Nicknamed the Nodding Donkeys, because of their rough riding on the track, the last Pacer trains in northern England made their final journey last Friday November 27, on a service from Kirkby in Lancashire to Manchester Victoria. Built as stopgap trains in the 1980s, and initially constructed from Leyland bus parts, they were hated by many passengers. Their concertina doors let the draughts in on winter days and the four-wheel chassis caused ear-jangling squeals on curved track and points. Their ...more