Martyn Hilbert has carved out a reputation for entertaining and informative books, geographically covering most of the North West. This latest title is slightly different in two ways. Firstly, it doesn’t cover a specific area, focusing instead on the famous/infamous Pacer units and their deployment all over the network. Secondly, it departs somewhat from the “album” format of previous titles.
Class 142s are not, it is fair to say, everybody’s cup-of-tea. Love them or hate them though, they have played a huge role in keeping rural lines ticking over since the 1980s, when the first-generation DMUs bowed-out. Without the “Pacers”, some branches may not have survived the doldrums which preceded the rail boom of more recent years. With the Pacers now consigned to history too, now is the time to take a look back – fondly – on what was undoubtedly a successful design.
The first part of this book covers the background to the design: the reasons for reviving the “railbus” idea, the early prototypes and finally the production and introduction of the units. After a brief look at the depots that serviced the units, for the second half of the book we move into more familiar territory with a pictorial record of the units in the various places they served.
Most of Martyn Hilbert’s books feature largely his own photographic work, and this is no different. Martyn has an eye for an interesting shot, where the train forms only part of the interest. Many of the scenes that feature these DMUs are unrecognisable today, making for a fascinating and nostalgic look at several areas of the country where 142s were an everyday sight.
In short, whether you liked or loathed these units, this book is an interesting and informative read, full of cracking photos, which demonstrates the author’s deep knowledge of the subject matter. Recommended.
96 pages, published by Fonthill Media. £18
https://www.fonthill.media/products/class-142
