Classes 142,143,144

In the 1980s, British Rail introduced a new train type that could operate on local networks without a requirement for high speeds. Initially Class 141s were introduced, known as railbuses; these were designed with Leyland bus-type coaching stock attached to a four-wheel base. Following the initial batch of 20 trains, Classes 142, 143 and 144 were developed. They were intended as a short-term solution to replace old and obsolete stock at a time when funding shortages required creative thinking about temporary coaching stock. Largely regarded as unpopular with travellers, their bench-style seating was uncomfortable, the noise levels could be loud and the journey bumpy. Even so, many lasted longer than their anticipated 20-year service, with the last of them being withdrawn around 2019. Their final years in service are illustrated in this review with more than 200 photographs.