Class 153 Leyland Super Sprinter DMUs DMSL

Leyland Bus Diesel Multiple  units, often run as a single car DMU, Class 153 DMU cars were built 1987-1988 at Workington and converted by Leyland Bus from Class 155 2-car units.

A history of the Class 153 DMUs

Class 153 DMU units have a maximum speed of 75 mph. Class 153 DMUs started off as two-car units, but most were converted to single-car units in the 1990s by Hunslet-Barclay, but the 2nd driving cab is pretty cramped! Class 153 DMUs can also operate in 3-car units.

The idea was to operate the smallest possible trains on rural branch lines that couldn't justify longer passenger trains.

Contemporary and Heritage-Preserved, Diesel, Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives

Trainspot locations  *  TOPS class links  *  My Main Railways Index

Nostalgic Steam Train Photos from the 1960s  * Email: chem55555@hotmail.com

[Author and photographer © Dr WP Brown PhD (plus 'DocsPics' help from AI these days), page updated May 9th 2026]

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Class 153/3 DMU Class 153 unit 153363 at York Station with a Northern Rail Service to Hull (August 2021)

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East Midlands Class 153 DMU unit 153379 at Lincoln Central station (Feb 2nd 2018)

2-car Class 153 unit 153316 Aug 1st 2017 entering Carlisle station from Barrow

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On the left, Class 153 single car unit 153302 at Lincoln Central station with a train for Doncaster (Feb 2nd 2018)

Single car Class 153 DMU 153319 at Peterborough station with an East Midlands service to Lincoln.

Single car Class 158 DMU 153381 leaving Doncaster with an East Midlands service to Lincoln.

Northern Rail single car unit Class 153 153351 in Lancaster station

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East Midlands Class 153 single-car DMU 153376 at Barnetby Station with a train from Newark North Gate to Cleethorpes

East Midlands Class 153 single-car DMU 153376 entering Barnetby Station with a train service from Cleethorpes to Newark North Gate.

Single car DMU unit Class 153 153358 (carriage no. 57358) at Carlisle station with a Northern Rail service to Millom (31/08/2016)

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East Midlands Class 153 311 (single car DMU 153311) at Doncaster Station.

Northern Rail Class 153 Super Sprinter 307 (DMU 153307, carriage number 52307) seemed to be working as single carriage unit leaving York Station.

Northern rail DMU single carriage Class 153 307 153307 (carriage no. 52307) at York Station

East Midlands single-car Class 153 DMU 153383 leaving Barnetby station with a Newark North Gate to Cleethorpes service.

Single carriage (1-car) Super Sprinter Class 153 363 (DMU 153363, carriage number 57363) at Sheffield Station

Northern rail single car unit Class 153 317 (DMU no. 15317, carriage no. 52317) leaving Wakefield Westgate station

East Midlands liveried Class 153 DMU 153383 standing in Barnetby station

London Midland operated single car Super Sprinter Class 153 366 (DMU 153366) at Nuneaton station operating the London Midland City Nuneaton-Coventry shuttle service.

Northern Rail Class 153 DMU unit 153301 at Lancaster station

Northern Rail 3-car unit headed by Class 153 unit 153307 at Lancaster station with a service to Carlisle.

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Class 153 DMU 153353 operated by Arriva trains at Crewe station

DMU Class 153 153307 at Carlisle station with the train for Barrow-in-Furness

A Class 153 single car DMU unit 153302 with an East Midlands service from Peterborough to Lincoln (Peterborough station, 29/11/16)

Class 153 DMU unit 153310 at Peterborough (29/11/16)

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Class 153 EMU unit 153377 in York Station (date?, transferred from? not converted to Northern Rail livery yet)

153305 in York Station (date?, transferred from? not in Northern Rail livery yet)

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A history of Class 153 EMUs

The Class 153 “Super Sprinter” units are single‑car diesel‑hydraulic DMUs created in 1991–92 by converting two‑car Class 155 sets. They were designed to replace ageing first‑generation railcars on lightly used rural routes, and they went on to become one of the most flexible and widely deployed small DMUs in Britain.
The following is a complete, structured history grounded in authoritative sources.

Origins and Purpose of the Class 153 DMUs

By the late 1980s, British Rail needed a modern, economical replacement for elderly single‑car units such as the Class 121 and Class 122. Rather than ordering new stock, BR chose a cost‑effective solution: convert existing Class 155 two‑car units into single‑car railcars.

