Built by Metro-Cammell in a batch of 114, the Class 156s were commissioned by British Rail to replace ageing first-generation DMUs and loco-hauled passenger services. The class were intended for use on longer journeys with fewer stops, so were fitted with single-leaf doors at the ends of each coach. The 156s have seen heavy use over the years on lines across Scotland, Northern England, the Midlands and East Anglia. The whole fleet are still in service today, as of 2021, and look to be in use for the forseeable future. |
|
Type of Unit |
2-car Diesel Multiple Unit |
Builder |
Metro-Cammell |
Build Dates |
1987 to 1989 |
Total Built |
114 Sets |
Power Output |
285hp per engine (1 Cummins engine in each car) |
Top Speed |
75mph |
Passenger Capacity |
140 to 163 seated |
Operated By |
British Rail Abellio ScotRail Arriva Trains Northern Central Trains East Midlands Railway/ EMT First North Western First ScotRail Greater Anglia Northern Trains/ Northern Rail Regional Railways ScotRail |
Main Duties |
Regional Passenger |
In Service Until |
Present |
Surviving Examples |
All in Service |
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Lima |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | DCC compatible but no socket. Pancake motor |
L204639 View |
GWR Railcar No.29 in GWR Brown & Cream | GWR chocolate and cream |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Lima |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
L204706-52402 View |
Class 156 unpowered dummy car 156402 in Regional Railways Express livery 52402 | Awaiting Categorisation |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Lima |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | DCC compatible but no socket |
L204706-57402 View |
Class 156 156402 in Regional Railways Express livery 57402 - Split From 2-car pack | Awaiting Categorisation |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Lima |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
L204791-52433 View |
Class 156 dummy car 52433 'The Kilmarnock Edition' 156433 in Strathclyde PTE Carmine & Cream - Harburn Hobbies special edition - Split from set | Awaiting Categorisation |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Lima |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
L204791-57433 View |
Class 156 power car 57433 'The Kilmarnock Edition' 156433 in Strathclyde PTE Carmine & Cream - Harburn Hobbies special edition - Split from set | Awaiting Categorisation |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Lima |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
L204935-57407 View |
Class 156 DMU 156407 57407 in Central Trains Green Livery - Unpowered - Split from pack | Awaiting Categorisation |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Lima |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
L205051-52480 View |
Class 156 52480 from set 156480 in BR Provincial Blue (unpowered dummy) | Awaiting Categorisation |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Lima |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
L205051-57480 View |
Class 156 57480 in BR Provincial Blue - split from set | Awaiting Categorisation |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Realtrack |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
RT156-113 View |
Class 156 2-Car DMU 156477 Abellio in Scotrail Livery - Limited Edition of 250 | Awaiting Categorisation |
N Gauge | Dapol |
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RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | DCC Ready 18-pin. 2 decoders required |
CM004 View |
Class 156 2 car DMU 156508 in Abelio ScotRail livery - C&M Models Exclusive | Awaiting Categorisation |