‘Skateboard’ DMUs Roll Out to Flip Your Branch Line Layouts!

[Warbonnet]

It’s time to shake up your branch line passenger services with the new Accurascale Class 153 and Class 155 DMUs in ‘OO’ gauge.

Nicknamed the ‘Skateboard’ or ‘Skud’ by enthusiasts, the single-car Class 153s take centre stage alongside their predecessors, the two-car Class 155 ‘Sprinters’ that first hit Britain’s rails in the mid-late 1980s.

Compact, nimble, and packed with detail, these models capture the charm and character of these legendary units. Their short length makes them ideal for UK layouts of any size - whether you’re modelling rural branch lines, busy commuter services, or mixing and matching with other Sprinters and Pacers. 

With authentic liveries, superb running performance, and incredible attention to detail, these models offer serious modellers exceptional value and endless operational possibilities.

Watch our brand new video below as Accurascale's Ben Jones talks through the key features in the Class 153/155 project:

Whether you’re adding a single unit or forming multiple sets, the Accurascale Class 153 and 155 Sprinters combine accuracy, flexibility, and fun in a way that’s hard to beat.

Prototype History

The story of the Class 153 begins with the Class 155 ‘Sprinters’, introduced by British Rail in the late 1980s as part of a major push to modernise regional services. Built as two-car units for cross-country routes across Wales, the North West and the South West, the Class 155s were intended to replace older DMUs and locomotive-hauled trains. However, early reliability issues - particularly with their doors - led to a troubled introduction and a brief withdrawal from service, denting their reputation from the outset.

By the early 1990s, the arrival of more advanced Class 158s and the changing needs of rural routes made the two-car 155s less suitable for many duties. British Rail’s solution was to split the units and rebuild them as single-car vehicles. Converted at Hunslet-Barclay’s Kilmarnock works from 1991, each vehicle was fitted with a second, smaller cab and updated interiors, emerging as the new Class 153.

These compact railcars quickly proved their worth. Ideally suited to branch lines and lightly used services, they could operate alone or in multiple with other Sprinters and Pacers, offering exceptional flexibility. From Cornwall to Cumbria, East Anglia to the Midlands, they became a familiar sight across the network, working everything from rural shuttles to peak-time strengthening duties.

Privatisation brought a succession of operators and liveries, but the Class 153’s role remained largely unchanged. They continued as dependable, go-anywhere workhorses, prized for their adaptability and widespread availability. In later years, some have been withdrawn, but others have found new life - whether with Transport for Wales in modernised and specialist roles, or with Network Rail as inspection units.

From their inauspicious beginnings as problematic two-car units to their reinvention as some of the most versatile DMUs on the network, the classes have secured a lasting place in Britain’s railway story.

About the Accurascale Class 153 and Class 155 ‘Sprinter’ DMUs

The Class 153 and Class 155 ‘Sprinter’ DMUs are the first models hand-picked from the Heljan range to receive the full Accurascale treatment. Available through our network of over 170 retailers, and directly from Accurascale, you can pre-order now for delivery in Q1 2027.

With the ‘Accurascale touch,’ these models retain their superb moulding and intricate detailing while gaining a completely new electronics package. This includes an ESU PCB, new DCC sound package, factory-fitted speakers, enhanced lighting options, and magnetic BSI couplers for easy multiple-unit operation.

The lighting is fully controllable, with directional day/night headlights, cab lights, illuminated door buttons, and side indicators. Powered by a smooth-running low-profile motor paired with our ‘Stay Alive’ system, these units are built to deliver the best running performance on your layout.

Price, Availability and Pre-Ordering Options

Prices start at £169.98 for the Class 153 (DC/DCC Ready) and £219.98 for the two-car Class 155 in ‘OO’ gauge.

DCC sound-fitted variants are available at £269.99 for the Class 153 and £319.98 for the Class 155. Order now from Accurascale or any of our global retail partners to secure your favourite livery today, with no deposit down.

PRE ORDER YOUR MODELS TODAY:

PRE ORDER YOUR CLASS 153 SINGLE CAR DMUs

PRE ORDER YOUR CLASS 155 TWO-CAR 'SPRINTER' DMUs

This is the first Heljan model to be given the full Accurascale treatment and released to our retail network - watch this space for more exciting models to follow!

Are there any more models from the Heljan range that you think should be upgraded and given the full ‘Accurascale touch’? Please let us know!

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