Class 158, The Best DMU in Britain?

[@Rail_Focus]

Rail photography on Redbbuble, prints, mugs, t-shirts and much more: www.redbubble.com/people/EngPhotography/explore?page=1&sortOrder=recent

[@transportenthusiast11]

I was on a 159 from Clapham Junction to Salisbury and back, I found the seats on the unrefurbished units to be pretty comfortable. The refurbished seats do have this weird indent in the middle which is uncomfortable at first but you get used to it quickly.

[@northernblue1093]

Good video, just the right length and depth of coverage.

[@Rail_Focus]

Thanks 🙂

[@bobsrailrelics]

I like a 158, they won't go on forever but as you say are a much better unit for long distance than 150's.

[@Rail_Focus]

They'll be around for a good few years yet, I think Northern is probably the best choice for them

[@jess.hawkins]

I think the Class 158 is one of the best DMUs I've ever ridden on in this country. Took a trip on a GWR 158 from Bristol to Newport yesterday. I was taken aback by how comfortable it was in side, a most calm journey! (except for the notable rattling sound as the train climbed out of Severn Tunnel on the way home!)

[@Blackburnian737]

The one thing I've always noticed about them were how much noisier they were compared to 170's and anything newer. Sometimes thats okay, I had a great ride on one between Perth and Edinburgh with the windows open on a summer evening, but other times I've found them to be a bit loud for a long journey (like on the Leeds-Carlisle).

[@Rail_Focus]

They do seem quite noisy compared to stock of 20 years ago, but they're at least a bit quieter than 150/3/6s.

[@sprinterofficial8457]

ive realised that the 158s for Northern and EMR are really noisy inside, but TFW and Scotrail to a degree aren't as bad

[@CarlSmith-bs4qx]

Would expect them to be more vocal than the latest generation units. The 158 units ride better though the T4 bogies are way smoother than the latest CAF units.

[@rhysrail]

I personally like the sound as they sound like they are making progress rather than other dmus that while quieter they make your journey seem longer

[@MrGreatplum]

I used to take the LSWR main line route to Exeter when I was at uni between 99-03 and the class 159s were plying their trade then(they still are I think!) they were a step change from the ancient EMUs that the south east had at the time - I loved travelling on them!

[@Rail_Focus]

I think the Waterloo Exeter run is still the 159s mainstay. I guess it's a testament to their design that they're still well thought of 30+ years later.

[@ethmister]

main stay of the route still. Only chance of replacement is basically never at this point.

[@maverick6631]

Class 159s are fitted with a speedo, horn control and emergency brake plunger on the second person's side of the cab. A very useful upgrade from 158s! The weakest part of 158s has always been the overly complex air conditioning system, which is great when working, but very prone to failure. These units were a step change from class 156s and featured the first all aluminium monocoque body to be used on a sprinter. Ride quality was and still is very good even by today's standards. There's a few more years left in them yet.

[@petermostyneccleston2884]

The doors on the 158s were not wide enough, if you were taking a bicycle with you. There was always the space for a bicycle, but originally you were only allowed one bicycle on board. When these trains were originally bought out, they had a card phone in the area between the two carriages. Made for a very difficult telephone conversation, if the person at the other end did not speak up.

[@ed_menno]

These are incredible workhorses that nearly 35 years (!) later still look great and do the job.

[@Rail_Focus]

They are great DMUs, even as good as some more modern DMUs

[@Sim0nTrains]

Do love the Class 158s, Great informative video.

[@Rail_Focus]

Thanks. I think the 158s are okay, but the 175 is much better imo 😉

[@stevieinselby]

For me, the class 158s are the best DMUs at the time of delivery. A class 158 in 1990 was better than a class 195 in 2020 ... but that doesn't necessarily mean that after 30 years of use, and technology and expectations moving in, they are necessarily better than a train 30 years younger. But they have certainly stood the test of time, and feel _so much_ newer and better than the earlier class 15x trains that are only a few years older, they are still decent trains for local and middle-distance rural services.

[@Rail_Focus]

I think it's a testament to their design that they can still hold their own against modern DMUs. They are showing their age, but some people would argue they'd still rather be on a 158 than a 197.

