The Class 158 diesel multiple unit (DMU) is one of the mainstays of cross country routes, having being built as express DMUs in the early 1990s to replace loco-hauled trains and older DMUs on provincial and regional services [1]. Nearly two hundred sets were built, they currently serve with multiple Train Operating Companies across Britain. Some have been converted to Class 159.
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| Scot Rail 158 735 at Nairn |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Number built: | 354 (182 2 and 3 car sets) |
| Built: | 1990-92 |
| Builder: | BREL Derby |
| Engine: | Cummins NTA855R1/3 or Perkins 2006-TWH diesel engine per power car |
| Power: | 350 hp (260 kW) or 400 hp (300kW) per vehicle |
| Formation: | 2-car : Driving Motor Standard Lavatory (DMSL)+DMSL or DMSL+Driving Motor Composite Lavatory (DMCL) 3-car : DMSL+Motor Standard (MS)+DMSL or DMSL+DMSL+DMSL |
The Class 158 operates as either a two or three-car set, mostly with a Cummins engine though a few were fitted with Perkins engines instead. Currently the fleet is split into the 158/0 and 158/9 sub-classes. The latter were originally two-car sets but were beefed up into three-car by the addition of an extra driving coach though the cab of this is locked out of use.
The Class 158 is in operation with Northern, Scot Rail, Transport for Wales, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway and East Midland Railway. Twelve three-car sets were also built by BREL Derby for the Thailand state railway and also continue in service.
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| EMR 158 857 at Uttoxeter |
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| Transport for Wales 158 840 at Shrewsbury |
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| Aboard a TfW 158 |
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| EMR 158 773 departs Netherfield |
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| Northern 158 816 at Sheffield |
[1] Colin J Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 140