• 35 Class 155 sets had been built by Leyland Bus at Workington between 1987–1989 to modernise regional services.

• These units were withdrawn for conversion beginning in 1991.

The goal was to create a versatile “bubble car” capable of operating economically on rural lines while also being compatible with the wider Sprinter fleet.

Conversion and Construction of the Class 153 DMUs (1991–1992)

• Conversion facility: Hunslet‑Barclay, Kilmarnock

• Years converted: 1991–1992

• Number created: 70 single‑car units

• New numbering:

  • Former DMSL(A) cars → 153301–153335

  • Former DMSL(B) cars → 153351–153385

What the conversion involved

• Fitting a new cab at the inner end of each former Class 155 coach

• Installing new headlight clusters and cab controls

• Retaining the original Cummins NT855‑R5 engine and Voith T211r hydraulic transmission

• Adding BSI automatic couplers and wiring for multiple‑working with other Sprinter‑family DMUs

The new cab was smaller than the original, giving the Class 153 its distinctive asymmetrical appearance.

Technical Characteristics

• Power: 1 × Cummins NT855‑R5 diesel engine, 213 kW (285 hp)

• Transmission: Voith T211r hydraulic

• Max speed: 75 mph (121 km/h)

• Carbody: Steel monocoque (from original Class 155)

• Length: ~23 m

• Doors: Single‑leaf sliding plug doors (2 per side)

• Couplers: BSI; compatible with Classes 14x, 15x, 170, 172 etc.

• Seating:

  • Pre‑PRM: 66–75 seats

  • Post‑PRM refurb: 59 seats

Entry Into Service of the Class 153 DMUs (1991–1992)

The Class 153s entered service immediately after conversion, replacing first‑generation DMUs on rural and lightly used routes across:

• The Midlands

• Wales

• Northern England

• Scotland

They quickly proved popular due to their flexibility, low operating cost, and ability to work in multiple with other Sprinter units.

Operational History of the Class 153 DMUs

Early BR and Regional Railways era

Used widely on rural lines such as:

• Heart of Wales Line

• West Midlands branches

• East Midlands rural routes

• Cornish branch lines

Post‑privatisation operators

Class 153s have served with:

• Central Trains

• Wales & West

• Arriva Trains Wales

• East Midlands Trains / EMR

• Great Western Railway

• ScotRail

• Northern / Northern Trains

• Transport for Wales

• Anglia operators (briefly)

Specialised uses

• Capacity boosters on busy services when coupled to 150/156/158 units

• Stourbridge Town branch (one of the shortest lines in Britain)

• Cardiff Bay shuttle

• Network Rail infrastructure monitoring units (3 units)

Refurbishment and PRM Upgrades of the Class 153 DMUs

From the 2010s onward, Class 153s underwent PRM‑TSI accessibility upgrades:

• Universal access toilets

• Wheelchair spaces

• Wi‑Fi and charging points

• Bicycle storage (notably TfW “Active Travel” conversions completed by 2025)

Withdrawal and Current Status of the Class 153 DMUs (as of 2025)

• Around 40 units withdrawn since the early 2010s

• 12 units scrapped

• ~30 units remain in service or departmental use

  • ~20 with Transport for Wales

  • 5 with ScotRail

  • Several with Network Rail for inspection duties

Preservation

A small number are preserved on heritage railways such as the Great Central Railway, where they are used for driver training.

Significance of the Class 153 DMUs

The Class 153 is historically important because it:

• Represents a cost‑effective BR conversion strategy rather than new‑build procurement

• Provided a modern replacement for first‑generation railcars

• Became one of the most flexible DMUs in the UK, able to operate alone or with almost any Sprinter

