Heljan have announced a newly tooled high-specification range of Class 153 and Class 155 'Super Sprinter' diesel multiple units in OO Gauge!
With calls for a high specification, high quality ‘OO’ Class 153 (and 155) growing all the time, HELJAN has responded with an outstanding new model that will set new standards for detail and high-end features. Based on their highly regarded O gauge Class 153 (due Q1 2025), the new OO model will feature a similar specification with class-leading detail and lighting/sound features.
Based on original research and extensive assistance from Porterbrook Leasing, the HELJAN Class 153 is packed with desirable features that make it a ‘must have’ for modellers of the BR Sectorisation era and post-1994 privatisation period. Working engineering samples are expected to arrive in the UK for assessment in autumn 2024.
And, reversing the modifications made by BR to create the Class 153s in the early-1990s, Heljan have used the ‘153’ as a basis for an all-new BR/Leyland Class 155 ‘Super Sprinter’, filling a significant gap in the second generation DMU fleet. Full details about the Class 155 will be unveiled later, but its specification will be ver0y similar to the Class 153. Two-car units will be offered in original Provincial Services ‘Sprinter’, West Yorkshire PTE Red/Cream (original and revised livery) and Northern liveries.
We expect the Class 153s to arrive during Q3 2025 and the Class 155s to arrive between Q3 and Q4 2025.
Class 153 Single Car DMU - Pre-Order Now
Class 155 2-car DMU - Pre-Order Now
Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts
Fully detailed interior with separately fitted seats, tables and partitions
Accurate tooling variations for both 153 and 155 units and differences between class members including headlight units, gangway end doors, underfloor radiator grille meshes and more
Detailed standard and ‘micro cab’ interiors
Optional NRN radio roof pods
Optional Snowploughs
Digital & Sound capability - 21-pin socket via easy-access area with factory fitted speaker
(Factory fitted DCC sound models available which include route specific station announcements)
Smooth, reliable and discreet low-profile motor driving all axles (Class 153) or DMSL car (Class 155)
Kinematic BSI auto-couplers
Kinematic Close-coupling mechanisms
Eight separately switchable lighting functions in DCC mode:
- Saloon interior & cab lights
- Taillights & Headlights with day/ night settings
- Illuminated destination blinds
- Bodyside door locking indicators & illuminated door buttons
Class 153 Prototype Information
The British Rail Class 153 "Super Sprinters" are single-coach railcars, converted from existing two-car Class 155 diesel multiple units. They were intended for use on rural and lesser used branch lines where passenger numbers do not justify longer trains, or to boost the capacity on trains to enable higher passenger volumes than a single two-car unit. Having been converted from existing 155s, the 153s feature an unusual smaller cab at one end, giving the vehicle an asymmetrical look. When working in multiple this end of the vehicle is often not on the leading end of the train.
The fleet have seen use with all manner of operators across most of England, Wales and now Scotland. ScotRail currently intend to use the fleet as "Active Travel Carriages" providing more space for bicycles and leisure equipment on their highland services - for this purpose some of the class have been refitted with a different interior layout.
Class 155 Prototype Information
The British Rail Class 155 is a diesel multiple unit passenger train. These DMUs were built by Leyland Bus at Workington (incorporating some Leyland National bus components) between 1987 and 1988 as part of BR's replacement of its ageing first-generation diesel fleet. 42 units were originally built, of which only 7 remain; the other 35 units were converted to Class 153 railcars. The fleet was part of the "Super Sprinter" build, the other part of which was the Class 156 fleet - though only the latter carried the "Super Sprinter" branding.
They were manufactured by British Leyland, who used similar construction techniques to those used on the more basic Pacer railbuses. The Class 155 was introduced to service at a rapid rate, despite the presence of some teething issues with the type. The type is currently operated solely by Northern Trains. They were previously frequently seen on Manchester Victoria to Leeds services but, as of 2019, the Class 155s are allocated to Hull and mostly operate routes in Yorkshire.