Dapol 2D-020-005

British Rail Class 153 153333 Transport for Wales Red & Grey

Contents

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 153333

The British Rail Class 153 "Super Sprinter" comprises 70 single-car diesel multiple units created between 1991-1992 by converting 35 Class 155 two-car Super Sprinters. Built by Hunslet-Barclay at Kilmarnock, these distinctive asymmetrical units feature Cummins NT855-R5 engines producing 285 bhp, Voith hydraulic transmission, and BSI automatic couplers enabling multiple working with other Sprinter types. Originally deployed across Regional Railways' rural network, the class served numerous Train Operating Companies following privatisation including Wales & West, Wessex Trains, Central Trains, Anglia Railways, Northern Rail, and others. PRM-TSI regulations effective from 2020 caused mass withdrawals, with only Transport for Wales (24 units including six Active Travel conversions) and ScotRail (five Highland Explorer units) continuing passenger operations. Models available from Hornby and Heljan in OO gauge, Dapol in N gauge, and Heljan in O gauge across multiple liveries spanning 1991-present.

Operator & Livery

Transport for Wales is a Welsh Government-owned not-for-profit company established in 2015 to transform transport across Wales. Through its subsidiary Transport for Wales Rail Limited, which took over the Wales & Borders franchise in February 2021, it operates passenger services across Wales and border regions with 248 stations including all 223 Welsh stations. The company is revolutionising Welsh railways through the £5 billion South Wales Metro project, introducing 148 new trains including innovative Stadler tram-trains, and developing integrated transport networks. Operating modern CAF Class 197s, Stadler FLIRT units, and pioneering Class 398 battery-electric tram-trains, Transport for Wales represents the cutting edge of sustainable public transport delivery whilst serving over 30 million passenger journeys annually across the Welsh rail network.

The Transport for Wales livery features a clean, modern design consisting primarily of white bodywork with distinctive red doors and window surrounds. The scheme is described as "red and white" with trains appearing "white with red doors", creating a striking contrast that represents Welsh national colours. Transport for Wales describes it as their "distinctive red and grey livery", though the base colour appears predominantly white in practice.

The livery includes several distinctive elements: a "Pendolino inspired black band around the windows" that adds visual definition, and yellow warning panels on driving car fronts for safety compliance. On Class 67 locomotives, "the grey is darker than on the 175s but the red is the same", showing slight variations across different vehicle types. The newer CAF Class 197 trains feature what enthusiasts call "Cloud Cover Grey" rather than pure white, giving a more sophisticated appearance.

The livery was designed to be practical and cost-effective whilst maintaining Welsh identity through the prominent use of red - one of Wales' national colours. Application involves vinyl wrapping for the main colour scheme, though warning yellow sections are painted. This modern, minimalist approach ensures high visibility of the Transport for Wales branding whilst providing a clean, professional appearance across the diverse fleet.