Network Rail Class 153

[Steddenm]

I see one of the Network Rail Inspection units (a 153) is currently in a siding in Peterborough, yet the unit number on the country end (as in pointing towards Grantham) has been covered over.

Will this become a 953 in line with the numbering Network Rail have done in the past with the 950 (150) and 97 (37)?

 

[D365]

The 31s and 73s were never renumbered outside of their ’regular’ classifications. So it’s not a given.

 

[Townsend Hook]

I see one of the Network Rail Inspection units (a 153) is currently in a siding in Peterborough, yet the unit number on the country end (as in pointing towards Grantham) has been covered over.

Will this become a 953 in line with the numbering Network Rail have done in the past with the 950 (150) and 97 (37)?

For the most part departmental renumbering is a thing of the past. Worth mentioning that the Track Recording Unit (950001) is not and never was a class 150.

 

[pdeaves]

I've heard stories of drivers saying (regarding locomotives), "sorry, don't sign 97s". If nothing else, keeping as a 153 removes the possibility of one level of hassle!

 

[tomuk]

I've heard stories of drivers saying (regarding locomotives), "sorry, don't sign 97s".

If they are referring to the 'Yellow 37s" as they are fitted with ETCS for Cambrian working, the different cab layout and operation with the ETCS in Level 0 probably pushes them outside normal 37 competency.

 

[O L Leigh]

I went past this on the day this thread was begun and saw the unit in question. Having been past it previously I made a point of looking out for the class numbers on each end and can confirm that they are not covered. The unit still identifies as a Cl153.

 

[fgwrich]

For the most part departmental renumbering is a thing of the past. Worth mentioning that the Track Recording Unit (950001) is not and never was a class 150.

Indeed, before the early 2000s, it was of course a Class 180. Bit of a change in numbering to go from that to 950.

 

[Townsend Hook]

If they are referring to the 'Yellow 37s" as they are fitted with ETCS for Cambrian working, the different cab layout and operation with the ETCS in Level 0 probably pushes them outside normal 37 competency.

Indeed, AIUI things like TPWS and AWS are handled through the ETCS interface so specific training is required.

 

[357]

I've heard stories of drivers saying (regarding locomotives), "sorry, don't sign 97s". If nothing else, keeping as a 153 removes the possibility of one level of hassle!

If they don't sign them then they don't sign them.

They would be personally liable for driving a locomotive they don't sign.

If a driver's 37 competency includes 97s then this will be reflected on the relevant paperwork and they won't have an "argument".

 

[pdeaves]

If they are referring to the 'Yellow 37s" as they are fitted with ETCS for Cambrian working, the different cab layout and operation with the ETCS in Level 0 probably pushes them outside normal 37 competency.

The example I had in mind was when some 97s were just bog standard 31s and 40s and whatnot, just with dedicated uses. Oh, I do 31s but not 97s. Maybe that's why the research department 31 got renumbered back into the 31 series, I don't know.

 

[D365]

If they are referring to the 'Yellow 37s" as they are fitted with ETCS for Cambrian working, the different cab layout and operation with the ETCS in Level 0 probably pushes them outside normal 37 competency.

Aye, and even when compared to ETCS-equipped Class 37s (Hitachi or Siemens), they'll certainly be very different.

 

[357]

The example I had in mind was when some 97s were just bog standard 31s and 40s and whatnot, just with dedicated uses. Oh, I do 31s but not 97s. Maybe that's why the research department 31 got renumbered back into the 31 series, I don't know.

Then it is the management responsibility to keep the paperwork up to date!

The driver might, rightfully, be concerned about any changes to the loco that they don't know about.

 

[_toommm_]

Just seen on TikTok that 153317 has been delivered somewhere by road (possibly Bristol) and the haulage company says it’s going to be converted to a rail treatment vehicle:

TikTok - Make Your Day

 

[43172]

Just seen on TikTok that 153317 has been delivered somewhere by road (possibly Bristol) and the haulage company says it’s going to be converted to a rail treatment vehicle:

TikTok - Make Your Day

It does look like Bristol Barton Hill depot in the background. If it is to be converted into a rail treatment vehicle then it sounds a good idea to use on small branch lines where there would be restrictions on rolling stock.

 

[zwk500]

It does look like Bristol Barton Hill depot in the background. If it is to be converted into a rail treatment vehicle then it sounds a good idea to use on small branch lines where there would be restrictions on rolling stock.

