The DfT has just released a document today giving the results of the feasibility study recently carried out concerning the fitting of pantographs to Class 142 multiple units,this would enable savings to be made when running on electrified lines such as Newcastle to Morpeth and Chathill and Newcastle to Darlington also between Sunderland and Pelaw Jnct, this last section would require trains to stop at Pelaw Jnct in both directions to raise and lower the pantograph, the pantographs would be dual voltage to enable them to work over all the aforementioned lines.
The cost of these modifications would be covered by the savings in diesel fuel consumption.
RE: Northern Rail