23.02.15
Upgraded Pacers for use past 2020 on track for April launch
Porterbrook is moving forward with plans to upgrade Pacers for use beyond 2020, with a ‘Class 144e’ prototype expected to be up and running by April.
The first train to be converted into the new Class 144 Evolution line was delivered to Derby’s Rail Vehicle Engineering Ltd (RVEL), which is carrying out the work for Porterbrook, in January. The interior has been stripped and Porterbrook told RTM that they are in the process of fitting the Universal Access Toilet and passenger information system.
The changes include an improved exterior and an upgraded and revitalised interior design and layout.
Received wisdom previously held that it would be unviably expensive for the Pacers to be converted to meet PRM TSI requirements (the European standard on disability access), which are mandatory from 2020. But Porterbrook has been keen to show that such a conversion is possible.
The toilet is to be re-located to the driving end, allowing it to be made a universal access toilet. It will have a new Controlled Emission Toilet (CET) tank with sufficient capacity to allow three to four days of operation before emptying.
Two new wheelchair spaces and emergency call buttons will be added and adjustments to the door well area will allow a standard single piece wheelchair ramp to be used.
The interior will be refurbished in tonal blues and the overhead luggage racks removed. LED lighting, new seat shells and grab handles will also be installed.
A combined large luggage stack and bicycle storage will be fitted, and Poterbrook is also adding information display screens and wi-fi. The cabs will also have forward-facing CCTV to capture trackside events.
The new design will have a seated capacity of 78, while standing area will be increased to 25.5 metres squared.
The project is said to be costing Porterbrook £800,000 but it is expected that the full Class 144e specification will cost about £175,000 per vehicle, or £350,000 for a two-car unit.
In January RTM interviewed Adrian Shooter, the mind behind the Vivarail D-Train, a likely competitor to the Class 144e.
The ex-London Underground stock being bought up for potential use on Northern routes and on under-served branch lines is being re-engineered so extensively that it will be “effectively a new train”, according to Shooter.
Both plans are now focused on getting their first prototype units up and running in the next few months. Competition appears to be heating up to provide a short term diesel alternative while waiting for electrification.
(Image source: Alvey and Towers)
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