The Southern Electric Traction Group (SETG) is delighted to announce the successful
acquisition and preservation of Class 455 Unit 455871 from Porterbrook, marking a significant
milestone in the story of Britain’s third-rail suburban railways.
The unit was delivered to SETG’s Strawberry Hill Depot on the 14th of January 2026 under its
own power, thanks to collaborative support from South Western Railway (SWR) and
Porterbrook. Since arrival, the unit is undergoing a full mechanical inspection and is currently
progressing through a ‘D’ exam—the most comprehensive maintenance regime available for
EMUs of its type.
Background: The Class 455 Legacy
Introduced in the early 1980s, the Class 455 fleet was a workhorse of Southern Region
suburban services, carrying millions of passengers across London and the South East for over
four decades. 455871 was part of the final batch in traffic with SWR.
Why 455871?
The SETG have been in discussion with the team at Porterbrook for many months, becoming
aware of 455871’s availability in late 2025. With the support of Porterbrook and assistance from
the teams at SWR Fleet and Wimbledon Depot, the unit was prepared for movement and
transferred in full working order. Its complete, serviceable condition and proximity to withdrawal
made it the most viable option for preservation.
A Strategic Step for the SETG
The SETG intends for 455871 to play a long-term operational role. The unit will form a key part
of SETG’s broader strategy to support the mainline ambitions of Class 423 Unit 3417 (“Gordon
Pettitt”), which the group currently operates under custodianship from the Bluebell Railway.
Unlike 3417, 455871 is owned outright by SETG—a reflection of the group’s maturing
governance, technical capability, and long-term vision. The acquisition of a complete four-car
EMU in working order is a major undertaking, right now, the priority is on developing training
plans, assimilating the maintenance regime for the unit, whilst planning our next steps.
Next Steps: Naming and Beyond
455871 will be officially named on Monday 16 February 2026 at Strawberry Hill. In the coming
months, the unit will undergo further mechanical evaluation, rebranding, and phased cosmetic
work. A decision on full livery will follow in due course.
While the SETG has no fixed date for passenger service, the group confirms its intention to
maintain the unit in an operational condition and explore options for mainline or third-party use
as part of it’s broader strategy.
The SETG recognises our promise to our supporters, in that 3417 will return to the mainline, this
is an ambitious programme and in part can only be delivered with the support of the railway
industry and its fundraising activities. Notably, it should be recognised that 3417 was not an
operationally ready unit upon taking custodianship, the work required to bring 3417 back to
mainline standard is ongoing and the acquisition of 5871 is complementary to the goals of the
organisation and will unlock significant fundraising potential, in turn accelerating the return to the
mainline for 3417.
“The 455s defined everyday travel for millions across the south of England. The preservation
scene has different meanings for different generations, we are proud to be in a position, where
just like 3417, we are actively protecting another milestone in British Railway history,” said Steve
Upton, SETG spokesperson. “We’re incredibly grateful to Porterbrook and SWR for their support
in making this possible. It is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers that we find
ourselves comfortable in delivering an exciting new chapter in the SETG’s history..”
Public Engagement & Support
SETG will continue to share updates via its website and social media. Supporters and interested
members of the public are always welcome to engage with us or join the team. The group is a
registered Community Interest Company (Not for Profit,) and relies on donations and it’s
fundraising activities. We recognise the dedication of our volunteers and supporters in allowing
the SETG to become the organisation it now is.