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Pacer Driving Experience Course

Take to the controls and Drive Pacer No 143602

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Fri 25th Apr 2025
10:00
11:30
13:00
14:30
16:00
Fri 13th Jun 2025

10:00 SOLD OUT

11:30
13:00
14:30
16:00
Fri 17th Oct 2025
10:00
11:30
13:00
14:30
16:00

The Package

Our starter package includes theory and practical driving of the Pacer No 143602.  During your time on the Pacer, 2 participants will take it in turns to drive for a total distance of approximately 12 miles.

• Welcome briefing with Tea/Coffee for Driver covering some driving theory
• Shared drive of Pacer on trip to Peterborough and back to Wansford
• One guest per participant can travel on the Pacer free of charge.  Additional guests can buy a £5 travel ticket per person on the day
• Lunch for the Driver (you will be provided a voucher for our cafe)
• Goody bag
• Guided Tour of Loco Works
• Visit to Wansford Signal Box
• Presentation Certificate

Please note that our experiences are suitable for aged 18 and above.  Advanced booking is required.

The price: £225.00

Pacer was the operational name of the British Rail Classes 140, 141, 142, 143 and 144 diesel multiple unit railbuses, built between 1980 and 1987. They were inexpensively developed using a passenger body based on the Leyland National bus, on top of a chassis based on the HSFV1 research vehicle. These railbuses were intended as a short-term solution to a shortage of rolling stock, with a lifespan of no more than 20 years. As modernised replacements were lacking, the Pacer fleet remained in service on some lines until 2021 – 37 years after their introduction in 1984.

Former Arriva Trains Wales No 143602 arrived at the Nene Valley Railway in 2022, becoming the sixth of the class to be preserved.

Customer Recommendation: I’d highly recommend the Pacer day to everyone 😃

Booking information

You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in our driving experiences.