EFE Rail E83027

British Rail Class 143 143611 First Great Western Green

Contents

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 143611

The British Rail Class 143 "Pacer" was a distinctive two-car diesel railbus built between 1985-1986, featuring bus-derived bodies mounted on railway underframes. Twenty-five units operated across North East England (1985-1992), South Wales Valley Lines (1992-2021), and Devon branches (2008-2020), serving through BR Provincial, Regional Railways, Arriva Trains Wales, First Great Western, and Transport for Wales eras. The controversial design achieved 37-year service despite an intended 20-year lifespan, ultimately withdrawn due to accessibility legislation rather than mechanical failure. Thirteen units survive in preservation. Available in OO gauge from EFE Rail with comprehensive livery range, and N gauge models announced by Dapol for 2026 delivery.

Operator & Livery