The normal rolling stock for this time of year is this preserved ‘British Rail’ Class 141. No 113 being one of 20 that were ordered in 1984.
They were the first production order for the ‘Pacer’ type that were derived from the Leyland National bus.
Seen in the livery of ‘West Yorkshire PTE’ who were a major user.
Initially notoriously unreliable at the start of their lives they were modified by Hunslet-Barclay in the late 1980’s and performance improved.
They did not last long in service however although some units were exported to Iran.
The later and closely related Class 142’s are still in regular daily service across mainly Northern England.
Normally, such mundane fare would not get me out of the house on a Sunday afternoon.
However, the rumour mill, according to my son Andrew had it that there were going to be a number of Class 20 locomotives working turn and turn about with the Class 141.
The reason for their appearance was seemingly that one or more had had extensive work done and a bit of ‘running in’ was required before it or they were despatched elsewhere.
The rumour mill was correct.
So the many people who had turned up were treated to 20 048 and 20 205 in BR Blue livery and 20 189 in the livery of Balfour Beatty who had been using the loco on various railway related duties.
It is interesting that these 50 year old loco’s are still in demand because there hardly seems to be a week go by without a report in the railway press about one of there number being leased out for further work on the system.
Long may it continue !!
20 048
20 205
20 189
For another take on the days events go to Rudderless Railway Ramblings
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