WMR 323221

[Crant90045]

Hey does anyone know if 323221 (The Centro liveried one) is getting preserved anywhere? I didn't catch it on the farewell tour and have wanting to seen it for a while

 

[sn5775]

The most recent info I have seen regarding 323221 is that it was taken into storage at Long Marston early December 2024.

 

[Crant90045]

The most recent info I have seen regarding 323221 is that it was taken into storage at Long Marston early December 2024.

Thank you!

 

[m79900]

I doubt a 323 will be preserved for a while (if at all). Northern still has lots, and since they're electric they're not much use to preserved railways. Hopefully we'll see at least one carriage preserved though!

 

[Crant90045]

A couple EMUs are preserved like 507001 so i don't see a reason why it wouldnt get preserved even since it is in the old Centro livery

 

[silexa]

323221 is at Long Marston and will most likely be staying there for the foreseeable unless a need for it comes up

 

[Crant90045]

It might appear at rail200 depending if WMT will donate it

 

[43096]

It might appear at rail200 depending if WMT will be nice or naughty

What does that have to do with WMT?

 

[DanNCL]

It might appear at rail200 depending if WMT will be nice or naughty

Not up to WMT, the unit is off lease so it’ll be down to Porterbrook.

 

[Crant90045]

Ah my bad, Im not really up with the new rail updates

 

[silexa]

It might appear at rail200 depending if WMT will be nice or naughty

I don't think speculation like this is useful. The unit is nothing to do with WMT anymore

 

[Crant90045]

Alright then i dont really know much about the 323 shenanigans going on with WMT and NT anymore ive lost track of the news

 

[Mollman]

Alright then i dont really know much about the 323 shenanigans going on with WMT and NT anymore ive lost track of the news

Can you just clarify - was your original statement pure speculation, or is that the unit due at the Great Gathering but you just got the relevant owner wrong?

 

[silexa]

Can you just clarify - was your original statement pure speculation, or is that the unit due at the Great Gathering but you just got the relevant owner wrong?

Seems to be pure speculation. With the Great Gathering I'd go with 'nothing is confirmed until its announced by them officially' approach..

 

[Crant90045]

Can you just clarify - was your original statement pure speculation, or is that the unit due at the Great Gathering but you just got the relevant owner wrong?

i dont know i was just wondering if it was there but it hasnt been announced yet

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I don't know I was just wondering if it was there but it hasn't been announced yet.

The Gathering people have said that they won't announce everything that will be attending so that there will be some surprises when the event opens; that means the best thing to do is to keep an eye on all the movements to Derby from various locations around the country in the last week of July.

 

[Class15]

The Gathering people have said that they won't announce everything that will be attending so that there will be some surprises when the even opens

Unfortunately they will no doubt be ruined by people on railway websites, I might have to stay off the forums for the last week of July!

 

[crosscity]

323221 is going to the ball.
Here it is passing through Kings Norton this morning

Tue 8 Jul 2025 at 11:08. Ex-Soho 323 EMU's. The gift that keeps on giving.
323221 passes Kings Norton station on its old Birmingham Crosscity stomping ground. This time it's on its way to Derby Litchurch Lane Works to be an exhibit at Alstom's Greatest Gathering event - part of this year's Railway 200 celebrations.
The working is [5Q59] the 09:45 from Long Marston, hauled by veteran EE Class 37 No 37800 CASSIOPEIA. Previously D6843. Numbers also carried: 37143.
by Ray Honke, on Flickr

 

[Johnhayworth21]

Is there any reason why 323221 is still at Litchurch Lane? Would have thought it had gone back to Long Marston after the greatest gathering.

 

[D365]

Is there any reason why 323221 is still at Litchurch Lane? Would have thought it had gone back to Long Marston after the greatest gathering.

There’s several EMUs still in V Shop. Can’t be a huge rush to empty it until the roads are needed for the additional Elizabeth Line units.

 

[fgwrich]

There’s several EMUs still in V Shop. Can’t be a huge rush to empty it until the roads are needed for the additional Elizabeth Line units.

Indeed, and I can imagine it’s probably bringing Alstom that little crumb of extra change - for a rare commodity on UK Railways, covered storage.

 

[M28361M]

Some interesting footage posted recently on the Class 507 Preservation Society social media accounts, showing 323221 being dragged around Litchurch Lane, coupled to 313201.

I'll post the Bluesky link as I think that doesn't need you to log in to view. https://bsky.app/profile/class507.org.uk/post/3m2pb6q5zic2h

Looks like both the 313 and 323 are outside at the moment, which is unsurprising as Litchurch Lane is back in full train building mode.

 

[Colby James]

Is by far 323221 being saved for the 507 Preservation Society by any chance?

 

[D365]

Is by far 323221 being saved for the 507 Preservation Society by any chance?

Why do you ask?

My impression is that 507 PS ’merely’ provided a tightlock coupling adaptor for shunting purposes.

 

[theblackwatch]

323221 is back at Long Marston with the other off lease 323s.