Class 158 spotting guide
The Class 158 Express Sprinter has been a mainstay of Britain's regional railway for over thirty years. Comfortable and hard-working, it links towns and cities on longer regional and scenic routes from Scotland to the South West.
Photo: Jonathan Hutchins · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The Class 158 Express Sprinter is a diesel multiple unit built by BREL at Derby between 1989 and 1992 for regional express services.
About the Class 158
The Class 158 Express Sprinter is a diesel multiple unit built by BREL at Derby between 1989 and 1992 for regional express services. Around 180 two- and three-car units were built and remain in widespread use.
History
Introduced from 1990 to replace ageing diesel units on longer regional routes, the Class 158 spread across the whole network. Decades on, it still forms the backbone of many regional express and rural services under numerous operators.
How to identify it
Look for a two- or three-carriage diesel unit with a rounded, one-piece cab windscreen and end gangway doors for connecting units together. Running numbers are in the 158xxx series, seen in many regional liveries.
Fleet numbers
Around 180 two- and three-car units, numbered in the 158xxx series, spread across many regional operators.
Operators
Typical workings
- Regional and cross-country express services
- Rural and scenic lines across Britain
Where to see the Class 158
Reading ★★★★★
A large, busy junction on the Great Western Main Line with fast expresses, commuter services and freight — one of the best spots in the south.
York ★★★★★
One of Britain's grandest stations and a superb East Coast Main Line spot — with the National Railway Museum right next door.
Doncaster ★★★★★
A premier East Coast Main Line junction with fast expresses and heavy freight — long a favourite of British enthusiasts.
Collect the Class 158 fleet
Turn everyday sightings into a collecting challenge — track the running numbers you've caught.