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Bachmann 31-518

Class 158 2-Car DMU 158773 East Midlands Trains

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation
Era 10 (2005 to 2015) Rebuilding of the Railways
Era 11 (2016 to 2026) The Last Days of Privatisation

Manufacturer description

Highlights:

• PLUX22 DCC Sound (Sound Fitted Models)
• Accessory-pack
• Directional and interior lighting
• Exceptional standard of exterior and underframe decoration
• Exceptional standard of interior finish, detail and colouring

 

History

 

The British Rail Class 158 Express Sprinter is a diesel multiple-unit (DMU), built specifically for British Rail's Provincial Services sector between 1989 and 1992 by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Derby Litchurch Lane Works and outshopped in Regional Railways Provincial blue. They were built to replace many locomotive-hauled passenger trains, thereby reducing cost of operation, and to allow cascading of existing Sprinter units to replace elderly 'heritage' DMUs.  The majority of the 182 158 units were built as 2-car units, with 17 3-car units constructed specifically for use on Trans-Pennine services.  Similar 3-car units were built for use by Network SouthEast but these were converted to Class 159 specification before introduction to service, with toilet retention tanks and other modifications to operate over the third-rail network.

 

All the Class 158s remain in service today, with operators including ScotRail, Northern, Great Western (GWR), East Midlands Trains (now EMR), and Transport for Wales (formerly Arriva).  Former operators include Central Trains.  The Class has worked extensively across the UK network, even into East Anglia as far as Stansted Airport and Norwich.  Some 158s have been converted to additional Class 159s and now operate for South Western alongside their original classmates 159001-022, upon which our model of 159013 is based. 

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

^* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

Bachmann Class 158 2‑Car DMU (model 158773) in pristine condition carries a Stagecoach livery and bears the running number 158773. The kit measures 610 mm in length, is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket, and accommodates a minimum curve radius of 438 mm (2nd radius). Both directional and interior lighting are fitted, and the diesel multiple‑unit motive power is represented accurately.

The prototype British Rail Class 158 Express Sprinter was built between 1989 and 1992 by British Rail Engineering Limited at Derby Litchurch Lane Works. A total of 182 units were produced, the majority as two‑car sets, designed for Provincial Services with a maximum speed of 90 mph. The units feature a 2‑car wheel arrangement and were originally delivered in Regional Railways Provincial blue before being repainted by various operators, including East Midlands Trains.

Key features of the model include PLUX22 DCC sound, an accessory pack, and a high standard of exterior and under‑frame decoration. The interior finish is detailed with accurate colouring and lighting, reflecting the quality expected of a modern British model railway offering.