Dapol Class 142 deco samples arrive

The design team is currently reviewing them and formulating feedback to the factory to correct any issues.

Featuring a powered and a dummy car in each set, the new Class 142 features detailed bodies with flush glazing, a close coupling mechanism with corridor connector Scharfenberg coupling mechanism fitted as standard, all-wheel drive and pick up on power unit, directional lights on both cars with independently controllable internal (where fitted) and external lighting, plus an accessory bag with optional fitted components.

Proposed Liveries

• Class 142 Northern Rail 142024 
• Class 142 Provincial 142058 
• Class 142 Regional Railways Red/Grey/White 142038 
• Class 142 First Great Western Blue/Gold 142070 
• Class 142 Regional Railways Original 142084

Priced at £162.00 DCC Ready and £205.20 DCC Fitted, the new models are expected to be in shops sometime during Q2 2024.

About the prototype

The British Rail Class 142 is a type of diesel railbus multiple unit designed to run in pairs for use on branch lines in Northern and South Western England and North Wales. 96 of the sets were built by BREL at Derby between 1985 and 1987 and followed on from the design of the Class 141. Initially, the Class 142 exhibited many operational problems, including the inability to negotiate tight curves, a lack of power with poor braking, and a rough uncomfortable ride. The class was extensively modified in subsequent years to overcome some of these shortcomings with the adoption of a more powerful diesel engine, uprated brakes and a plethora of internal and external detail improvements. Even with these changes, the Class 142 was deemed unsuitable for working the tighter curves of the South Western rail system and the fleet was transferred post privatisation between NW Trains and Northern Spirit, where they are still used primarily on commuter routes between the major cities of the region. 

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