In 1999, the Society purchased the only unrefurbished class 207 centre trailer, 60616 from unit 1317 (207 017). This vehicle moved to Selhurst Traincare where bodywork restoration, and a repaint to green was undertaken. It was hoped that the society would be able to purchase other Sussex Unit vehicles at a later date to form a complete unit.
However, when the end of main line running came for the remaining units, the leasing company, Porterbrook, decided to sell off redundant units to Hertitage Railways for a nominal sum. Porterbrook were only allowed to sell to Train Operating Companies (TOCs) so it was not possible for H&SUPS to purchase anything. It was therefore decided to donate vehicle 60616 to the new owners of a two-car Sussex unit that it could be reunited with.
In fact, it will be rejoining its former companions of unit 1317 (207 017) on a line that it used to frequent, the Spa Valley Railway. H&SUPS formally donated the vehicle to its new owners at the end of April 2005. In the mean time, the vehicle has moved to their contractor's site pending work funded by Oxted Unit 1317 Support Group.
60616 undergoing restoration
Copyright © 2005, J Clapton Homewood.
60616 undergoing restoration
Copyright © 2005, J Clapton Homewood.
60616 undergoing restoration
Copyright © 2005, J Clapton Homewood.