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Bachmann 31-519

Class 158 2-Car DMU 158766 GWR Green (FirstGroup)

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

Prototype Eras
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation
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 British Rail Class 158 2‑Car DMU, running number 158766, is supplied in a pristine state and painted in Great Western Railway green livery. The model is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket and includes directional and interior lighting.

The carriage measures 610 mm in length, negotiates a minimum curve radius of 438 mm (2nd radius), and is equipped with diesel multiple‑unit motive power. It represents the period of initial privatisation, carries manufacturer part number 31‑519 and is capable of a simulated maximum speed of 90 mph.

Key features include the PLUX22 DCC sound system, an accessory pack, and a high standard of exterior, underframe, and interior finish, with detailed colouring and lighting.

The real Class 158 Express Sprinter was built by BREL at Derby between 1989 and 1992 to replace locomotive‑hauled passenger trains on provincial services. A total of 182 units were produced, the majority as two‑car sets, and they remain in regular service with several UK train operating companies.