Hornby’s venerable ‘OO’ gauge Class 153 diesel railcar returns for its latest outing in ScotRail active travel livery.
SCOTRAIL'S SMALL fleet of repurposed Class 153 diesel railcars entered service in 2021 following internal conversion from standard vehicles to provide space for large luggage and up to 20 bicycles in specially designed bike racks, together with 24 seats for accompanying passengers. They currently operate on ScotRail’s West Highland Lines to Oban and Mallaig with Class 156 two-car Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), augmenting existing capacity. Each Highland Explorer Class 153 features distinctive bodyside graphics depicting typical West Highland scenes, together with ScotRail Saltire branding.
Our review sample depicts unit 153377 which carries the eye-catching branding depicting the famous Glenfinnan Monument and viaduct as well as other scenes, together with large bicycle icons on each side. Two further similarly attired examples are also available as 153380 and 153305 (Cat Nos. R30071/R30146).
Above: Hornby’s ‘OO’ gauge Class 153 is now available in ScotRail’s striking active travel livery.
From normal viewing distances the graphics certainly look the part, although on closer inspection the clarity isn’t as crisp…
