NX East Anglia - 156 Super-Sprinter

National Express East Anglia (NXEA) was previously known as 'one', from the start of its franchise in April 2004 until February 2008.

During the first half of 2005, 'one' swapped its fleet of Class 150 units for 9 class 156s from Central Trains for use on branch lines in East Anglia.

Class 156 units had previously operated on these routes from 1992 until 1994, when they were replaced by the class 150s in the run up to privatisation of British Rail.

The first class 156 to be reallocated to Norwich was white 156402, on January 27, 2005, and it started in passenger service on February 8.

156419, the first of the class in National Express livery, is seen at Norwich on on, 10-March-2008.

Photo:Top Can

156422, the first of the class in 'one' livery, is seen at Norwich on its first day in service with 'one', 21-March-2005.

Photo:Top Can

156419, Central trains green livery with 'one' branding, about to depart Lowestoft with a service to Norwich, on May 25, 2005

Behind it is 170202 forming a Lowestoft - London Liverpool St train.

Most of the services between Lowestoft and Ipswich continue to London and are worked by class 170s.

156407 seen at Norwich on July 28, 2007, was one of three to receive promotional branding.

Since October 2005, one has applied labels to identify which car has disabled person's accomodation or bicycle space.

The labels are above the secondman's cab window, and above the handrail between the door and cabside windows.

The '52xxx' cars have 'wheelchair' labels, and the '57xxx' cars have 'bike' labels.

Originally the lables were both square, white on orange, with only the wheelchair label on the cab front. From mid 2007, circular blue 'bike and pram' lables were used on the '57xxx' cars.

Before entering traffic with 'one', the seat covers have been exchanged for 'Anglia' turquoise and yellow spot moquette previously fitted in the departing class 150 units.

New seat covers and aisle carpets were later fitted to the fleet.

156416 was the first, at the end of June 2006, with other units being treated during 2007.

The final unit to be refited was 156419 in March 2008, for its launch in NXEA livery.

Photo: Top Can