144010 - 55810 & 55833 - Class 144 Driving Motor Second & Driving Motor Second Lavatory

Home Railway

Private Site: Bury (Manchester)

Location History

Weardale Railway Aug 20-Mar 22

Current Location

East Lancashire Railway

East Lancashire Railway Mar 22-Present

Current Status

Stored

Current Livery

Northern Rail

TRA Designation

4

Owner

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service

Website

manchesterfire.gov.uk

Record Last Updated

10 December 2022

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
144010 became the fifth Class 144 to be preserved when it was moved from storage at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway by road to the Weardale Railway in August 2020. Although the Weardale had not fared too well with the previous Class 141 units that they owned (both being scrapped), the line had been much more sucessful with the 141 that was privately owned and hired by the railway. 144010 joined the line on a similar basis, to be used to support the main heritage service operated by first generation units.

Following a full safety check, some minor repairs and the fitting of the appropriate signalling equipment 144010 undertook its first test run in March 2021.

144010 was maintained in operating condition but never operated any passenger services on the Weardale Railway. After some time it was moved to the East Lancashire Railway where it was swapped for sister 144009, which was in better condition. 144010 in turn became owned by the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.

144010 is currently being stripped of all useful components to keep 144009 in service into the future.

Future Plans
In due course, 144010 is intended for static community use in mind, so operation as a train ever again will be extremely unlikely. Unless future reports prove otherwise, it is expected 144010 will be used by Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service as a training aid for staff.

Following a full safety check, some minor repairs and the fitting of the appropriate signalling equipment the Weardale Railway's newest DMU is seen near Harperley out for its first test run, 30/3/21. Evan Green-Hughes

The DMS end (55810) of 144010 stabled at Wolsingham depot, 26/8/20. Evan Green-Hughes

144010 being transported by road out of storage at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and into preservation to its new home at the Weardale Railway, 3/8/20.James Horrell

144010 on test at the Worth Valley Railway where it had been stored throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, prior to moving by road the following day to the Weardale Railway and into preservation, 2/8/20. Evan Green-Hughes

A view of 55810's cab and driving position, shortly after entering preservation on arrival at the Weardale Railway, 26/8/20. Evan Green-Hughes

A view of 55810's passenger saloon, shortly after entering preservation on arrival at the Weardale Railway, 26/8/20. Evan Green-Hughes