British Rail Class 143
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The British Rail Class 143 is a diesel multiple unit, part of the Pacer family of trains. The coaches are based on an Alexander bus body mounted on a chassis from a freight truck. Twenty-five units were built, numbered 143601-625. They are sometimes known as "Nodding Donkeys" due to the rough ride on all but the highest standard of track. This excessive bounce has led to the class being banned from areas with third rail electrification over fears that fixtures on the train may contact the live rail.
[edit] Arriva Trains Wales
Arriva Trains Wales use their Class 142, Class 143 and Class 150 trains on the commuter lines around Cardiff known as the Valley Lines. Additionally, since acquiring the franchise from Wales and Borders, Arriva have deployed 142s and 143s on longer journeys, such as those from Cardiff to Carmarthen. They operate 16 sets, although a 17th set (143615) sustained severe fire damage during 2005 and has now been scrapped at Cardiff Canton. Arriva have completed repainting their 143 fleet to bear their standard turquoise and cream house colours.
[edit] Wessex Trains / First Great Western
First Great Western inherited the Wessex Trains units when the franchises were merged in April 2006.
Wessex used their fleet primarily on commuter services around Bristol, although towards the end of the franchises they were increasingly on longer distance Cardiff to Taunton services. They were occasionally used on rural branch lines but this was generally avoided where possible due to problems with wheel wear and the noise on sharp corners. The fleet has been refurbished with high back seating and painted in 'Visit Bristol' advertising livery. They operated 7 sets - an 8th set (143613) caught fire near Nailsea and Backwell in October 2004 and has since been broken up at Cardiff Canton [1].
143619 carries a small Kernow sticker on one cab following it being used on a Cardiff to Penzance service. Normally the 143 would have been swapped at Bristol or Exeter but on this occasion the unit continued to Penzance
[edit] Fleet Details
| Operator | No. of units | Unit nos. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales | 16 | 143601/602/604-610/614/616/622-625 | 143615 withdrawn after a fire |
| First Great Western | 7 | 143603/611/612/618-621 | 143613 withdrawn after a fire |
