Class 315 Preservation Society

A CLASS 315 Preservation Society has been formed to preserve one of the four-car London suburban trains that serve Liverpool Street and are the last of the PEPstyle design in service. When Merseyside’s Class 507 units go, only the small Class 313 fleet on Southern will remain. No operational units of this type have been preserved so far. The Class 315s are owned by Eversholt and detailed discussions have been taking place to secure a donated unit, with a likely decision due to be made towards end of May.

The core preservation team is composed of former and current 315 drivers, managers and technical staff from Ilford Depot. Membership of the group grew considerably this year, ahead of the final trains running on May 14. A site in the North West that is easily accessible from London has been offered and costing for transport of the unit there has been obtained. With full technical support it’s hoped to use the unit as hauled stock, although adapting it for use on main line tours could be a future project. Membership of the group starts at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors. Donations are also welcome, with larger donations warranting life membership. A range of merchandise is available on the website as well as railwayana items for auction to raise funds. For more details visit the Society’s Facebook page or the website at www. class315preservationsociety.com.