Following the takeover of Heljan by Accurascale, the previously announced range of OO Gauge Class 153 single-car and Class 155 two-car DMUs have now moved over to the Accurascale range.
Skateboard, Dogbox, Tin Rocket – call them what you like but Class 153s have been a familiar part of the UK railway scene for more than 30 years. Reaching almost every corner of the network, from Penzance to the Highlands of Scotland and Fishguard to Lowestoft, they are one of the few ‘go anywhere’ trains and the perfect single vehicle train for any layout.
The perfect train for a compact model railway, the single-car Class 153 DMUs were converted from the original two-coach Class 155s by adding a second driving cab at the inner end, allowing each powered coach to operate independently as a single train.
Accurascale are delivering several different liveries as part of this run, from Regional Railways, through to Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, East Midlands Trains, GWR, and London Midland City.
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.