I have noticed that the 1641 Wigan to MCV has 3 coaches today would this be a 195??
I don't believe they are. They certainly didn't use to be anyway. As Starmill says, a three car 158 wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility.is a 153 cleared to Wallgate?
Wouldn't 158s have the same issue as the 153s, being that the doors pop out and have a risk of fowling the platform edge, which I believe is the reason that 153s aren't cleared.
Victoria/Blackburn crews that sign to Wigan will sign 153s. 153s however are still barred from Wallgate but could run if service is diverted into North Western. Whilst 195s are cleared to use the Atherton route as a diversion they cannot be used on services that stop due to risk assessments on stepping distances etc not having been carried out. The train mentioned by the OP is almost certainly a 3 car 158.158s have been regularly been working through Wallgate on booked services to Southport for several months now. Traincrew knowledge would also be a bar to 153s
As far as I know no Blackburn crew sign Wigan - they do Blackburn to Colne, Preston (& Ormskirk, Blackpool South) Clitheroe and Man Vic via Bolton & via Todmorden. 142/150/153/156/158.