scot-rail.co.uk...

Introduction

ScotRail operates a fleet of 45 Class 156 "Super Sprinters".

The fleet was originally split between SPT sponsored services and other ScotRail services. As such, twenty-eight of them were in SPT Carmine and Cream livery, and twenty in First ScotRail blue livery. With the transfer of SPT's rail powers to Transport Scotland and the rebranding of the ScotRail franchise to a unified livery, the entire fleet of twenty-eight Carmine and Cream 156s was repainted into the new ScotRail saltire livery. As of July 2019 all 45 of the ScotRail 156s carry saltire livery following the PRM modifications.

In December of 2018 with the start of the new timetable, five of Scotrail's 156 'Barbie' units were to transfer south for a new life with Northern at Heaton Depot in Newcastle. These are as follows:

• 156447, 156465 & 156485 (transferred on 13/12/18)
• 156449 & 156496 (transferred on 15/12/18)

RETB

Fifteen of the fleet are fitted with RETB equipment for working on the West Highland Line. These are 156445, 156446, 156450, 156453, 156456, 156457, 156458, 156474, 156476, 156477, 156478, 156492, 156493, 156499 and 156500.

156478 had it's RETB equipment removed during 2015, but was re-fitted following the completion of refurbishment and accident repairs. 156478 returned to service in October 2016. The unit is now owned by Brodie Engineering, Kilmarnock.

FSR Refurbishment

The ScotRail 156s went through a refurbishment programme at Derby Works with 156450 being the first to get the treatment, returning in February 2007. The refurbishment programme was completed in November 2007.

PRM-TSI Modifications

From late 2016, ScotRail Class 156 units visited Glasgow Works to receive PRM-TSI modifications, part of which included the fitment of a new universal disabled toilet, upgrading of wheelchair spaces from 1 to 2, call for aid points and a new passenger information display system. This work also involves a full repaint externally and internally, and a full interior refresh including new seats, carpets, tables, plug sockets and LED lighting. Units 156432, 156462, 156467, 156501-156503 and 156505-156514 were completed however retained original seating and were to be replaced at a later date. Brodie's refurbished and owned 156478 also retained its original seating after refurbishment however it is expected to retain this and will therefore be the only example. The entire project was completed in July 2019, with unit 156445 being the last.

Routes

Class 156s currently operate the following routes:

• Glasgow Queen Street - Oban / Fort William / Mallaig (RETB fitted units only)
• Glasgow Queen Street - Maryhill - Anniesland  (shared with 158s/170s)
• Glasgow Central - East Kilbride
• Glasgow Central - Barrhead
• Glasgow Central - Kilmarnock
• Glasgow Central - Dumfries - Carlisle / Newcastle
• Glasgow Central - Stranraer
• Stranraer / Girvan / Ayr - Kilmarnock

Class 156s have also previously operated the following routes throughout the years:

• Edinburgh / Glasgow Queen Street - Perth / Dundee / Aberdeen / Inverness
• Edinburgh - West Calder - Shotts - Glasgow Central
• Edinburgh - Carstairs - Motherwell - Glasgow Central
• Fife Circle
• Glasgow Central / Edinburgh - North Berwick / Dunbar
• Glasgow Queen Street / Edinburgh - Stirling / Dunblane / Alloa
• Glasgow Queen Street - Edinburgh
• Inverness - Aberdeen
• Inverness - Kyle / Wick

See also...

Internal Links

Class 156 Formations
Class 156 Diagrams SX
Class 156 Diagrams Weekend
Class 156 Saltire Relivery
Ex Scotrail 156s
Class 156 SPT Livery
Class 156 FSR Repaint 2006
Class 156 FSR Refurbishment 2007
Class 156 FSR Refurbishment 2011-2014
Class 156 Refurbishment 2017-2019

External Links

• 156 Super Sprinter DMU
• Wikipedia Class 156 page