double seat frames after the legs and wall brackets had been cleaned up, treated with anti-corrosive paint, then repainted is grey gloss. The cushion bases and back have been cleaned and will be refitted during the next working day on the unit.
During the next working day more maintenance checks will take place before Driver training takes place following lock down restrictions being lifted.
May 2021
Volunteering Day
The tarpaulins where finally removed today to allow the unit to be moved so a full inspection could take place.
The tarpaulins where finally removed today to allow the unit to be moved so a full inspection could take place.
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April 2021
Monthly donation Mandate
We can now accept monthly Direct Debits for anyone who wishes to make a monthly donation to the upkeep of 142055, all applications will receive a free gift for joining the scheme.
Simply follow the link on the front page of this website, click on the Direct Debit Logo and complete the mandate attached, once completed submit via the email on the bottom of the mandate.
March 2021
VOLUNTEERING DAY
Photo's from today's Volunteering day, a huge thank you to those who attended.
Photo's from today's Volunteering day, a huge thank you to those who attended.
NEW FACEBOOK GROUP
A new Facebook Group has now been created solely dedicated to 142055 only, here you will see all the latest preservation news regarding the unit at Foxfield Railway.
A new Facebook Group has now been created solely dedicated to 142055 only, here you will see all the latest preservation news regarding the unit at Foxfield Railway.
DEEP CLEANING UNDERWAY
Work is now underway to deep clean the interior, in doing so seats have been removed, and the seat bases are being repainted prior to being put back in the coach. We are looking for volunteers so do please get in touch.
Work is now underway to deep clean the interior, in doing so seats have been removed, and the seat bases are being repainted prior to being put back in the coach. We are looking for volunteers so do please get in touch.
February 2021
TARPAULIN COVERS
The unit has now received Tarpaulin covers for protection over the winter months, unfortunately due to the current COVID19 situation the preservation work is limited.
The unit has now received Tarpaulin covers for protection over the winter months, unfortunately due to the current COVID19 situation the preservation work is limited.
November 2021
LAST DAY OF NORTHERN RAIL PACERS
27th November 2020 saw the last 142 pacer in service for Northern Trains Ltd, this was operated by 142004 on a West Kirby to Manchester Victoria Station, thee was a good turn out of Enthusiast who traveled on the last service, and also a presence from the BBC Northwest team as well running a report on the final service.
27th November 2020 saw the last 142 pacer in service for Northern Trains Ltd, this was operated by 142004 on a West Kirby to Manchester Victoria Station, thee was a good turn out of Enthusiast who traveled on the last service, and also a presence from the BBC Northwest team as well running a report on the final service.
September 2020
142055 FINALLY AT ITS NEW HOME
We are pleased to announce that our unit 142055 was finally transported from Gascoine Woods to Foxfiled Railway Friday 11th September, the unit arrived safely and was coupled together once unloaded and then did a short test run to which all went well.
Training for both Driver & Guard will commence soon ready for the 2021 season.
Photos copyright Wayne Skeffington & Simon Thomas
We are pleased to announce that our unit 142055 was finally transported from Gascoine Woods to Foxfiled Railway Friday 11th September, the unit arrived safely and was coupled together once unloaded and then did a short test run to which all went well.
Training for both Driver & Guard will commence soon ready for the 2021 season.
Photos copyright Wayne Skeffington & Simon Thomas
June 2020
FORMAL GROUP ANNOUNCEMENT
The Pacer Rail Group in conjunction with Foxfield Light Railway Society has the pleasure to announce the successful purchase Class 142055 from Angel Trains. The unit is currently being stored at Gascoigne Wood Sidings under warm store conditions and is in good working mechanical order. Arrangements are being made to move the unit by road to the Foxfield Light Railway Headquarters at Caverswall Road Station in Blyth Bridge, Staffordshire.
Once lockdown restrictions have been relaxed to allow safe access to the unit, training to operate the unit at Foxfield Light Railway will begin and once the Safety Management of the Heritage Railway has been satisfied it is hoped the unit will be introduced into passenger service at the Foxfield Railway line.
If you have previously supported the PRG in achieving its goal of preserving a Class 142, the Committee would like to thank you for your help. However, the hard work will soon begin in maintaining the unit in service, so any further support is most welcome. You can help support the unit by either becoming a member of the PRG, donating to the group or by purchasing merchandise from our website shop page.
The PRG is fully supporting the Foxfield Light Railway and once the current lockdown restrictions have been relaxed and railway begins operating and allowing passengers to visit again, we would like to encourage our members to give as much support to the Foxfield Railway as possible.
The Pacer Rail Group in conjunction with Foxfield Light Railway Society has the pleasure to announce the successful purchase Class 142055 from Angel Trains. The unit is currently being stored at Gascoigne Wood Sidings under warm store conditions and is in good working mechanical order. Arrangements are being made to move the unit by road to the Foxfield Light Railway Headquarters at Caverswall Road Station in Blyth Bridge, Staffordshire.
Once lockdown restrictions have been relaxed to allow safe access to the unit, training to operate the unit at Foxfield Light Railway will begin and once the Safety Management of the Heritage Railway has been satisfied it is hoped the unit will be introduced into passenger service at the Foxfield Railway line.
If you have previously supported the PRG in achieving its goal of preserving a Class 142, the Committee would like to thank you for your help. However, the hard work will soon begin in maintaining the unit in service, so any further support is most welcome. You can help support the unit by either becoming a member of the PRG, donating to the group or by purchasing merchandise from our website shop page.
The PRG is fully supporting the Foxfield Light Railway and once the current lockdown restrictions have been relaxed and railway begins operating and allowing passengers to visit again, we would like to encourage our members to give as much support to the Foxfield Railway as possible.
May 2020
NEWS UPDATE
We can now confirm that the Pacer Rail Group has secured a Pacer Unit, this unit is currently in storage and waiting release from Angel Trains, also the home for the unit has also been agreed and agreements between the PRG & the Heritage Railway have now been signed off.
Their will be a formal announcement very soon between the PRG & the Heritage Railway.
We can now confirm that the Pacer Rail Group has secured a Pacer Unit, this unit is currently in storage and waiting release from Angel Trains, also the home for the unit has also been agreed and agreements between the PRG & the Heritage Railway have now been signed off.
Their will be a formal announcement very soon between the PRG & the Heritage Railway.
April 2020
NEWS UPDATE
We are currently in discussions with Angel Trains to purchase a unit, we are aiming to secure a unit imminently although there are a couple of fine details to agree before making the purchase.
We are currently in discussions with Angel Trains to purchase a unit, we are aiming to secure a unit imminently although there are a couple of fine details to agree before making the purchase.
