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144009 Pacer DMU
55809, 55832
Status: Operational
Livery: Great Midlands Trains
DMS 55809
Driving Motor Second
Built: 1986 BREL Derby
Walter Alexander
Order/Lot 31015
Traction Type: Diesel-Hydraulic
Transmission: Voith T211r
2-Stage
Power Unit: Cummins LTA10-R
Power Output: 225 HP
Max Speed: 75 MPH
Train Brakes: Air
Train Heating: Engine Waste Heat
Ducted System
Weight: 24.17t (23¾ Tons)
Length: 15.093m (49' 6⅕")
Height: 3.725m (12' 2⅝")
Width: 2.695m (8' 10⅛")
DMSL 55832
Driving Motor Second with Lavatory
Details as 55809 other than:
Built: 1986 BREL Derby
Walter Alexander
Order/Lot 31016
Weight: 25.04t (24⅘ Tons)
The Class 144 Pacer units were constructed by BREL between 1986 and 1987 in Derby with bodywork produced by Walter Alexander of Falkirk, who had similarly bodied the Class 143s. The Pacer family (142-144) were aimed at replacing much of the remaining 1st Generation units that were still in use, many of which required extensive, costly work if they were to remain in traffic.

Used extensively in the North of England, particularly Lancashire and Yorkshire, the Pacers earned their keep on local services as intended. The fixed axle design wasn't always associated with comfort, but with over 30 years in service they certainly filled a gap. During their early life the class was upgraded to include Cummins engines and Voith transmission to improve reliability as well as internal refits along the way.

The class were due for withdrawal towards the end of 2019 although some remained until 2020, The withdrawal was primarily due new accessibility and disability requirements for the National Rail Network. Some of the now 30+ year old sets were also approaching life-expiry.

Whilst it could be argued that 2nd generation units divide opinion somewhat in terms of preservation, they are a part of the British Rail story and certainly have a following. The 2G classes have been found to be very suitable for use on presereved railways and over a dozen 144s have been secured for future use around the country.

144009 arrived in Bury during September 2020 for storage on behalf of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service who had secured the set for their training facility in Bury. The unit was resurrected and found to be in generally good working order, so with the blessing of the Fire Service it was used for some passenger work and undertook a number of filming assignments, including starring in the BBC Series 'Sherwood', where it gained the fictional Great Midlands Trains livery, applied using vinyl wraps.

In early 2022 144009's long term prospects changed with a private owner taking over the unit in an agreement with the Fire Service where another, less serviceable classmate, 144010 would be provided in exchange. This change of plan also meaning that 144010 can be used a source of spares and equipment for 009, the Fire Service not requiring a fully working example for their needs.

Work has progressed to keep 009 in working order and a number of further improvements are planned. The 144 now joins the DMU fleet and will be seen in service at the ELR alongside 1st Generation DMUs and will help in reducing some of the burden on the older 1G units, allowing further restoration and improvements to be undertaken on them.

ELR Events

There are a wide range of events at the East Lancashire Railway ranging from Family and Education, Re-enactments, Sci-Fi, Transport and Collector's Fairs.

Selected events are shown below. See the ELR Website for the full event schedule.

Event Date(s)
Halloween Ghost Trains Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th and Thursday 31st October
DMU Weekend
HST Set, Classes 104, 105 and 122 with 144009 plus locos 40012 and 50015.
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th November
Santa Specials Saturday 23rd November to Tuesday 24th December

All events subject to availability
While every effort will be made to ensure events take place as advertised, rostered locos or units are available and running to the advertised timetable, the ELR reserves the right to cancel or terminate without prior notice.

ELR Website
Check out the ELR Website for the full event schedule.