| Re: SETG take custody of 455871 at Strawberry Hill Posted by grahame at 20:08, 17th February 2026 |     |
In the longer term I suspect that a heritage line will install working conductor rail, in order to run electric units as intended.
There was at one time talk of Horsted Keynes to Ardingley ... but it will prove very difficult. I - remain - wondering about the Bromley North branch on Sundays. And plans for 5BEL are mainline.
| Re: SETG take custody of 455871 at Strawberry Hill Posted by Oxonhutch at 19:54, 17th February 2026 | |
In the longer term I suspect that a heritage line will install working conductor rail, in order to run electric units as intended.
Having been an active trackside volunteer in the heritage rail sector, I find this to be very unlikely indeed. It is difficult enough getting new third rail on the Network.
Unless they can find a way to run off 12V DC. I'll leave it to our engineering types to work out the necessary cross-section dimensions of that conductor rail.
| Re: SETG take custody of 455871 at Strawberry Hill Posted by broadgage at 18:58, 17th February 2026 | |
In the longer term I suspect that a heritage line will install working conductor rail, in order to run electric units as intended.
| Re: SETG take custody of 455871 at Strawberry Hill Posted by grahame at 07:09, 17th February 2026 | |
I find myself looking again as how use can be made of 3rd rail (and other) electric units in preservation. Lovely to have the 4VEP and 5BEL running as well as the 455. And looking at other lists of what's still out there and hopefully NOT rotting away - 2BIL, 4SUB, 4COR and an EPB ... as well as underground and tube stock?
| SETG take custody of 455871 at Strawberry Hill Posted by bradshaw at 18:17, 16th February 2026 | |
The Southern Electric Traction Group have taken custody of a class 455. It moved to Strawberry Hill a month ago in total secrecy.
It is undergoing a D exam and will be kept in running order.
Announcement on You Tube, link below
https://youtu.be/NxTn7GVQpnY
SETG website gives more detail
https://www.setg.org.uk/southern-electric-traction-group-announces-preservation-of-class-455-unit-455871/
This year also sees the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of NSE to be held at the Bluebell Rail way
https://x.com/bluebellrailway/status/2023419644665630906?s=61&t=VlafMC5gF9tidw36b1Y8JQ
