Why are class 153 DMUs called 'Dogboxes'?

[dk1]

I loved the 153s on the Stourbridge branch line and during the summer they were like a sauna

Gosh that's going back a bit.

 

[47802]

Pacer on bogies I'm not sure it is harsh really, until the got split in two they were meant to be equiv to a 156, which while not the best train in the world by modern standards seem better all round when compared to a 153/155. I was two Northern Dog Boxes yesterday and nearly froze to death.

 

[Raul_Duke]

More drivers legroom? That's certainly not what my knees say about the small end cab.

I usually end up with one foot on the DSD and the other leg at an unladylike angle near the gangway door. With your knee resting perfectly on that sharp piece of metal that forms the side of the drivers side, I’ve often thought it’d be a nice clean amputation if you hit something hard enough.

 

[LiftFan]

It seems as though Northern are trying the same thing again with the 150s!

 

[2Dogbox]

Drivers at my depot always refer to them as Dogboxes. I much prefer them to say a 156 in terms of space. Strangely enough the small cab is more comfortable than the big end!

Seem to be regional variations as have heard both the “skateboard” and “scud” terms used in different regions.

 

[Chris172]

I once had a single class 153 from Plymouth to Penzance and how many people can you fit on a 153 on a 79 mile journey

 

[dk1]

I usually end up with one foot on the DSD and the other leg at an unladylike angle near the gangway door. With your knee resting perfectly on that sharp piece of metal that forms the side of the drivers side, I’ve often thought it’d be a nice clean amputation if you hit something hard enough.

I dread to think what position my legs are in. Thankfully those days are well & truly numbered out East.