* SPITS coffee out all over keyboard * 

Sorry, I just had to respond to this comment - obviously I can't speak for everyone 'up north' but in common with the rest of the country (maybe the world) the general feeling is a loathing of Class 142s!

A collective groan can be heard at Manchester Deansgate station as the evening communters wait expectantly for their train home and realise what the approaching screeching noise means - overcrowding in the sardine special. Unfortunately for some of us we also have the added displeasure of Merseyrails hepatic yellow livery which doesn't help.

It's a huge relief when a 150 appears as at least you know the standing will be more comfortable or you may be able to sit in the toilet for part of the journey.

I'm shocked these things are heading anywhere other than the scrapyard and offer my condolences to any commuters using them.

At least one of the 142s around here have been re-painted into Northern Rails newish purple livery which means:

(a) They will be around a few years longer
(b) The re-paint should make them twice as strong