Class 158 'Express Sprinter' Profile and Models
158871 at Musselburgh in May 2015. ©ScotRail02
The British Rail Class 158 'Express Sprinter' is a diesel multiple-unit passenger train (or DMU), built for British Rail between 1989 and 1992 by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at its Derby Litchurch Lane Works. They were built to replace many locomotive-hauled trains, and allowed cascading of existing Sprinter units to replace elderly 'heritage' DMUs. The Class 158's sister class, the Class 159 DMUs, are almost identical to the Class 158s; being converted from Class 158 to Class 159 in two batches. When introduced, British Rail described the Class 158s as bringing "new standards of comfort and quality to rail travel on Regional Railways' key long-distance cross-country routes". As built, interiors were described as fully carpeted, with "panoramic" windows and a variety of seats arranged both airline-style and in bays of four around tables. Unlike previous members of the Sprinter family, such as the Class 156 SuperSprinter, the Class 158s featured air conditioning, an on-board payphone, power-operated interior doors, a toilet in each carriage, and provision for a refreshment trolley service. Despite an increased top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h), the units also promised a smoother, quieter ride than its predecessors. |
|
Type of Unit |
2 or 3-car Diesel Multiple Unit |
Builder |
British Rail Engineering Ltd, Derby Works |
Build Dates |
1989 to 1992 |
Total Built |
182 sets (9 later converted to Class 159s) |
Power Output |
350 to 400hp per engine (1 per car) |
Top Speed |
90 mph |
Passenger Capacity |
125 to 207 seats |
Operated By |
Arriva Trains Wales British Rail Central Trains East Midlands Trains East Midlands Railway First Great Western First North Western Great Western Railway Northern Spirit/ Arriva Trains Northern Northern Rail Northern Trains ScotRail South Western Railway Transport for Wales TransPennine Express Virgin CrossCountry Wales & West/ Wessex Trains |
Main Duties |
Regional Passenger |
In Service Until |
Present |
Surviving Examples |
174 sets in service |