FGW Pacers get up to speed

摘要

First Great Western Trains now has 11 of the 12 Class 142 Pacers received in the recent unit reshuffle in service. The exception is prototype 142001 which is said to be suffering from defective compressors and other faults. It has also had a number of parts removed since its arrival in the West Country to keep the rest of the fleet in traffic. FGW has commenced some limited upgrading of the ex-Northern units and have begun a programme to re-upholster the seating, paint the toilet walls and fit emergency lighting sticks and hammers. It is said that some of the company's drivers are unhappy with cab conditions and have referred problems with fumes and poor heating for attention.