British Rail Class 159

The BR Class 159 South Western Turbo is a type of Sprinter unit, closely derived from the BR Class 158. They are all converted 158 Units, owned by Porterbrook and operated by South West Trains.
==History==
The 158 was designed to take over from the "Heritage" DMUs on British Railways. The set is made up of two cars, both of which were powered through advanced bogies by 350 to 400 horse-power diesel motors. They are best suited to medium distance runs, but perform well on long distance runs as well. They are very comfortable compared to other Sprinters.
When South West Trains took over the franchise, they converted a number of the units into 159s for use between Exeter St Davids, Weymouth, and Sailsbury to London Waterloo. Most of them operate in the direction of Exeter St Davids with some of the other services being taken by the Desiro and remaining 158 units.
==Operation==
The units are operated between London Waterloo and the South West of England and between Sailsbury and Weymouth (alongside 158s, which can make identification difficult from a glance). They are also sometimes operated as railtour excursions by Uk Railtours to replace thier HST specials, as the fact that they have plug doors and are Multiple Units reduces the cost significantly.
==Gallery==
Class 158 Doors Open.jpg|Class 159 with open doors at Exeter St Davids.
158 through railings.JPG|A Class 159, seen through the railings at Exeter St Davids.
158 first class.JPG|The first class end of a Class 159
End of class 158.JPG|The front end of Class 159 unit at Exeter St Davids
Class 159 ouside st davids.png|A Class 159 slowly leaves Exeter St Davids with a London Waterloo-Bound service.
Category:Diesel trainsets
Category:United Kingdom
Category:British Rail locomotives
Category:BREL locomotives
Category:Diesel locomotives
Category:Built in 1989
Category:Sprinters
Category:Locomotives