On a sunny Sunday in October we went to the last running day of 2023 on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.

Steam special?

No, much better. The rostered consist was their Pacer.

Pacers have a slightly mythical status with trainspotters. Introduced in the 1980s as a cheap solution to British Rail’s shortage of diesel multiple units they were essentially a modified bus body on a four wheeled ‘freight wagon like’ chassis.

Pacers were generally disliked by passengers who complained about uncomfortable seating, a harsh ride, wheel squeel on corners and points… and a strange ‘bouncing’ motion at speed.

Amazingly, there were 165 sets built, in five different series, and although they were intended to last only 20 years many ran for over 30 years. They were only phased out in 2020 because they didn’t comply with the new criteria for access for persons with reduced mobility.

They were used in Wales, the North and the South West of England, areas I’ve never lived in.

So this was my first ever Pacer ride.

Was I disappointed?

No.

It looks like a bus, the ride is pretty stiff and, although we didn’t travel very fast, I’m sure I felt a bit of ‘bounce’ 🙂