142018 - 55559 & 55609 - Class 142 Driving Motor Second & Driving Motor Second Lavatory

Home Railway

Wensleydale Railway

Location History

Wensleydale Railway Jan 21-Present

Current Location

Wensleydale Railway

Current Status

Under Overhaul

Current Livery

Northern Rail

TRA Designation

4

Owner

North Yorkshire Pacer Group

Website

Record Last Updated

15 February 2026

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
142018 was the 23rd Class 142 to be preserved (in 2021). It was purchased privately for the Wensleydale Railway who had been struggling with keeping enough first generation railcars in operating condition to serve their off peak needs. Its last home was at Heaton (Newcastle) under Northern Rail before preservation and movement to the Wensleydale Railway. It entered preservation under its own power, utilising their active mainline connection. Its transfer brought the number of preserved Class 142's on the line to five.

In April 2021, 142018 was included in an umbrella organisation named "Wensleydale Pacer Preservation" which brought together seven Pacer sets owned by various parties but based on the railway.

During the summer of 2021 a start was made on the backdating works as part of the group's long term aim of returning 142018 closer to original condition. The saloon lighting diffusers were changed for an original set salvaged from 142035 and the high backed "Northern Spirit" seating was mostly removed ready for the installation of original "bench" seats.

Four years later, seat swapping was still underway with 75% of the vehicle kitted out with original style seating.

Works still continue occasionally on 142018.

Future Plans
The owning group wish to see 142018 returned to as to original condition as possible. A repaint into original Chocolate & Cream "skipper" is planned along with the remaining interior modifications. It is hoped to refit the original parcel area partitions and have original bench seating in 1980's orange fabric.

142018 at Leeming Bar, having its seating swapped at the time, 28/9/21. Aaron Browning