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SCOTRAIL is aiming for its first ‘active travel’ Class 153 to be released for driver training and testing in the second half of August.
Five single-car diesel multiple units will be converted, enabling passengers to take bicycles and large sporting equipment with them on some of Scotland’s most scenic railways.
Three ‘153s’ are currently being refurbished by Wabtec at its Brush Barclay facility in Kilmarnock (153305/370/377). They were originally due to enter service from May, but the project has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SR Operations Director David Simpson told RAIL that owing to social distancing and a slow-down in the supply chain, the ‘153s’ had been delayed because the ‘build phase’ had not progressed as quickly as hoped.
He also explained that because of social distancing regulations, driver training cannot currently be carried out because of the lack of space in the cabs. This is the same across the UK for new and refurbished fleets.
When in service, the ‘153s’ will be coupled to SR ‘156s’ operating on the West Highland Line (where they will be used initially). They will be able to carry up to 20 bicycles in custom-designed racks and have seating accommodation which will help to boost capacity on the WHL.
The ‘153s’ are undergoing a full interior and exterior refresh, as well as being fitted with free
WiFi, at-seat power sockets and controlled emission toilets.
Following the first delivery in August, the second ‘153’ is due for release in September, subject to supply chain deliveries arriving on time. Two more
‘153s’ (153373/380) will move to Kilmarnock from Northern this year and will be refurbished ready for use next year. There are currently no plans for any more to head north.
On June 14, SR revealed the livery that the five DMUs will carry. Designed by Scottish artist Peter McDermott, it depicts typical Highland scenery as well as wellknown landmarks from the West Highland Line.
McDermott explained: “My own illustrative style is directly inspired by such artists as Norman Wilkinson and Tom Purvis, who among others were responsible for the much-loved railway art of the 1930s and ‘40s’.
“Their work was confined to train compartments and poster hoardings, but fortunately for me I’ve had the opportunity to work on a much larger canvas, which now allows this iconic illustrative style to travel through and contribute to the very landscape we’ve all sought to interpret.”
This will be the first time Class 153s will have been used north of the border.