Class 158, The Best DMU in Britain?

In today's video we take a look at the Class 158 Express Sprinter and ask the question, are they still the best diesel multiple units in Britain?

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[transportenthusiast]

I was on a 159 from Clapham Junction to Salisbury and back, I found the seats on the unrefurbished units to be pretty comfortable. The refurbished seats do have this weird indent in the middle which is uncomfortable at first but you get used to it quickly.

[bobsrailrelics]

I like a 158, they won't go on forever but as you say are a much better unit for long distance than 150's.

[northernblue]

Good video, just the right length and depth of coverage.

[jess.hawkins]

I think the Class 158 is one of the best DMUs I've ever ridden on in this country. Took a trip on a GWR 158 from Bristol to Newport yesterday. I was taken aback by how comfortable it was in side, a most calm journey! (except for the notable rattling sound as the train climbed out of Severn Tunnel on the way home!)

[Blackburnian]

The one thing I've always noticed about them were how much noisier they were compared to 170's and anything newer. Sometimes thats okay, I had a great ride on one between Perth and Edinburgh with the windows open on a summer evening, but other times I've found them to be a bit loud for a long journey (like on the Leeds-Carlisle).

[MrGreatplum]

I used to take the LSWR main line route to Exeter when I was at uni between 99-03 and the class 159s were plying their trade then(they still are I think!) they were a step change from the ancient EMUs that the south east had at the time - I loved travelling on them!

[petermostyneccleston]

The doors on the 158s were not wide enough, if you were taking a bicycle with you. There was always the space for a bicycle, but originally you were only allowed one bicycle on board.

When these trains were originally bought out, they had a card phone in the area between the two carriages. Made for a very difficult telephone conversation, if the person at the other end did not speak up.

[maverick]

Class 159s are fitted with a speedo, horn control and emergency brake plunger on the second person's side of the cab. A very useful upgrade from 158s! The weakest part of 158s has always been the overly complex air conditioning system, which is great when working, but very prone to failure. These units were a step change from class 156s and featured the first all aluminium monocoque body to be used on a sprinter. Ride quality was and still is very good even by today's standards. There's a few more years left in them yet.

[ed_menno]

These are incredible workhorses that nearly 35 years (!) later still look great and do the job.

[stevieinselby]

For me, the class 158s are the best DMUs at the time of delivery. A class 158 in 1990 was better than a class 195 in 2020 ... but that doesn't necessarily mean that after 30 years of use, and technology and expectations moving in, they are necessarily better than a train 30 years younger. But they have certainly stood the test of time, and feel _so much_ newer and better than the earlier class 15x trains that are only a few years older, they are still decent trains for local and middle-distance rural services.

[MidlandRailEnthusiast]

This was yet another very informative and very interesting Vlog Rail Focus I believe I may of travelled on a Class 158 possibly between Crewe and Chester unless it was a Class 153 but look at the layout of the train it was more than likely it was a Class 158 I often travel on the EMR Class 158s between Norwich and Nottingham hopefully the Class 158s will stick around for a few more years to come until your next Vlog carry on being awesome keep up the good work take care and stay safe

[railquest]

As a northerner who commutes on 150s, the 158s are night and day. I echo your point about us hoping these will replace the crap0y sprinters in the short term

[SimnTrains]

Do love the Class 158s, Great informative video.

[JC-ilps]

The 158's (especially SWR and TFW units) are good quality solid workhorses, though a single 2 car unit working always feels a bit cramped. The 3 car 159's (South Western Turbos) are the kings of current British DMU's, old and new.

[WildWildWeasel]

Haha that sneaky bird towards the end nearly hit you 😂

[neilelkins]

They're good if you're on a longish trip and you have a seat. But absolutely awful on the commuter services GWR used to put them on - you wouldn't believe how many people can fit in the door vestibule.

[andrewjameson]

I travel on the 159 sometimes, yes, they are okay, but they are a bit dark inside. The seats are okay.

[Adam-fjpx]

Have to agree with that final statement, the train i most commonly use is either the class 150 or 156 and it would be very nice if they were replaced with 158s, just shows how deprived we are in the north if a train in its 30s is an upgrade😂

[darylyatestransportblogs]

Great all round units 158s even though I feel the now gone 175s were better to ride on as a passenger.

[arnoldspottingvideos]

Great video mate. U forgot about ScotRail they also have 158s