This content requires the base game Train Simulator 2019 on Steam in order to play.

## About This Content
Now available for Train Simulator, this highly-detailed recreation with
typical controls and cab features, puts you in the driving seat of one of
Britain’s iconic diesel multiple units.

By the 1980s, British Rail were still operating a vast fleet of old Heritage
DMUs, which dated back to the mid-1950s, across much of Britain’s rural and
un-electrified rail network. Clearly, a significant number of these ageing
units were in dire need of replacement, their slow nature and unfit interiors
would not hone the ideals of the future. The solution was to keep hold of some
older units which were more standardised, and capable of refurbishment, while
replacing the rest with brand new, second-generation DMUs.

Two separate batches of DMUs would be the first to modernise the rural rails,
the first was the continuously controversial Pacer series which were
essentially buses on rails and intended for shorter-haul journeys, the second
were the Sprinters, which would take the long-haul into their own.

Derived from the Mk3 bodyshell, the new Sprinter prototypes, classified as the
Class 150 and numbered 150001 and 150002, were built in 1984 by BREL in York
as 3-car multiple units to test which engine and transmission type would be
best for moving forward. 150001 was fitted with a Cummins engine and Voith
hydraulic transmission, meanwhile, 150002 utilised a Rolls Royce (later
Perkins) engine and self-changing mechanical transmission.

Trials and extensive testing began at Derby’s Railway Technical Centre on the
duo of prototypes, following which they entered service on the Matlock branch
for preliminary services. Over the subsequent years of testing, the units
would move further afield to discover how they performed on different
services, and to also promote the new unit around the country. Places such as
Manchester, Birmingham, Aberystwyth, just to name a few, would all see the new
Class 150 at least on occasion. 150001 also had the pleasure of being
displayed under the grand arch roof of St. Pancras, however being 1984, the
station looked rather different when compared to today. Other testing
locations included the Welsh Valleys, Glasgow and Inverness.

After testing for both prototypes ended, it was apparent that 150001 was much
more reliable in operation than 150002, who’s Rolls Royce engine and self-
changing gearbox proved to provide a less than satisfactory service. 150001
was the clear choice for a production series, however the concept of a 3-car
design would not be continued. This decision was not the end of 150002
however, 002 was reclassified as the Class 154, following modification, and
was used to develop the Class 158 Express Sprinter. 154002 would eventually be
converted back into a standard Class 150 model, and continues to run with
sister 150001 on Reading shuttle services to this day.

The first production variant of the Class 150, the 150/1, was near identical
to the prototype, the only main difference being the exclusion of the
intermediate car. A total of 50 Class 150/1 DMUs were ordered for use under
the Regional Railways sector of BR, and they were introduced into service in
1986. Under Regional Railways, the Class 150/1 fleet were mainly used in and
around Manchester and Birmingham, however the dawn of privatisation would see
them operate from capital to coast.
Angel Trains took ownership of the Class 150/1s when the franchises began, and
initially they were leased to the likes of Silverlink, North Western Trains &
Central Trains; through the varied operators, the 150s have seen a colourful
array of liveries in their lifetime. Today, Great Western Railway operate the
second largest fleet of Class 150/1 DMUs at a total of 17, sandwiched in
between Northern at 28 and London Midland at 3. GWR acquired their fleet from
previous operators who took charge of units like the Class 172.

Following the First Great Western to Great Western Railway rebrand, the only
Class 150 without a gangway to be refurbished is the prototype, 150001, all
Class 150/1s at present are still resplendent in the bold ‘Plain Blue’ livery,
and it is unlikely that they shall see any new looks while under GWR. The
Class 150/1 fleet is used by GWR on their West of England services, serving
from Cardiff, through to Bristol, onward to Exeter and beyond. The units,
while capable of being coupled up in multiple (to themselves and other BSI-
equipped units), tend to operate alone as their lack of inter-unit gangways
can limit passenger movements, especially on routes with shorter platforms.
This also causes the issue of a guard being completely cut off from one half
of the unit. However, during the peak hours, or busier times especially in the
coastal regions, they will be seen operating in pairs. Much like the Class
150/9s, another sprinkle of irony is when the 150/1s operate with a Class 153
in-tow, further proving the 3-car potential of the prototype.

The Class 150 design would also prove ideal for other rail-related purposes,
the gangway-less Class 150/1 was a suitable base for Network Rail’s new track
assessment unit, and as such a single, unique Class 950 was produced, fitted
throughout with testing and measuring equipment. Unlike the ‘Flying Banana’,
the Class 950 is light enough to travel throughout the entire country without
issue, and can be a sought-after sight by enthusiasts with only a solo unit
resting upon the rails. Another use for the Class 150 bodyshell was found
across waters in the form of the Northern Ireland Railways Class 450, while
very similar in design (thanks to the commonality of the Mk3 base), the units
clearly served a very different network and were of course fitted for Northern
Ireland’s broad 5ft 3in (1600mm) gauge.
As the first of the Sprinter DMUs to roll off the production line, the Class
150/1 is a true icon of late British engineering, a unit that was a major step
up from the old heritage stock of yesteryear, and still manages to impress
commuters and railfans alike, even today.
## Scenarios
The BR Class 150/1 DMU Add-on includes three career scenarios for the South
Wales Coastal: Bristol – Swansea route:
* 2U06 -0737 Weston-super-Mare to Cardiff Central
* 2C85 – 1700 Cardiff Central to Taunton
* 1F30 – 1723 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central

Please Note: The South Wales Coastal Route Add-On is required, as a separate
purchase, in order to play the scenarios featured in this add-on.

More scenarios are available on Steam Workshop online and in-game. Train
Simulator’s Steam Workshop scenarios are free and easy to download, adding
many more hours of gameplay. With scenarios being added daily, why don’t you
check it out now!

Click here for Steam Workshop scenarios.
## Key Features
* Includes bonus ex-Silverlink London Overground livery (added 9th August 2017)
* Includes DMS and DMSL vehicles
* Features AWS, DRS, Wiper and independent headlight controls
* Features accurate acceleration and braking characteristics to match the prototype (updated 9th August 2017)
* Challenging career scenarios for the South Wales Coastal: Bristol – Swansea route (available separately)
* Quick Drive compatible
* Download Size 131.4 MB

Train Simulator: BR Class 150/1 DMU Add-On