142091 - 55741 & 55787 - Class 142 Driving Motor Second & Driving Motor Second Lavatory

Home Railway

Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway

Location History

Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway Jan 20-Present

Current Location

Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway

 

 

Current Status

Stored

 

  

Current Livery

Northern Rail

 

  

TRA Designation

4

    

Owner

Rushden Historical Transport Society

 

 

Website

rhts.co.uk

    

Record Last Updated

14 September 2025

    

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
142091 was the sixth Class 142 to be preserved, a later (second batch) example of the class, with a refurbished interior containing high backed 2+2 seating arrangement, a marked move away from the original "bus style" seating. Its last home was at Heaton (Newcastle) under Northern Rail before preservation. It was purchased by theRushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway who despite having had first generation vehicles on site for ten years, had yet to operate any DMU's on passenger services. The set arrived at its new home early in 2020 along with sister 142084, which had very similar pedigree to 091.

142091 ran on a handful of occasions but only one operating unit was required, with 142084 performing the role.

In 2025, 142091 was placed into storage due to increasing corrosion around the window surrounds, albeit with mechanicals that still servicable.

Future Plans
142091 will likely be used as a source of spare parts for 142084 in the future.

 

142091 stabled alongside 31206 at Rushden, 18/2/24. Paul Hughes
   

142091 in the sidings at Rushden, just a few days after arrival into preservation, 2/2/20. Andy West
   

A series of three photographs showing 55787's arrival at Rushden and into preservation. The move was undertaken by Reid Freight, 29/1/20. Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway
   

A series of three photographs showing 55787's arrival at Rushden and into preservation. The move was undertaken by Reid Freight, 29/1/20. Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway
   

A series of three photographs showing 55787's arrival at Rushden and into preservation. The move was undertaken by Reid Freight, 29/1/20. Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway