142045 - 55586 & 55636 - Driving Motor Second & Driving Motor Second Lavatory

Home Railway

Private Site: Kirk Merrington School

Location History

Private Site: Kirk Merrington School Oct 20-Present

Current Location

Private Site: Kirk Merrington School

Current Status

Static Use

Current Livery

Non Standard Blue

TRA Designation

4

Owner

Kirk Merrington School

Website

kirkmerrington.durham.sch.uk

Record Last Updated

9 April 2023

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
142045 was the third Class 142 set to be secured outside of traditional railway preservation, persumably as part of the scheme named "Transform a Pacer" by owner Angel Trains which aimed to see redundant Class 142 vehicles reused in community roles in preference to scrapping them. 142045 was transferred to Kirk Merrington Primary School in County Durham, becoming the 22nd Class 142 to be "preserved", and moved in October 2020.

The school wanted the 2-car unit to convert into a library and wellbeing space, after their original library had to be converted into an extra classroom to cope with pupil expansion.

During 2022 the Northern Rail livery was replaced with a plain blue colour scheme.

Given the understandably closed nature of the education of young children, reports as to the status of 142045 are few and far between, however it is presumed that the two car set continues to sit on a static basis and is used as required by the school.

Future Plans
142045 was always "preserved" with static community use in mind, so operation as a train ever again is extremely unlikely. Unless future reports prove otherwise, it is expected 142045 will continue to be used in the future by Kirk Merrington Primary School for educational purposes.

The original plans are to to build a platform alongside 142045 and convert the interior into the library and wellbeing space. Some original seats are to be retained but many will be removed for the new role.

142045 showing off its recently applied vivid blue colour scheme, 15/7/22. Oli Kirrage

142045 fully delivered and in place at its new home, inside a fenced compound, 30/10/20. Kirk Merrington Primary School

The first vehicle of 142045 being unloaded at its new home at Kirk Merrington Primary School, 23/10/20. Kirk Merrington Primary School

The first vehicle of 142045 arriving at its new home at Kirk Merrington Primary School, 23/10/20. Kirk Merrington Primary School