[@MidlandRailEnthusiast]

This was yet another very informative and very interesting Vlog Rail Focus I believe I may of travelled on a Class 158 possibly between Crewe and Chester unless it was a Class 153 but look at the layout of the train it was more than likely it was a Class 158 I often travel on the EMR Class 158s between Norwich and Nottingham hopefully the Class 158s will stick around for a few more years to come until your next Vlog carry on being awesome keep up the good work take care and stay safe

[@Rail_Focus]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for commenting. I'm sure 158e will be around for a few years yet, there doesn't appear to be anything coming on the horizon to replace them.

[@Nathanstrains]

At 1:38 you forgot to say scotrail is one of there current operators

[@Rail_Focus]

I did 🤦

[@JC-il6ps]

The 158's (especially SWR and TFW units) are good quality solid workhorses, though a single 2 car unit working always feels a bit cramped. The 3 car 159's (South Western Turbos) are the kings of current British DMU's, old and new.

[@railquest]

As a northerner who commutes on 150s, the 158s are night and day. I echo your point about us hoping these will replace the crap0y sprinters in the short term

[@darylyatestransportblogs]

Great all round units 158s even though I feel the now gone 175s were better to ride on as a passenger.

[@andrewjameson5918]

I travel on the 159 sometimes, yes, they are okay, but they are a bit dark inside. The seats are okay.

[@neilelkins2009]

They're good if you're on a longish trip and you have a seat. But absolutely awful on the commuter services GWR used to put them on - you wouldn't believe how many people can fit in the door vestibule.

[@Rail_Focus]

Yeah, they're not great when full and standing, feel very claustrophobic. I think that's where units with doors at 1/3 and 2/3 are better.

[@WildWildWeasel]

Haha that sneaky bird towards the end nearly hit you 😂

[@ukrailspotter21]

Great video mate. U forgot about ScotRail they also have 158s

[@Adam-fj9px]

Have to agree with that final statement, the train i most commonly use is either the class 150 or 156 and it would be very nice if they were replaced with 158s, just shows how deprived we are in the north if a train in its 30s is an upgrade😂

[@Rail_Focus]

I may have got the number of 3 car units built wrong. But it was difficult to pin down the exact figure with the Class 159 figure, which are all 3 car.

[@cedriclynch]

There are 22 units of the original 159/0, numbered 159001 to 159022.

[@butikimbo9595]

Sometime in their lives, franchisings will operate Bombardier Derby units. Transport For Wales just fallowed the tradition.

[@grahamhenderson5609]

South West Trains obtained a fleet of Class 159/1xx made from former 3 car class 158s i beleive from TPE who took SWTs fleet of 170 2 car diesel units ( I beleive there are now in service with Chiltern ) any SWR units of 159/0XX were original after some were modified for Network South East including NSE livery NSE interiors and seating fabric, these took over the Waterloo-Salisbury/ Exeter SD previously operated with MK2 coaches and class 50 diesel stock in NSE livery

[@cedriclynch]

The Class 50 locomotives were withdrawn a couple of years before the introduction of the 159 DMUs. For that couple of years the trains were pulled by Class 47s (mostly ones that had been displaced by new DMUs from Glasgow-Edinburgh services) and a few 33s. I know this because at that time I used to travel between Potters Bar and Honiton most weeks.

[@billmmckelvie5188]

Just to think these are making a comeback on the T.P route due to Spanish built coaches at CAF that are cracking! Much to the chagrin of us who live on the route hoping that our journey on the route had improved without the massive overcrowding that we once suffered.

[@Rail_Focus]

Hadn't heard that about 158s. Cutting the loco hauled stock from TPE was just about cost cutting, with Class 185s and 802s used instead.

[@billmmckelvie5188]

@@Rail_Focus I won't put a link here as it is your channel. It is in all the Mainstream Rail news!

[@charlietruscott9488]

I love class 158s

[@PJS_Everything]

1:34 you forgot Scotrail, they operate some as well.

[@holdingpointaviation]

On the Chester to Manchester route now operated by 197s I do find the trains jolt around

[@Rail_Focus]

The 197s don't seem to ride well on anything other than continuously welded rail.

[@leonblittle226]

Technically I would say the 159's with the up-rated 400hp engines are the best DMU from BR era, as they saved Regional Railways in effect. Post BR period is a mixed bag but 175s probably take it (except looks) while the 170 has been the go to unit of choice for purchasing. It's voyagers which have been the worse which should have taken the top spot but 99% of people hate them with good reason.

