Clacton EMU group formed
THE Clacton Express Preservation Group aims to acquire, restore and operate AC EMU Class 309 No. 309624 recently put up for sale by the Lavender Line (RM Sept. p85).
The three-car set was built at BREL York in1962 for London Liverpool Street–Clacton express services.
The unit was renumbered 960102 when operated by Railtrack. The three cars are MBSOL No. 61928/977966 New Dalby, BDTCL No. 75965/977965, and DTSOL No. 75972/977967.
The final purchase price is yet to be agreed, but negotiations were well advanced by early September. A JustGiving page has been set with a target of £35,000, but if the unit is secured for less than this, any remaining money after transport costs will be used for the restoration.
Negotiations for a site where the train can be kept have been described as ‘encouraging’. To contribute, visit https://www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ cepg309624