Class 315 unit to be preserved
The Class 315 Preservation Society has announced it has reached agreement in principle with Eversholt Rail for Class 315 electric multiple unit (EMU) 315820 to be preserved when it is taken off lease by MTR Crossrail, which is expected to take place in the near future.
The Class 315 is in excellent condition, and the preservation of the unit was deemed as being important by the C315PS as the type represents the final British Rail EMU to be built to the organisation’s then-standard design for suburban EMUS, with the Class 313, 314, 507 and 508 all bearing many design similarities.
Pete O’brien, from the C315PS, told Railways Illustrated that the group was now seeking a new home for the four-car EMU after a previous offer of accommodation was withdrawn due to unforeseen reasons. Various options are currently being explored for a new base to house the unit when it comes off lease. Mr O’brien explained that 315820 will hopefully be based at a heritage line or museum, and would not be operated on Network Rail under its own power.
The society is looking at various options for the unit, in terms of modifying it so that it could be used on occasions as hauled stock or even fitted with batteries to allow it to be self-propelled, although he acknowledged that the latter option would be expensive to achieve.
315820 is destined to be the only member of the type to survive in preservation, as the remaining 315s are set to be scrapped when they come off lease.
Mr O’brien expressed the society’s thanks and gratitude to Eversholt Rail for the company’s help and assistance in ensuring that one of the Class 315s could be preserved by the group.
The society is keen to attract new members and volunteers to assist with the preservation of the unit, as well as any offers of financial support or sponsorship for the project.
More information on the C315PS can be found at www.class315preservationsociety.com