(17 Feb 2016, 10:28 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote The 142s will be withdrawn in 2018/2019
The 144s and 153s are being returned to the lessor ( Porterbrook ) in 2017

A batch of Class 158s are transferring to Heaton in 2018/2019  Refurbished to " Northern Connect " Standard
Aswell as a batch of other units ( Either 156s or 150s )

First I heard about the 144's being returned to the leasing company? Have you got a souce for this? As for the 153's, I have heard they might be leaving Northern in the near future but the main idea is for them to be converted back to 155's as the leasing company got no plans to make 153's DDA compliant. 

I'll be surprised if 144's are leaving Northern in 2017, there be no new trains until 2018 at least and they are already short on spare stock so I just can't see that happening, be uproar if that is the case. 

On the subject of pacers, I must be the only one to like them although I accept they are not up to standard for your everyday passenger. Will kinda miss them when they go.