British Rail Class 155 'Super-Sprinter' diesel multiple unit

Two-car diesel multiple units built 1987–1988 for British Rail's Sprinter family, intended to replace first‑generation DMUs on regional services; later refurbished and operated by regional train companies.

Overview

The British Rail Class 155, commonly called a "Super-Sprinter", is a two-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) introduced in the late 1980s as part of British Rail's programme to replace ageing first‑generation DMUs. Built between 1987 and 1988, these units were developed to provide improved reliability, faster acceleration and better passenger comfort on short- and medium-distance regional services.

Design and characteristics

Class 155 sets are two-car formations with separate driving cabs at each end, allowing quick turnaround at terminal stations. Their design draws on production techniques and components from contemporary road vehicles, incorporating parts derived from Leyland National bus engineering to reduce costs and speed manufacturing. The units share many characteristics with other members of the Sprinter family: a robust steel bodyshell, simple mechanical transmission and a service top speed typical for Sprinter units (around 75 mph).

History and development

The Class 155 emerged during a period when British Rail sought to modernise its diesel fleet. By replacing first‑generation multiple units—many dating from the 1950s and 1960s—the new Sprinter family aimed to lower operating costs and provide a more attractive passenger environment. The Class 155 was one variant among several Sprinter classes built by different manufacturers to similar operational objectives.

Service, uses and examples

Introduced onto regional routes, Class 155 units operated local and rural services where electrification was absent. They were commonly used on branch lines and commuter corridors that required reliable, frequent trains with reasonable seating capacity. Over time many units underwent interior refurbishment to update seating, lighting and passenger information systems; they also passed to a range of post‑privatisation train operators and were cascaded between routes as newer rolling stock arrived.

Notable distinctions and legacy

Part of the second‑generation "Sprinter" family that set a standard for subsequent regional DMUs.
Used bus‑derived components in their construction, a pragmatic choice to control costs.
Represented a key step away from first‑generation DMUs toward modern, more maintainable regional trains.