This is a scenario for Just Train’s Midland Mainline Hope Valley extension route.

In the autumn of 1992, British Rail faced serious issues with Class 158 units during the leaf-fall season. Unlike their earlier “Sprinter” brothers, Class 158s were fitted with disc brakes, rather than traditional tread brakes. This meant mulch would accumulate on the tyre of the wheel, leading to poor braking and the units disappearing from track circuits.

To tackle this, a short-lived hybrid was created by pairing half of a Class 158 with half of a Class 156, using special fittings to join the mismatched units. This experimental combo, later numbered 158652, aimed to combine the 158’s speed with the 156’s superior braking, but it proved ineffective and was never repeated. In this scenario, you’ll drive this rare formation between Manchester and Sheffield, via the Hope Valley, through slippery autumn conditions and see why the idea was quickly abandoned. Date: 19th October 1992.

An image of this combination is available on Flickr.

Essential Requirements:

• AP Class 86 EP
• AP Class 142
• AP Class 150/2
• AP Class 156
• AP Class 158 Cummins EP
• AP Mk2D-F Coaches
• DTG Class 101 Regional Railways

Non-Essential Requirements:

• AP Class 31 EP
• AP Class 87
• AP Class 90/Mk3 DVT
• AP Class 303 Sound Pack
• AP HST Valenta Pack
• AP Mk3a Coaches
• AP Sky & Weather EP 2.0
• ATS RES Mail pack
• DTG Class 303
• DTG Settle Carlisle
• VP Class 303 GMPTE Reskins