Metro-Cammell built 114 2-car Class 156 DMUs for BR in the late 1980s. They were originally intended for medium-distance limited-stop services but soon gravitated to less important duties. All 114 units are still in service, currently working for the ScotRail and Northern franchises.
After the introduction of the Class 150, designed for short-distance all-stations services. BR was looking for a similar unit more suited to working medium-distance routes with limited stops and ordered the Class 156 from Metro Cammell and the Class 155 from Leyland Bus.
The 156 has longer coaches than the 150 with single sliding doors at each end of each vehicle and a toilet in one coach. Under the floor the 285hp Cummins engines and Voith transmissions are the same as those fitted to the 150s.
The 156 has longer coaches than the 150 with single sliding doors at each end of each vehicle and a toilet in one coach. Under the floor the 285hp Cummins engines and Voith transmissions are the same as those fitted to the 150s.