[@rockerjim8045]

Don’t know about the best but when they were built BREL had major quality problems. These problems were described as “Garden Shed Engineering”. In the early days they installed a Carpet fitter up in Scotland to refit the Carpets after repairs. It cost a small fortune.

[@muk8804]

Quality problems with what parts? No other narrator or info I've found specifies this

[@rockerjim8045]

@@muk8804 local news at the time quoted 100s of faults and substandard quality. Welding was poor

[@cedriclynch]

​@@rockerjim8045I remember the introduction of 159s on the NSE London - Exeter line. There were two big problems that I noticed, both of which were quickly fixed. Initially the door mechanisms were unreliable. Also the trains had a disastrous wheelspin prevention system that would shut all the engines down to idle after a couple of seconds if wheelspin was detected on any axle. In the leaf season this system could trigger even if the driver only applied power at the first notch, making it impossible to get much above 15mph. Very soon the logic by which the system operated was modified, and also the trains were fitted with sanding gear. The official report into the collision in Salisbury Tunnel does make me wonder if the wheel slide protection releases all the brakes if a slide is detected on just one axle. The front bogie of the unit, which is not powered, does not benefit from the sanding gear because it applies the sand immediately in front of the first driven wheels.

[@monoonyx]

I wouldn't say the two carriage 158/9 are the best DMUs in the UK, but the three carriage sets with the much quieter non-motor centre carriage are definitely a contender with the 185 and 175.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

All three cars on a 159 are motor cars. I _think_ the same is true for 3-car 158s, but I'm a bit less sure about those.

[@leonblittle226]

@@hoagy_ytfc All 158's have power units in each vehicle

[@PJS_Everything]

Also just to clarify only 159101 to 159108 were converted from 158s.

[@bobbymcloughlin3452]

It’s An BREL Intercity Sprinter Driving Trailers (Built) Cabless Trailers (Built: More Of Those In Need Of Construction) Cabless Trailer (Catering: Needs To Be Built) Cabless Trailers (Sleeper: In Need Of Construction)

[@Rail_Focus]

@@bobbymcloughlin3452 👍

[@Jacksadventures-r2z]

The TFW 158s maybe going to GWR

[@butikimbo9595]

Nothing beats Turbostar Family in my own experience of DMUs travel. Very functional units and built in Britain. Wondering why so many lower quality ride CAF Civity DMUs ordered as new traction-motive when Bombardier Derby could do better as an Aventra DMU variant. Such a shame.

[@Rail_Focus]

Seems to be mixed views about WMR's 172/3s though.

[@butikimbo9595]

158s are not so bad despite the very noisy engine and bumpy ride for an express variant of the much more comfortable ride of the whole Sprinter family by strange it might sound. Glad T.O.C.s got rid of Chapman seats on this class worth proper Intercity style seats such as Grammer.

[@hexicola]

I wish TfW would use these instead of the awful 230s on the Wrexham Bidston line. They would be a good stop-gap until they get 197s.

[@Rail_Focus]

Would depend a lot on their acceleration. 158s have a bit more power than 150s, but are geared for higher top speeds and as we're learning the Wrexham Bidston line is a challenging line, even the new 197s struggling to keep to time during testing last year.

[@CarlSmith-bs4qx]

The best DMU by far, the BREL series 5 bogies offer the smoothest ride of any UK rolling stock

[@xaiano794]

As someone who regularly drives these, they aren't the best but I suppose they aren't the worst either. The doors can be slow and difficult to sort if they go wrong, the cab seats are absolute garbage and the air con and heating terrible, but they go and stop pretty well

[@EdgyNumber1]

Can't beat Chiltern's refurbed TurboStar Clubmans. (Class 172)

[@daffyduk77]

Spent too long on some of these on the Cambrian Line . Even when it wasn't hot outside, they were too hot inside. Aircon doesn't work, passengers can't open the windows, only the guard. And on a warmish day, they were hell. And there aren't even enough windows anyway. Wifi either didn't work or pretty crappy / hit & miss. Airline seats don't give enough legroom for a 6ft tall male passenger, ie many of us. best thing you can say is that on a straight track etc they can really crack on so the agony will end

[@muk8804]

So shortly after they entered service (the only train the UK rail network had at the time with actual "modern" air con) , the gasses they used in them were apparently outlawed due to CFC content and therefore (also due to the full BR privatisation process being implemented at the same time), faulty units were not replaced until the newly formed rail companies decided whether or not to retro-fit a different Air-con system. I agree with you they get very stuffy. It's shame because if that had been rectified and enough units in 3 carriage formations had been initially purchased, overcrowding and heat wouldn'tve been such a constant and huge problem (I always felt the same on Manchester to Nottingham). They don't have many opening windows because they werent designed to be opened: they didn't know that the air con would become defunct or that it was unreliable. We can't compare them to express trains of today as they were designed and built between 1990 and 1992 so will never compete with standards or comfort or noise reduction today's trains have but at the time,they were a huge improvement compared to what they replaced (1950's first-generation diesel).

