Thompson Locomotive Collection buys 2HAP

Locomotive Collection has purchased BR Southern region 2HAP electric multiple unit 414311 from Andrew Briddon.

The 2HAP was sold after Mr Briddon decided to slim down some of his collection of railway vehicles – a move that has also seen pioneer Class 14 D9500 move to a private site in Scotland.

A statement issued by the new owner said: “Overall, the unit is in rather good shape considering it’s been sitting outside with no power for the heating for nearly 30 years. “We are always looking for willing volunteers to help restore the 2HAP and the rest of the collection. No matter your skill set, as long as you are eager and wiling to get stuck in and learn new skills, we would love to hear from you.”

Work on the unit has already begun at Darley Dale with a pneumatic test carried out. Work on dismantling the interior has begun to allow repairs to be carried out on the unit’s bodywork and floor.

Built in 1959, 414311 spent its working life in Kent and South London until withdrawal in March 1995. After a period in store, the two-coach EMU was purchased for preservation. The 2HAP was part of the Coventry Electric Railway Museum, which closed in 2018. It was bought by Mr Briddon and moved to his yard at Darley Dale on Peak Rail in April 2018. It will move to a site in Nottinghamshire over the coming months.