East Midlands Class 153 '153379'

The conversion to Class 153 was carried out by Hunslet-Barclay at Kilmarnock between 1991 and 1992, with seventy vehicles being produced. The layout of the original non-cab ends was different from the original cab end, so the ends are noticeably distinct with the vehicles not being symmetrical. The large number of windows makes the vehicles look unusually long, being built on such a lightly built body has led to a slight sag being apparent in certain coaches over time.

As the conversion did not require any doors to be moved, the No.2 cab is significantly smaller than the original Leyland cab and encroaches on the door vestibule area, providing cramped conditions for both drivers and guards. Similar to other Sprinter units, such as the Classes 150/2, 156 and 158, these units have gangway door connections at either end that allow passengers and staff to walk between vehicles working in multiple. These units also have the benefit of having passenger door control panels at either end of the cars.

Seventy two passengers can be carried in 2+2 high backing, mixed bay and airline style seats, with 15.5m2 of floor space available for standing. Each vehicle is fitted with a toilet cubicle, as well as a large parcels locker, as at the time the units were constructed in the 1980s, a large quantity of local parcels traffic was still conveyed by rail under the Red Star Parcels brand. This fell out of use in the period leading to rail privatisation and the large areas are now used as luggage space.

Powered by a 285hp Cummins NT855-R5 Diesel, working through a Voith Hydraulic transmission, the maximum speed of a Class 153 is 75mph, making it perfectly suited for small cross country services. They are fitted with standard BSI auto-couplers, allowing them to work in tandem with other multiple units from the 14x and 15x Classes fitted with the same coupler, as well as newer units like the Class 170. Units are numbered in the range 153301-335 and 153351-385, with individual cars numbered 52301-335 and 57351-385 (originally 57301-335).

Set No.153379, being Vehicle No.57379, was built in February 1992 and first allocated to Tyseley. Currently running in East Midlands Trains red, orange and blue livery, this version is shown in the ex-Central Trains green livery.

Minimum curve  Hornby 2nd radius  + / 438mm+