It sounds like an excellent idea as it also removes the need for loco-hauled RHTTs to be top & tailed, and it may be a lot easier to path transits where significant MU differential speeds are present.

 

[D365]

So no different to the majority of the 153s “replacing” it with daylight able to be seen through the steelwork?

One would think (hope?) that the VIU 153s have received attention from a corrosion repair specialist.

 

[Roger B]

The 4th of September is the last date of use with: 2208 Reading Triangle Sidings to Derby R.T.C. (via Aylesbury, Princes Risborough & Oxford)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U01120/2026-09-04/detailed

Following on from this, it will be replaced later in the year by a purpose built 153 as explained by Programme Manager Mark Chestney back in 2024.

Might the replacement include 153384, which seems to hardly ever venture out of the RTC - unless anyone knows to the contrary?

 

[XCTurbostar]

Might the replacement include 153384, which seems to hardly ever venture out of the RTC - unless anyone knows to the contrary?

153384 is VIU6, its not proposed to be a direct replacement for the TRU.

The 153s are handled by NR region - one 153 for each plus a spare.

153381 is currently being refurbished into VIU5

 

[Roger B]

153384 is VIU6, its not proposed to be a direct replacement for the TRU.

The 153s are handled by NR region - one 153 for each plus a spare.

153381 is currently being refurbished into VIU5

Thanks. Is this a change to 153384s use? Which region will it be handled by? A few months ago you posted the following about 153384 ....

153384 is the second (Track Condition Monitoring Unit) TCMU2
It usually runs either with its partner (TCMU1) 153379 or on its own as a headcode ending in 4. E.g. 2QX4. the TCMUs aren’t as reliable to see as the VIUs though and are regularly swapped for others and maintenance. The VIUs are region specific so it’s much easier to spot. 153385 is currently the Southern VIU, for example.

I see most of the other VIUs around fairly frequently, but 153384 hardly ever seems to venture out - it's the only one I haven't seen.

Anyone able to offer some advice re how to search for it in RTT (or do I have to search each code 2Q ending in 4 in turn?) or to get notifications when its out and about, please?

It's now top of my must see list (the last one outstanding from 2023 or before - and 2024's nearly done as well).

Many thanks

 

[XCTurbostar]

Yes, TCMU2 no longer exists, its been replaced with VIU6 which is currently the spare. Currently this VIU runs as 2Qx6. It ran as 2Q36 and 2Q46 last week in the Eastern region. Note that this method is inconsistent overall since until all VIUs are complete, they actively swap with each other.

 

[Roger B]

Yes, TCMU2 no longer exists, its been replaced with VIU6 which is currently the spare. Currently this VIU runs as 2Qx6. It ran as 2Q36 and 2Q46 last week in the Eastern region. Note that this method is inconsistent overall since until all VIUs are complete, they actively swap with each other.

Many thanks XC Turbostar - useful info.

If you're able to post when it's next out n about that would be really appreciated - many thanks

Can anyone tell me how I can search in RTT for 2Qx6 headcode without having to search for 2Q06, 2Q16 etc? Cheers

 

[Freightmaster]

Many thanks XC Turbostar - useful info.

If you're able to post when it's next out n about that would be really appreciated - many thanks

This looks promising for tomorrow (Wednesday August 26th):

2Q46 - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R58433/2026-08-26/detailed

 

[Roger B]

This looks promising for tomorrow (Wednesday August 26th):

2Q46 - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R58433/2026-08-26/detailed

Thanks so much for the heads-up - enormously appreciated.

I've cleared my day so I can make it. Is this confirmed as 153384 and running?

Many, many thanks

 

[Rick1984]

I always wondered why 153376 was painted bright blue and not NR yellow?

 

[Roger B]

This looks promising for tomorrow (Wednesday August 26th):

2Q46 - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R58433/2026-08-26/detailed

Huge thanks Freightmaster

Caught it resting outside the RTC this morning - it felt so good.

Last rolling stock outstanding from 2023.

Many, many thanks

 

[XCTurbostar]

I always wondered why 153376 was painted bright blue and not NR yellow?

This should be a trivia question.

Answer:
The Class 153 VIUs are painted blue because Mark Chestney the VIU program director at Network Rail was 'scared' of Big Bird from Sesame Street as a kid!