British Rail Class 141
The British Rail Class 141 is the first production model of the Pacer diesel multiple unit (DMU) railbus.
| British Rail Class 141 Pacer | |
|---|---|
Class 141 at Pontefract Tanshelf in 1996 | |
Interior of a Class 141 | |
| In service | 1984–2005 |
| Manufacturer | |
| Order no. |
|
| Built at | Derby Litchurch Lane Works |
| Family name | Pacer |
| Constructed | 1984 |
| Refurbished | 1988–1989 |
| Number built | 20 |
| Number preserved | 2 |
| Number scrapped | 4 |
| Formation | 2 vehicles: DMS-DMSL |
| Diagram |
|
| Fleet numbers |
|
| Capacity | 94 seats |
| Operators | |
| Depots | Neville Hill (Leeds) |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Steel |
| Car length | 15.123 m (49 ft 7.4 in) |
| Width |
|
| Height | 3.906 m (12 ft 9.8 in) |
| Doors | Double-leaf folding (one per side per car) |
| Wheelbase | 9.000 m (29 ft 6.3 in) |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Weight |
|
| Prime mover(s) | 2 × Leyland TL11 (one per vehicle) |
| Engine type | Inline-6 4-stroke turbo-diesel |
| Displacement | 11.1 L (680 cu in) per engine |
| Power output | 149 kW (200 hp) per engine |
| Transmission | SCG RRE5 (4-sp. epicyclic) |
| Minimum turning radius | 70 m (230 ft) |
| Braking system(s) | Electro-pneumatic (tread) ('Westcode') |
| Safety system(s) | AWS |
| Coupling system |
|
| Multiple working | As built: Not fitted |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
During the 1980s, British Rail (BR) was interested in replacing its first generation diesel multiple units, particularly in the use of railbuses to service its lightly used branch lines. It was decided to develop such a vehicle with a high level of commonality with the widely used Leyland National bus, leading to its modular design serving as the basis for the design. Several single and two-car prototypes were constructed and evaluated, before an order was placed with British Leyland for 20 two-car Class 141 units during 1984. During their operating lives, the units were tasked with various passenger services across the UK for 13 years. Following withdrawal, a large proportion of the units were exported to Iran where they operated for a further eight years, giving the Class 141 a total lifespan of 21 years.