[@daffyduk77]

@@muk8804 Super-informative, thx !

[@algarisupport]

I'm on one now (GW version) No legroom (I'm 6 foot). Have to angle my legs to be able to fit in. No one would be able to sit next to me unless they sit with their legs in the aisle. Horrible trains from a basic comfort (or lack of) viewpoint.😭 Also too warm and terribly slow at loading/unloading.

[@Usenowgamer]

I wish Transport For Wales would put class 158s on the Heart of Wales line instead of horrid class 150s and 153s especially as they are phasing them out anyway on other routes.

[@Rail_Focus]

It is frustrating that the HoW is being lumbered with 153s for the foreseeable future, even if they are adding active travel carriages.

[@Usenowgamer]

@@Rail_Focus They feel more like a bus than a train when I'm on there its annoying because its my local line

[@kingallstar64]

The Class 158 and Class 159 are definitely of the best InterCity DMUs of Britain.

[@jasongnrfan7374]

Ill miss them when thwy are gone

[@Rail_Focus]

I think they'll be around for another 5 years at least, maybe even 10

[@jasongnrfan7374]

@@Rail_Focus yeah trains are designed to last up to 40 odd years

[@Rail_Focus]

We'll see if 19Xs last that long 👀😉

[@jasongnrfan7374]

@@Rail_Focus yeah lol 398s wont dont East midlands have 158s too

[@thomasoakleyderbyshire9761]

These 158s that tfw operate are far better than these 197s that are meant to replace them in my opinion.

[@MrScootmcg]

The Scotrail 158s are truly awful, if you are over 6' tall brace yourself for a cramped uncomfortable journey. The cracked window frames, noise and diesel fumes just add to the fun.

[@Andrewjg_89]

The Class 158 Sprinter Express are still as reliable.

[@Rail_Focus]

They are still good workhorses, seems aircon not so reliable though from some of the comments

[@Andrewjg_89]

@@Rail_FocusIndeed.

[@alexishamer6427]

Class 158s are probably the best trains 🚊 train 🚂 🚆 in the world 🌍. Likewise, they are used on branch lines are regional railways 🚃 services. Class 158s have been used on the Exeter to Okehampton route known as The Dartmoor Line. I have seen it happen. The seats 💺💺💺💺💺on all class 158s are now highly comfortable and has air conditioning. Class 158s are the 2 carriages are with Transport For Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 are 158818-841 are with the operator until around perhaps 🤔 somewhere in the year 2025 is perhaps 🤔 Wednesday 31st December 2025 (New Year’s Eve). With East Midlands Railway 🚃 until further notice at an unknown date. All class 158s have toilets 🚽 🚽🚽 🚻 🚻 🚻. Likewise they are good 👍 trains 🚊🚊🚊. Class 159s are similar to class 158s used for South Western Railway 🚃 only until around perhaps 🤔 Tuesday 31st December 2030 (New Year’s Eve) at the latest. Also class 158s are used for Great Western Railway 🚃, Northern Rail, ScotRail and finally South Western Railway 🚃. 1st class happens on ScotRail and South Western Railway 🚃. Rest of other train 🚆 companies have standard accommodation only. 😄 🙂 👍

[@daffyduk77]

"Class 158s are probably the best trains " - some folk are easily satisfied. Read my comment about bad temperature control/poor legroom etc. Bearable for short journeys. But for a 2+ hrs journey like yesterday, no no no no no

[@DonaldTrumpIsGreat]

I Think The Class 158s On TFW Could Go To Scotrail For Use Over There 👍

[@JustClickApprove92]

Short answer, yes. Long answer, yes, the next closest to them in terms of quality are the 168s, 170/171s, 175s and 185s, but all of these have slight issues which make them inferior in my opinion

[@Rail_Focus]

I think they're showing their age now unfortunately, but are good units.