© trainspo.comBritish Leyland BR 153
Built by British Leyland
Overview of the British Leyland BR 153
Discover the BR 153, a classic British railcar built for passenger transport.
Manufactured by British Leyland between 1987 and 1988, this model was refurbished by Hunslet-Barclay in the 1990s, ensuring its continued service.
With a top speed of 120 km/h and a single-car formation, the BR 153 provides an efficient and reliable railway transport solution. Its 1435 mm gauge and UIC classification of Bo'2' reflect its robust design.
The BR 153 has served across the United Kingdom with various operators, including Abellio Greater Anglia, Arriva Trains Wales, East Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway, and London Midland, playing a vital role in connecting numerous regions.
This railcar is characterized by its practical dimensions: 23.2 meters in length, 2.7 meters in width, and 3.75 meters in height, with a total weight of 41.2 tonnes. Its Cummins NT855-R5 prime mover ensures consistent performance.
Explore the legacy of the BR 153 and its contribution to British railway history, a testament to the engineering and reliability of passenger trains.
British Leyland BR 153 technical specifications
| Value | Imperial / US | |
|---|---|---|
| Series | BR 153 | |
| Family | Sprinter | |
| Built by | British Leyland · 1987–198870 units | |
| Refurbished | Hunslet-Barclay 1991 - 1992 | |
| Top speed | 120 km/h75 mph | |
| Prime mover | Cummins NT855-R5 | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in | |
| UIC axle arrangement | Bo'2' | |
| Formation | 1 cars | |
| Length | 23.2 m76 ft 1 in | |
| Width | 2.7 m8 ft 10 in | |
| Height | 3.75 m12 ft 4 in | |
| Weight | 41.2 t90,830 lb |
Operators of the British Leyland BR 153
Railway companies that have operated the BR 153, with the class designation used by each of them.
| Operator | Class | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Abellio Greater Anglia | AGA 153 | United Kingdom |
| Arriva Trains Wales Ltd. | ATW 153 | United Kingdom |
| British Railways Board | BR 153 | United Kingdom |
| East Midlands Trains Ltd. | EMT 153 | United Kingdom |
| Great Western Railway | GWR 153 | United Kingdom |
| Great Western Trains Company Ltd. | FGW 153 | United Kingdom |
| Greater Anglia | GA 153 | United Kingdom |
| London Midland | LM 153 | United Kingdom |
| Network Rail | NRIL 153 | United Kingdom |
| Northern Rail Ltd. | NT 153 | United Kingdom |
| Transport for Wales Rail Services | TfW 153 | United Kingdom |
British Leyland BR 153 photos
Photos © their respective authors, shared on trainspo.com. They may show liveries or variants that differ from the specifications above.







