South West Trains has taken delivery of the last of eight Class 159/1 trains, newly refurbished by Wabtec Rail in Doncaster.

The eight three car trains have replaced 9 two car Class 170s, to provide extra capacity on the busy West of England route. Design work is now under way to install Passenger Information Systems (on-board information screens and audible announcements) and CCTV on the trains.

Work will now start on refurbishing 11 two car Class 158s, also provided by Porterbrook, which will also operate through the West of England. This work will also take place at Wabtec Rail.

Mac Mackintosh, SWT Engineering Director said: “It’s great to see the final Class 159/1 arriving at our depot in Salisbury. This is a fantastic refurbishment offering passengers improved facilities and a more reliable train. Working with Wabtec Rail and Porterbrook Leasing we have completed this project on time and on budget and now look forward to receiving a further 11 brilliantly refurbished trains providing much needed extra capacity.”

The full list of 158 - 159/1 conversions are:
159101 Ex 158800
159102 Ex 158803
159103 Ex 158804
159104 Ex 158805
159105 Ex 158807
159106 Ex 158809
159107 Ex 158811
159108 Ex 158801