First ScotRail

156 home page

First ScotRail leases 48 Class 156 units from Angel Trains, of which 28 were sponsored by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) and are featured in detail on a separate page.

First Group took over the ScotRail franchise on October 17, 2004. Unit 156.446 had First Group livery applied using vinyl, and was on display at Glasgow Central on launch day.

The 19 other units not sponsored by the PTE retained the old ScotRail livery until a repaint and fresh programme in 2006.

In 2008, First Group were awarded a 3 year extension to the ScotRail franchise. Under the terms of the extension, a new "Scotland's Railway" brand is being introduced including a new livery.

With SPT no longer involved in the franchise, the 28 units which wore the carmine and cream colours are now being repainted into the new 'Saltire' livery.

 
156.453 and 156504 at Glasgow Queen Street, 24-Feb-07

156.453 (First Group livery) and 156504 (SPT livery) at Glasgow Queen Street, February 24, 2007.

Photo: David Kirkwood

 
156.433 at Whifflet, 18-Feb-09

Former SPT unit 156433 newly painted in ScotRail 'Saltire' livery at Whifflet, February 18, 2009.

The SPT interior scheme is retained.

Photo: Alastair Blackwood

 
interior of 52492, Feb 2007

The twenty non-SPT units had a 'refresh' in a two stage programme during 2006 and 2007 at Bombardier's Derby Litchurch Lane works.

Lighting and and overhead racks are now similar to the SPT units, and the seat covers and carpet were renewed in First group colours.

Two seats and a table near to the toilet were removed to create a dedicated wheelchair space with a folding table.

Electronic Passenger Information System (PIS) was also fitted during 2007.



Accommodation

Units (First ScotRail scheme) Seating Capacity DMS(A) details DMS(B) details
156.462,467 148 seats 72 Standard seats,
wheelchair space,
toilet.
76 Standard seats,
luggage van with cycle racks
156.446,450,456,457,458,474,
156.476,477,478,492,493,499
140 seats 68 Standard seats,
2 luggage stacks,
wheelchair space,
toilet.
72 Standard seats,
2 luggage stacks,
luggage van with cycle racks
156.447,449,453,465,485,496 138 seats 66 Standard seats,
3 luggage stacks,
wheelchair space,
toilet.
72 Standard seats,
2 luggage stacks,
luggage van with cycle racks

Unit 156.450 was subject to an experimental refurbishment scheme and retains some non-standard features.


Allocation and Duties

CK Corkerhill, Glasgow Non SPT, 20 units
156.446,447,449,450,453,456,457,458,462,465,
156.467,474,476,477,478,485,492,493,496,499

ScotRail exclusively uses class 156s on the South West Scotland services from Glasgow Central to Stranraer and to Carlisle via Dumfries. Some services are extended to Newcastle, operated by Northern Rail from Carlisle.

The daytime West Highland Line services from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban, Fort William and Mallaig, continue to be operated by RETB fitted 156s.

These units also work fill in duties to Anniesland, Cumbernauld, Stirling and Dunblane.

West Highland Line diagrams

The local service from Edinburgh to Glasgow Central via West Calder, is also a 156 duty.

156s can often be found working off Edinburgh to Bathgate, Dunblane, Kirkcaldy and Perth.