This ScotRail class 153 diesel unit has been specially converted as a ‘Highland Explorer’ carriage and contains space for 20 bikes as well as seating for 24 people. It also enables passengers to store large bags and sports equipment.
Initially running on the train journey from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban from July 2021, the units were attached to the existing 2-car class 156 trains on the route. In 2023, their use was extended to the whole of the West Highland line to Fort William and Mallaig.
On their introduction a £10 fee was charged for their use, however this was dropped in 2023.
The trains were originally built by British Rail in 1990 when they formed part of 2-car class 155 units. These were subsequently split into separate trains (class 153) with the addition of a second, smaller, drivers cab.
The livery of the train was designed by Scottish artist Peter McDermott and shows typical Highland scenery along with some of the best-known visible landmarks along the West Highland Line, including the Glenfinnan monument and viaduct, the Skye Cuillin mountain range, Ben Lomond, and the castle on Loch Awe.
This OO gauge Hornby model was released in May 2023 (catalogue number R30146) with running number 153305.
Unfortunately we don’t have a ScotRail 156 to accompany the train so have just used our Lima 2-car DMU 156481 in Regional Railways 'Super Sprinter' livery which almost matches!
Links:
ScotRail = www.scotrail.co.uk/scotrail-h...
Hornby = uk.hornby.com/products/scotra...
Contents
0:00 Introduction
0:31 Coupling to our 156 Sprinter
0:48 Design by Scottish artist Peter McDermott
1:00 Let’s go for a journey
1:24 We pass a ScotRail 170
2:01 Our Destination Awaits
2:11 A ScotRail Inter7City HST
3:02 Let's take the high road
3:49 58030 is on freight duties today
4:52 Some night views
6:10 Back into the light
7:21 Joining the branch line
7:38 We've arrived - time to explore the highlands!
7:57 Thanks for watching!
Music:
Master of the Feast by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
#railways #trains #scotland