142017 - 55558 & 55608 - Driving Motor Second & Driving Motor Second Lavatory

Home Railway

East Kent Railway

Location History

East Kent Railway Feb 20-Present

Current Location

East Kent Railway

Current Status

Operational

Current Livery

Non Standard Blue

TRA Designation

4

Owner

Private

Website

eastkentrailway.co.uk

Record Last Updated

1 January 2026

Preservation Modifications
One vehicle has had tables fitted.

Preservation Information
142017 was the 11th Class 142 to be preserved, its last mainline depot being Heaton in Newcastle. After withdrawal from service it was stored for a short time at Worksop, being preserved and moved to the East Kent Railway who had abandoned the use of first generation DMU's three years previously. It was preserved as a good value and reliable form of traction to secure the long term future of the railway.

Shortly after arrival 142017 was used for testing and driver training during the railway's closed season. It was not put into public service however. During this time, tables were fitted into one coach and the seating rearranged.

By 2022 the set was out of traffic under overhaul. During that year it was repainted into the East Kent Railway's own house livery (blue) on one side.

The next three years were spent fixing engine and alternator faults, with the set finally making its passenger debut in September 2025.

142017 now operates services regularly, sharing duties with 142036.

Future Plans
To complete the repaint and maintain in service.

142017 on its first day in public service, 27/9/25. Josh Mears

142017 having final preparations made before its first day in public service, 19/9/25. James Pickering

Newly arrived 142036 undergoing a test run, 21/2/20. East Kent Railway

The cab, drivers side, 19/9/25. James Pickering

The cab, secondmans side, 19/9/25. James Pickering

The modified interior with tables fitted, 19/9/25. James Pickering