Our Stock
Heritage Traction Preservation cares for and manages a growing collection of railway traction and associated assets. Each vehicle is held with a clear long-term plan, focused on proper maintenance, sympathetic restoration, and continued use within the heritage railway environment.
Our approach is practical and responsible. Stock is maintained to an appropriate standard, with work prioritised to ensure reliability, historical integrity, and sustainability. Where possible, vehicles are kept operational or prepared for future use, supported by structured maintenance and forward planning.
Details of individual vehicles, their history, current condition, and future plans can be found below and will be updated as work progresses.
Class 143 "601"
Overview
Class 143 unit 143601 is the first-built and pioneer example of the Class 143 Pacer fleet, giving it a unique place in modern British railway history. Introduced in the mid-1980s, it led the class into service and became a long-serving and familiar unit across Wales and the West of England.
In addition to being the first of its kind, 143601 was the final Pacer to operate in mainline passenger service, bringing an end to over three decades of Pacer operation on the national network. Its final workings marked the conclusion of one of the most distinctive and debated chapters of British Rail history.
Now preserved, 143601 has been secured as a complete example of the class, with a long-term plan focused on maintenance, reliability and continued heritage use.
Historical Significance
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Pioneer unit – first Class 143 constructed
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Last Pacer in mainline service, marking the end of the type’s national operation
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Represents the full operational lifespan of the Class 143 fleet, from introduction to withdrawal
This unit is retained as a key historical reference point for the Pacer story and its place within Britain’s railway heritage.
Key Information
Unit Number:
143601
Class:
British Rail Class 143 (Pacer)
Builder:
Andrew Barclay (Kilmarnock)
Walter Alexander (body construction)
Built:
1985
Entered Service:
1985
Withdrawn from Service:
29 May 2021
Original Operator:
British Rail
Later Operators:
Regional Railways
Arriva Trains Wales
Transport for Wales
Current Owner:
Pip Jones (Heritage Traction Preservation)
Operational Status:
Preserved – maintenance and restoration programme underway
Current Livery:
Arriva Trains Wales turquoise & cream, with later Transport for Wales advertising
Current Railway / Location:
Tanat Valley Light Railway
Class 143 "616"
Overview
Class 143 unit 143616 is a representative example of the later-built Class 143 Pacer fleet and a unit closely associated with long-term operation in Wales. Built during the mid-1980s expansion of the class, 143616 spent the majority of its working life in everyday passenger service, becoming a familiar sight on regional routes under successive operators.
The unit remained in frontline use through the Arriva Trains Wales and Transport for Wales eras, contributing to the final years of Pacer operation on the national network. Following withdrawal, 143616 has been secured for preservation to ensure it remains a complete and operationally representative example of the class.
Now under preservation, 143616 forms part of a wider strategy to retain authentic, service-worn examples of modern multiple-unit heritage for future use and interpretation.
Historical Significance
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Long-serving Class 143 unit with extensive operation in Wales
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Operated through multiple branding and operating eras
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Representative example of the Class 143 fleet in everyday passenger service
143616 is preserved to reflect the typical working life of a Pacer, complementing pioneer unit 143601 within the collection.
Key Information
Unit Number:
143616
Class:
British Rail Class 143 (Pacer)
Builder:
Andrew Barclay (Kilmarnock)
Walter Alexander (body construction)
Built:
1985
Entered Service:
1985
Withdrawn from Service:
31 December 2020
Original Operator:
British Rail
Later Operators:
Regional Railways
Arriva Trains Wales
Transport for Wales
Current Owner:
Pip Jones (Heritage Traction Preservation)
Operational Status:
Preserved – maintenance and restoration programme underway
Current Livery:
Arriva Trains Wales / Welsh Government dark & light blue, with later Transport for Wales advertising
Current Railway / Location:
Tanat Valley Light Railway