150231 - 52231 & 57231 - Class 150 Driving Motor Second Lavatory & Driving Motor Second

Home Railway

Mid Hants Railway

Location History

Mid Hants Railway Dec 25-Present

Current Location

Mid Hants Railway

 

 

Current Status

Operational

    

Current Livery

Regional Railways

    

TRA Designation

4

    

Owner

Mid Hants Railway

 

 

Website

 

    

Record Last Updated

15 March 2026

    

Preservation Modifications
Great use of the automated public announcement system has been made, with reprogramming of the system resulting in custom Mid Hants suitable station announcements now being possible, using the preservation supporting historian Tim Dunn as the voice!

Preservation Information
150231 made history as the first Class 150 to enter preservation. After withdrawal from service in July 2025 (under Transport for Wales), the unit was quickly moved to Derby's Litchurch Lane works and donated to the Mid Hants Railway by owner's Porterbrook Leasing. Whilst there the set was vinyl wrapped into Regional Railways "Sprinter" livery and showcased on display at Alstom's "The Greatest Gathering" event in August of that year, which proved highly successful. Later that year, the set was driven under its own power to the Mid Hants, starting its preservation life proper.

After two months of operational inductions and training for staff, 150231 became the first Class 150 to debut in preserved passenger service, running services during February half term week and attracting much interest.

150231 now operates regularly as a second train for the railway, based at Ropley depot.

Future Plans
To maintain in service, often running an earlier Alton departure than what the previous all-steam service offered.

Long term, it is expected that the "early Alton" service will be provided by the line's Class 205 DEMU, with 150231 supporting.

 

150231 showing off its Sprinter branding at Medstead & Four Marks during its first day in preservation service. This was also the first day for any Class 150 to run in preservation, 15/2/26. Rich JB
   

150231 at Ropley during its first day in preservation service. This was also the first day for any Class 150 to run in preservation, 15/2/26. Rich JB