SETG announces the preservation of 455871

[D365]

The forum may be interested to know that Southern Electric Traction Group (SETG) has posted on their social media accounts (e.g. X and Instagram) that there will be some sort of announcement at 16:01...

EDIT: as per the post below, unit 455871 has been secured for preservation:

Confirmed that SETG have secured 455871 for preservation. https://www.setg.org.uk/southern-el...ounces-preservation-of-class-455-unit-455871/

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.

It has also been confirmed via a Facebook post that 5871 will be named ”Roy Watts MBE”.

 

[Class73Electro]

Could this be the 455 preservation rumour?

I’ve seen people saying on the Internet about this unit [5871] getting preservation

 

[yorksrob]

I wonder if the VEP will be out and about somewhere !

 

[Ted633]

Could this be the 455 preservation rumour?

Personally, I‘d rather it wasn’t. I’d rather the group got the VEP fully up and running before even thinking about taking on another project. We’ve seen it too many times when preservation groups (not just railways) try to take on too much and it all goes pear shaped
But if it is the 455, then I wish them the best of luck!

Edit - reading some of the comments on social media seems to be pointing towards the 455. Wonder what there plans for it are?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Personally, I‘d rather it wasn’t. I’d rather the group got the VEP fully up and running before even thinking about taking on another project. We’ve seen it too many times when preservation groups (not just railways) try to take on too much and it all goes pear shaped
But if it is the 455, then I wish them the best of luck!

Edit - reading some of the comments on social media seems to be pointing towards the 455. Wonder what there plans for it are?

Guess we'll just have to wait....until 16.01

 

[brooklynbound]

On social media they're now saying it's BIG and given the timing, could it be a 4BIG?

 

[Towers]

Personally, I‘d rather it wasn’t. I’d rather the group got the VEP fully up and running before even thinking about taking on another project. We’ve seen it too many times when preservation groups (not just railways) try to take on too much and it all goes pear shaped
But if it is the 455, then I wish them the best of luck!

Edit - reading some of the comments on social media seems to be pointing towards the 455. Wonder what there plans for it are?

Of course, if anyone were to have designs on 455 preservation the time would very much need to be now, regardless of whatever else they might be involved in!

Presumably, a 455 could/would operate in multiple with a VEP, given that one was bolted to a 442 not that long ago?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

On social media they're now saying it's BIG and given the timing, could it be a 4BIG?

If it smokes, then surely it must be a 4CIG...?

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

Of course, if anyone were to have designs on 455 preservation the time would very much need to be now, regardless of whatever else they might be involved in!

And a 455 received in working order won't be an onerous "project" that takes time and resources away from the VEP. Restoration can wait until the VEP is completed.

 

[M28361M]

Confirmed that SETG have secured 455871 for preservation. https://www.setg.org.uk/southern-el...ounces-preservation-of-class-455-unit-455871/

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.

 

[Towers]

Confirmed that SETG have secured 455871 for preservation. https://www.setg.org.uk/southern-el...ounces-preservation-of-class-455-unit-455871/

Lovely - nice one, chaps!

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Great news, wishing SETG all the best with this project. They've done a fantastic job with Gordon

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

The announcement says that 5871 arrived at Strawberry Hill depot on 14th January. Is that a typo for 14th February?

 

[fgwrich]

The announcement says that 5871 arrived at Strawberry Hill depot on 14th January. Is that a typo for 14th February?

Nope, 5871 moved across last month, but the announcement was kept until today.

See video from Tim Dunn who also confirms it has been named after Roy Watts MBE.

63K views · 5K reactions | Surprise! This 1980s commuter train has secretly been saved from the scrap heap- and my friends squirrelled it away a month ago in a very big South West London shed. Today The Southern Electric Traction Group C.I.C have re

Surprise! This 1980s commuter train has secretly been saved from the scrap heap- and my friends squirrelled it away a month ago in a very big South West London shed. Today The Southern Electric...

www.facebook.com

Surprise! This 1980s commuter train has secretly been saved from the scrap heap- and my friends squirrelled it away a month ago in a very big South West London shed. Today The Southern Electric Traction Group C.I.C have revealed it - and named it Roy Watts MBE, the chap who chairs Bluebell Railway and who has done so much for Southern Railway preservation. Honestly, I’ve been sitting on this news for WEEKS and haven’t been allowed to say anything: i’m so proud of the guys and girls for making this happen. Well done South Western Railway & Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited for doing what the people wanted. Here’s to days out by train and using the unit to help raise funds for the continued work on the 4VEP. Brilliant!

 

[timmydunn]

To assist with queries, the following press release was issued under embargo until this afternoon.



Issued by the Southern Electric Traction Group. Not for publication before 16:00, Monday 16 February 2026.

PRESS RELEASE – EMBARGOED UNTIL 16:00, MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2026

Southern Electric Traction Group Announces Preservation of Class 455 Unit 455871

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.


Quote

"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.


