A new lease of life for the class 153 DMU’s.

The class 153 DMU was first introduced as a 2-car unit in 1987, but it was soon realised that they could be more useful as single-car units so most were rebuilt from 1991. They had a passenger carrying life of around 35 years before many were deemed as surplus and due for retirement.
Introduced in 2023 and converted from single car class 153 Diesel Multiple Units (DMU's), the Visual Inspection units were developed to enabled visual investigation to be carried out on the move at up to 70mph rather than the dangerous activity of walking the track. The trains can monitor joints, switches, crossings, welds and rail head defects as well checking the lineside environment and much more.

00:00 On their way to storage, Northern units 153301, 153351 and 153352 are seen on Gamston Bank, Retford forming the 5L41 Heaton to Ely Papworth sidings.

00:57 VIU units 153379 and 153384 are seen at Gainsborough Lea Road forming the 2Q34 Derby RTC - Lincoln - Derby RTC running to Lincoln and then back.

02:47 153384 on the 2Q64 Derby RTC to Derby RTC heads for Doncaster and then returns through Mexborough.

04:10 153376 on Gamston Bank, Retford, ECML.

04:27 153311 at Swinton (S.Yorks) on a York Parcel Sidings to York Parcel Sidings via Aldwarke Junction service.

04:43 153385 forms the 2Q73 Nuneaton to Doncaster West Yard as it runs down Gamston Bank, Retford.