143612 - 55653 & 55678 - Class 143 Driving Motor Second & Driving Motor Second Lavatory

Home Railway

Vale of Berkeley Railway

Location History

Private Site: Wishaw (Storage) Dec 20-Apr 22

Current Location

Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway

Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway Apr 22-Present

Current Status

Operational

Current Livery

Great Western Railway

TRA Designation

4

Owner

Vale of Berkeley Railway

Website

valeofberkeleyrailway.co.uk

Record Last Updated

26 March 2023

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
143612 was the first Class 143 to be preserved, when it was moved by road into storage at Wishaw on behalf of its owners the Vale of Berkeley Railway. The line was a recent start-up and the Pacers were seen as good operational units to run future services with.

143612 was in storage for around 18 months before moving to the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway where it joined sisters 143606 & 607. It was put under the care of the South Wales Railcar Group for an agreed 12 month period. It was found to have an engine problem which prevented it from entering service.

143612 made its preservation passenger debut on March 18th 2023 when it entered service following the conclusion of the repairs it required.

The set remains in service operating occasional running days at the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway.

Future Plans
Longer term, the Vale of Berkeley Railway have stated that in due course 143612 will be moved to their railway and used on passenger services on their reopened line.

143612 alongside 142006 shortly after unloading at the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway, 13/4/22. South Wales Railcar Group

143612 shortly after unloading at the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway, 13/4/22. South Wales Railcar Group