Notes for Editors:

The unit will be named at 11:00hrs on Monday 16th Feb 2026, the name will be announced at

the time and communicated alongside photographs of the event and the unit which can be used

in conjunction with any media release with credit to the organisation.

A supporting FAQ document accompanies this release.

Website: www.setg.org.uk

 

[fgwrich]

To assist with queries, the following press release was issued under embargo until this afternoon.



Issued by the Southern Electric Traction Group. Not for publication before 16:00, Monday 16 February 2026.







Website: www.setg.org.uk

Excellent, thank you Tim.

Ps, nice work with the Mid Hants 150 yesterday

 

[timmydunn]

Insert "completely innocent halo" emoji here

Ps, nice work with the Mid Hants 150 yesterday

 

[Tom]

Personally, I‘d rather it wasn’t. I’d rather the group got the VEP fully up and running before even thinking about taking on another project.

Functionally, the VEP works fine. Most of the blockers involving it operating by itself on the mainline are time and more importantly money. I’m vaguely involved with it and have funded some of the restoration work and personally think the 455 is a good idea in the long run as they can start to gain important experience, as a preservation group, about how their operations need to go. Bear in mind almost everyone involved are industry professionals anyway.

 

[31160]

Well done them, they might not be everyone's cup of tea but it's just as worthy of preservation as the vep

 

[Ted633]

Functionally, the VEP works fine. Most of the blockers involving it operating by itself on the mainline are time and more importantly money. I’m vaguely involved with it and have funded some of the restoration work and personally think the 455 is a good idea in the long run as they can start to gain important experience, as a preservation group, about how their operations need to go. Bear in mind almost everyone involved are industry professionals anyway.

That sounds promising. My concern was really around things like funding, which is of course finite. As you say, the VEP requires costly work to get to mainline standards. Does having the 455 as well divert funds away?
However, you make a good point that it will give them experience in operating the mainline as a preservation group. The SETG do really sound like a well run organisation and if anyone can pull this off, it's them!

 

[sad1e]

Does having the 455 as well divert funds away?

I don't really see how the 455 in it's current state would divert funds away from the VEP.

The 455 as it is , is in a fully operational and mainline capable state so other than giving it a possible repaint I don't really see what could divert funds away from the VEP and to the 455.

 

[martin butler]

At least the 455 will be fully compliant with current regulations, so could, as long as it remains so, be used as a main line preserved unit, it could for example operate under its own power carrying passengers to say, East Grinstead, where the 73, or 33, could power it over Bluebell metals, It could also operate over SW metals to Alton, again, with diesel traction taking over, for the MHR section, as well as tours over 3rd rail routes, if it was deemed financially viable to do so. staffing, and servicing times allowing of course,

 

[timmydunn]

The 455 acquisition is a strategic one. From the SETG press release, as per above post:

"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."

There are sensible, clear thinkers on this project - who are aligned with various other heritage and mainline organisations. I look forward to the SETG publishing more of their next steps and plans in the coming months.

 

[LittleRedTrain]

It could also operate over SW metals to Alton, again, with diesel traction taking over, for the MHR section, as well as tours over 3rd rail routes, if it was deemed financially viable to do so. staffing, and servicing times allowing of course,

What's the situation now egarding 455s through Aldershot Tunnel?
I believe there was some sort of clearance restriction, though they obviously managed to get the similar 150 to Alton by rail.

I agree that it's excellent to see such a competent group as the SETG, with a track record of delivery, , taking custody of a key piece of commuting history.

 

[StephenHunter]

On social media they're now saying it's BIG and given the timing, could it be a 4BIG?

There are no surviving intact 4BIGs, just 12 TSRBs.

 

[JonathanH]

It could also operate over SW metals to Alton, again, with diesel traction taking over, for the MHR section, as well as tours over 3rd rail routes, if it was deemed financially viable to do so. staffing, and servicing times allowing of course,

As a matter of interest, what are the possibilities of it being hauled with passengers on preserved railways?

Presumably at the least a power source would be needed for door operation off the third rail, and a coupling adapter would be needed. It will be interesting to see if a buckeye coupler can replace the tightlock to facilitate this.

Fitted with a buckeye, is it a feasible exercise to make the control system compatable with a 73 or 1963-system unit?

 

[NSEWonderer]

 

[BN 91119]

As a matter of interest, what are the possibilities of it being hauled with passengers on preserved railways?

Presumably at the least a power source would be needed for door operation off the third rail, and a coupling adapter would be needed. It will be interesting to see if a buckeye coupler can replace the tightlock to facilitate this.

Fitted with a buckeye, is it a feasible exercise to make the control system compatable with a 73 or 1963-system unit?

I belive the 400SPG who own 313201 are converting what's left of 508201 into a translator like the existing T7 translator vehicles for this very reason, so something like that is always an option, or even hiring that out.

 

[37069]

I'll admit, I was deeply sceptical of the point of preserving a 455, but if anyone's going to make it work, then I do have faith in the good folks at SETG.

 

[sh24]

Nice to see this preserved, something that was part of peoples lives for decades. Much more interesting than creating yet another kettle from scratch.