Dapol have announced they are to produce N Gauge Class 143 and 144 Diesel Multiple Units, based on the existing Class 142 chassis design, and due to be released in 2025.
The Class 143 and 144 Pacer DMUs were a series of 2 and 3-car units with Andrew Barclay bodywork on a 4-wheel diesel chassis. Despite their unpopularity with passengers, these distinctive little trains lasted in service until 2021.
The Class 143s also had the chassis built by Andrew Barclay. 25 units were built, initially working around Tyneside before moving to the South-West and Wales. With the many changes of operators since privatisation, numerous livery choices are possible.
The Class 144s featured BREL-built underframes and spent their careers based in Leeds, working local and regional services. Ten units received centre cars in 1987. Although intended for local journeys, the 144s worked as far afield as Manchester, Lancaster, Morecambe, Lincoln, Hull, Scarborough and Cleethorpes.
Eleven Class 143 and fourteen Class 144s are preserved. With several other units in non-railway use, such as school classrooms and cafes.
Class 143
Class 144
Specifications
The Class 143 / 144 is based around the existing Class 142 chassis and has the following features:
A powered and a dummy car in each set
All-new super-detailed bodywork with flush glazing
Separate handrails, wipers and exhaust pipes
Correct underframes for Class 143 and Class 144
NEM Pockets
Tooling variants for front end and roof differences (original and combined light clusters / With or without radio pod)
Scharfenberg-style end coupling compatible with our Class 142, 153 and 156 units.
Finely applied detail and decoration
Close coupling with extendable corridor connections
Electrical through coupling for improved running
All wheel drive on the powered car
DCC-Ready and DCC-Fitted versions available
Light-Bar ready
Directional lights on both cars, independently controllable internal (where fitted) and external lighting
Class 143 Proposed Liveries
2D-143-001 Class 143 BR Provincial Light Blue 143001
2D-143-002 Class 143 First Great Western Local Lines 143621
2D-143-003 Class 143 RGWR Dark Green 143620
2D-143-004 Class 143 Arriva Dark Blue With Transport For Wales Graphics 143602
2D-143-005 Class 143 Arriva Trains Wales Turquoise 143609
Class 144 Proposed Liveries
2D-144-001 Class 144 West Yorkshire PTE Metro Red/Cream 144011
2D-144-002 Class 144 Regional Railways 144013
2D-144-003 Class 144 Northern Rail Dark Blue / Purple 144004
Pricing is expected to be £170.00RRP for DCC ready and £220 for DCC fitted.
For more information visit the Dapol website