Realtrack RT144-114

British Rail Class 144 144009 Northern WYPTE Red & Silver

Contents

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 144009

The British Rail Class 144 "Pacer" represents the final evolution of BR's controversial railbus experiment. Built 1986-1987 at BREL Derby, these 23 units (13 two-car, 10 three-car) combined Walter Alexander bodies with BREL underframes, creating Britain's only three-car Pacer variant. Serving exclusively in Yorkshire and Northern England for 34 years across five operators (BR Provincial, Regional Railways, Northern Spirit, Arriva, Northern Rail), the fleet worked intensive stopping services on routes including the Harrogate Line, Esk Valley Line, and Leeds-Morecambe corridor. Despite notorious ride quality and accessibility issues forcing 2020 withdrawal, 19 units survived into preservation with 14 operational on heritage railways—an exceptional rate reflecting their regional significance and operational versatility.

Operator & Livery

  • Operator: Northern
  • Livery: WYPTE Red & Silver
  • Era: 11 - Present Day