• Remains in service more than 30 years after conversion

• Continues to support rural mobility and infrastructure monitoring

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My Archive Steam Photos from the 1960s

docspics images of Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays photos of Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays photographs of Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays pictures of Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays © Dr Phil Brown * Treyn Railway Holidays to France, Italy and Spain from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays Booking tickets for Great Railway Journey luxury Rail Trip holidays Train travel in Europe Rail holidays from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays to the USA & Canada luxury train through the Rocky Mountain Canadian rail railway holidays through the Rockies US Cities by train from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays  Continental rail holidays to France Germany Italy Austria Switzerland Glacier Express Treyn Holidays from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays from Eurostar to Paris Brussels Avignon Turin Turino Rome Roma Florence Firenze TGV fast trains Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays Travelling by train always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery  to Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of Europe! The railway trip from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive in action and there is nothing like the sight and sounds of a steam train to invoke feelings of nostalgia in some of us to Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays even more luxury by having a special trip out on a steam dining train! England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland top class hotels in Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays dining out travel tours top tourist destinations tourist information on Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays weekend breaks mini-breaks family holidays restaurants touring coach trips from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays continental tours cruise ships pleasure cruises summer breaks spring breaks continental winter breaks European winter holidays spring holidays summer holidays European Rail tours Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains European Rail tours US and Canadian Railway travel holidays special steam excursions to Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Travelling by train from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery either in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of the railways of Europe! The railway trip involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive or heritage diesel in action on a special trip from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets Stuttgart Brussels Eurostar Brussels from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays by TGV to Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International Stratford International, St Pancras International Paris Gare du Nord Paris Gare de Lyon Paris Gare de L'est Paris Gare Montparnasse by Eurostar from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays London to Paris, Eurostar London - Brussels Eurostar London to Lille deals bargain city breaks Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays Great Railway Journey holidays in Italy, Spain and France by TGV booking from Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets to the Continent  eg Paris Brussels Avignon or railway tours across France, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, Asia or China for a travel spectacular Class 153 DMU rail tour holidays European Railway holidays by Rail Discoveries Rail Holidays with Travel Editions around Europe, see America by rail, travel across Canada by rail Riviera Travel Railway holidays in Europe, America, Canada holidays by rail in Europe rail holidays in America rail holidays across Canada

Good trainspotting 'TRAINSPOTS' Good trainspotting and photographic locations  Barnetby Station, North Lincolnshire  *  Carlisle Station  *  Clapham Junction Station, London  *  Colton Junction, south of York  * Coventry *  Crewe Station  *  Doncaster Station, South Yorkshire  * Grantham * Hellifield station - Carlisle to Settle line * Lancaster station  * Leicester station * Newcastle Station  *  Northallerton Station  *  Nuneaton Station  * Peterborough *  Sheffield Station  *  Stratford Station, East London * Tamworth * Warrington Bank Quay station * Wigan North Western - WCML *  York Station

See other TOPS classes of diesels and electrics * Class 01 * Class 02 * Class 03 * Class 04 * Class 08 * Class 09 * Class 10 * Class 11 * Class 14 * Class 20 * Class 24 * Class 25 * Class 26 * Class 27 * Class 31 * Class 33 * Class 35 * Class 37 * Class 40 * Class 43 * Class 44 * Class 45 * Class 47 * Class 50 * Class 52 * Class 55 * Class 56 * Class 57 * Class 58 *  Class 60 * Class 66 * Class 67 * Class 68 * Class 70 * Class 71 * Class 73 * Class 76 * Class 77 *  Class 84 * Class 86 * Class 87 * Class 88 * Class 90 * Class 91 * Class 92 * Derby Lightweight * Class 101 * Class 108 * Class 114 * Class 117 * Class 120 * Class 121 * Class 122 * Class 127 * Class 141 * Class 142 * Class 144 * Class 150 * Class 153 * Class 155 * Class 156 * Class 158 * Class 159 * Class 165 * Class 166 * Class 170 * Class 172 * Class 175 * Class 180 * Class 185 * Class 195  * Class 196 * Class 197 * Class 220 * Class 221 * Class 222 * Class 252 * Class 313 * Class 315 * Class 317 * Class 319 * Class 320 * Class 321 * Class 322 * Class 323 * Class 325 * Class 331 * Class 332 * Class 333 * Class 334 * Class 350 * Class 357 * Class 360 * Class 365 * Class 373 * Class 375 * Class 376 * Class 377 * Class 378 * Class 379 * Class 380 * Class 387 * Class 390 * Class 395 * Class 414 * Class 423 * Class 442 * Class 444 * Class 450 * Class 455 * Class 458 * Class 460 * Class 465 * Class 466 * Class 489 * Class 507/508 * Class 700 * Class 730  * Class 755 * Class 800 * Class 801 * Class 802 * Class 803 *  Class 805 * Class 3000 *

INDEX of My IMAGES OF PRESERVED STEAM LOCOMOTIVES

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