Class 309 is saved for preservation!

Remember last year the Class 309 waiting to be saved from a trip to the scrap pile? We shared information about the Clacton Express Preservation Society, who were working tirelessly to raise money to preserve one of only two Class 309 (or AM9) Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) left in the world. After hard work campaigning not only for funds, but also for a home to stable the unit, the group finally achieved their aim in being formally handed the keys to the set and agreeing a temporary home while restoration work takes place.

On 19th March 2022, volunteers and enthusiasts related to the project, including CEPG Chairman Brad Wright, accepted the unit during a small, intimate ceremony on the Lavender Line, Sussex where there was also a chance to tour the 3-car unit and assess its condition. We Are Railfans were delighted to have been invited to learn more about this specific unit no.309624 which later ran as 960102 as a departmental test train at Old Dalby Test Track.

Chairman Mr. Wright outlined details of the ambitious restoration plan, which entertained the idea of uncoupling the middle car, containing the guard's section and pantograph, and adjoining the two end cars with the aim of running those as hauled stock during a future event, though arrangements on this with the Lavender Line have yet to be fully discussed. A small selection of locomotives exist on the heritage railway including an 09 shunter, which could feasibly haul the set along the mile-long stretch of track, formerly part of the Lewes to Uckfield Railway. The ultimate aim for the group is to get the set back to East Anglia as its current home is only temporary - an 18 month stay has been agreed - but wherever this unique train ends up, it is great that it can remain as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to preserve more comtemporary items of rolling stock.

Below are a selection of photographs from the event showing the condition of the unit and some of the unique features from its departmental days. You can continue to track progress of the CEPG and learn how you can help, via their website: https://www.clactonexpresspreservationgroup.com/ You can also read further about the history of the unit there, or in our previous We Are Railfans article: https://wearerailfans.com/c/article/am9-class-309-cepg

All photos taken with permission from the CEPG / Lavender Line.

With its preservation secured, work can begin on bringing the set's appearance back to that of former glory days. Remnants of previous guises can be seen (below) under the current paintwork, which results from its time as a Test Train. Previous liveries would have included Manchester Airport 'Your Platform to the World' and BR Maroon. One part of the cab can be seen in what looks like Maroon, but this is in fact red oxide primer. The tour of the unit allowed for a rare glimpse into the cab, where a number of atypical features remain from its former Test Train days. Volunteers present on the day were keen to explain the various features of the AM9 and how they operated during passenger service to both Clacton and in the northwest. In one photo (above), the 'Loudaphone' intercom system can be seen, along with AWS and a bracket under the window which would have held a camera in place to monitor drivers during Test Train service. The unit was one of the first trains in the UK to use ETCS, used widely elsewhere in the world. Departmental use saw the unit number change from 309624, to 960102. Sadly, the prospect of the unit once again approaching its capability for 100 mph is almost certainly extinguished for good. Another fascinating part of the tour concerned the guard's area which varies greatly from the bare confines of such areas in older Mk I carriages. Panels and notices are apparent, with the former concealing a plethora of electrical panels and equipment. The tool (above) was used to isolate the pantograph, whose raising was ultimately controlled from the cab. Upon inspection, it was found that the pantograph itself was in good condition, with new carbon strips fitted as late as 2004. A wider shot shows the panel in the previous photograph closed and the other 'half' of the 'Loudaphone' system. The panel far right of the shot contains otherwise familiar controls, including those for lights and heating. Out of shot is an overhead guard buzzer. 'Bessie' is seen written in the one cab end next to the AWS indicator. This appeared during time at Longsight Depot in 1994 which is now home to Class 390 'Pendolino' trains. Though arrangements for a formal naming have not be discussed, it is possible that this is one contender for the set's moniker. Though much work is to be done to the exterior, the interior in comparison has a number of areas that are clean and well presented. A number of seats will have to be reinstated and plans to retro fit a bar / buffet area will require significant work in one section, but the distinctive moquette will likely remain and is yet another hark back to the unit's earlier passenger-carrying days. Work to repair vandalism will also be done, as the set was targeted as recently as 2020. It is unlikely that 390624 will ever operate again in the way it once did and one feasible option for the future will be to have set hauled by a locomotive. This arrangement is seen on other heritage railways and in Wales one London Underground set is being earmarked for use, hauled by a small loco. Such running on the Lavender Line would require some speedy work by volunteers, but haulage is available. Class 09 no.09025 is seen (below) in the shed at Isfield. Volunteers explained that the engine is operational and requires mainly only cosmetic work.