22/08/2026
At this time of year we're looking at tasks to finish before winter and also tasks for the spring.
For 144016 some rough surface on the bodysides of 55816 and 55852 will be rubbed down and repainted in the next few weeks. We might even get the final doorway floor replaced before winter. Fortunately the roof repaint has been completed. Some paintwork detailing on the car ends of all three cars needs attention. A handful of mechanical tasks will be addressed too, though the unit is essentially available for service. Although the internal paintwork is reasonably good, this is slowly being refreshed in the correct Northern colours
144004 has been used for most of the Pacer services this year, while 144016 has been receiving attention. In 2027, we aim to replace the distorted doorway floors of 144004, repaint the bodysides in an accurate Regional Railways livery and also start sprucing up the underframe paintwork and lettering. 144016 will likely operate more regularly than in 2026.
On top of this planned restoration work, routine servicing is to be done and we also need to keep on top of any faults as they arise, which together take up a lot of time!
In the meantime, here's a shot 144004 in use last week.
