Trains on the Crewe – Shrewsbury Line
Several different types of passenger trains operate on the line between Crewe and Shrewsbury. The notes below are intended as a general guide, without going into detailed technical or train-spotting information. If you do want more specialist detail, there are plenty of books and magazines available from W H Smith at Crewe station or online from Amazon.
With the exception of the loco-hauled express services between Manchester and Cardiff, and some west Wales, most Transport for Wales services on this route use Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs). These are trains with diesel engines mounted beneath the floors of each coach.
DMUs can run singly or coupled together and are operated by one driver at the front and a conductor who controls the doors for all connected units.
A unit may consist of one, two or three carriages. Each train carries a six-digit number on the front beneath the driver’s window. This begins with a three-digit class number (for example, 197), followed by the individual unit number.
Class 197
These are the newest diesel trains on the Transport for Wales network, introduced from 2023 onwards. They were built specifically for Transport for Wales and are now the main trains used on services between North Wales, Manchester and South Wales, as well as on some local routes.
Both two- and three-coach versions operate. They are fully accessible and fitted with modern passenger information displays, power sockets and air conditioning.
They can operate in multiple with other Class 197 units but cannot be coupled to older diesel trains because of different couplers and electrical systems. The trains are all standard class.
Mk4 Loco-Hauled Trains
Some long-distance services between Manchester and Cardiff services, use locomotive-hauled trains rather than DMUs. These consist of a diesel locomotive at one end and a set of Mk4 coaches with a driving cab at the other. They occasionally run to Swansea.
The coaches were originally built for high-speed InterCity services and provide a smoother ride and more spacious interiors than most multiple-unit trains. They offer a fully catered first class option.
These trains operate in push-pull mode, meaning the locomotive does not need to change ends at terminals. The picture shows to0 unit in push mode. They are used on the busiest long-distance services and offer an option of first class.
Class 153
These are single-carriage units with one 285hp engine. They were created by splitting two-car Class 155 units in half and adding a new driver’s cab.
This explains why passenger space is slightly restricted at one end, where the cab structure intrudes into the entrance area.
They are now mainly used on the Heart of Wales line, but very occasionally turn up in pairs on the shuttle services.
Class 158
A long-established and reliable type used mainly on longer-distance services such as Birmingham – Holyhead and Birmingham – Aberystwyth or Pwllheli. Transport for Wales operates only two-coach sets.
Introduced in 1989, they can be coupled together to form longer trains. Each coach has one engine producing between 350 and 400hp.
They are occasionally used on local services when untils are en route for servicing at the beginning and end of day. They now carry the Transport for Wales red and white livery following refurbishment.
Class 150
Introduced in 1984, these are two-coach trains used mainly on local stopping services. Each coach runs on two four-wheeled bogies and is powered by a 285hp engine.
They can be coupled together to form four- or six-coach trains, all accessible to the conductor. They are the only trains on the route with pairs of sliding doors positioned part-way along the coach sides.
They are also commonly used out of Cardiff, but occasionally come to us when there is a shortage of units. The are the oldest trains still in service and are being phased out as they come due for major service.
Class 175
Built in the early 2000s, these two- and three-coach trains were for many years the main trains used on North Wales and Manchester – South Wales services.
These are the long served Arriva Class 175’s that areno longer with us. They are now transfered to GWR and will not be seen on our lines.
