Hornby R3575 East Midlands Class 153 '153379'

The origins of the Class 153 date back to 1990, when British Rail needed replacements for its ageing fleet of Class 121 and 122 “Bubble Car” diesel railcars for use on the quiet Cornish, Welsh, North-Western, Norfolk and Lincolnshire branch lines, as well as augmenting rural two car units.

Originally built as a two-car Class 155 “Super Sprinter” by British Leyland between 1987 and 1988, using a construction technique similar to that used in the Pacers, pre-formed panels were riveted together, creating a lightweight body on a welded floor assembly. Introduction was rapid, but teething troubles with the door mechanisms soon emerged and consequently the fleet was taken out of use and modified, with the Class 156 units taking over the duties.