Date: 06/03/2016

Moves are finally afoot to get rid of much-maligned trains built from the body of a bus. But how did Britain's railways come to rely on the Pacer? There's the rattling, the shuddering, the bouncing and the occasional squealing. You don't have to be a trainspotter to know you're riding a Pacer. Essentially, each one is an old Leyland Motors bus frame mounted on train wheels and, thanks to the vehicle's rudimentary suspension, regular travellers are all too familiar with the distinctive sounds and sensations. [From Richard Buckby]

External links

The train the UK has struggled to get rid of

BBC News

Moves are finally afoot to get rid of much-maligned trains built from the body of a bus. But how did Britain's railways come to rely on the Pacer?

Related images

Front end comparison of Pacers 142084 and 144005 at York in April 2009.
Location: York
Company: York and North Midland Railway
16/04/2009 Bill Roberton

A class 141 Pacer in early West Yorkshire PTE green livery runs off the Huddersfield line eastbound spur in May 1987 to join the former L&Y main line to its next call at Mirfield.
Location: Mirfield
Company: Manchester and Leeds Railway
06/05/1987 David Pesterfield

Pacer 143006 stands at the new Bathgate terminus during an open day held on 23 March 1986, the day before relaunch of the passenger service. Note Cartics in the sidings on the left, an area now occupied by shops. [See image 31158]
Location: Bathgate [3rd]
Company: Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
23/03/1986 David Panton