The class 207's were the only DEMU to get industrial design advice from the BTC Design Panel as a result they appeared more modern that the class 201/202 (Hastings) and class 205 (Hampshire) units - looking not unlike a class 421 or 423 3rd rail EMU (CIG and VEP respectively). Unfortunately although the ends of the units were given a more modern appearance, the passenger environment was largely unchanged (save for moving first class in to the centre coach when compared to the 205), with no gangways between coaches, doors at every bay and limited access to the toilets.
Internal layout of the 3D
taken from the 1966 Appendix to
the Carriage Working Notice.
Whilst the class 207's still lagged behind the Diesel Mechanical Units in these aspects of the passenger environments along with their lack of panoramic views, they did have the advantage of better heating, better acceleration and quieter riding in the non powered carriages. They also didn't have the oily heat and vibration associated with the first generation of DMU's. The ride of the units is best described as "bouncy", although much the same as any other BR mark 1 stock. In keeping with the other DEMU's mounting the engine above the frames sacrifices passenger space, but gives the engine some protection against the elements and gives good access for servicing and maintainance.
3D Sussex unit 1313 in the Up Loop at Eridge
Photo: Copyright John Smerdon 2005
The units were destined for the lines around Oxted and East Sussex, and were initially referred to as "Oxted" Units, although they have since become more popularly known as "Sussex" units, having been officially known as 3D East Sussex Units. The "Oxted" sets were built with 8ft 6in wide bodies due to restricted clearances in the tunnels between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells West, the most restrictive tunnel being "Somerhill" (although perhaps worth mentioning they are 9ft wide overall including the passenger foot steps). The 19 sets were built in 1962 by Eastleigh works and were numbered 1301 to 1319. When new, the sets were in plain green (not infact SR malachite as might have been expected, and indeed they were never in that livery), the roof was medium grey, the bogies, underframes and associated underbody equipment (including the buffer beam area) were painted black.
Their standard duties included:
They also operated on numerous lines now closed, including Three bridges to East Grinstead (part of which is now the Spa Valley Railway). With some of their original routes now long closed they did now make forays over in the Hampshire and Berkshire area - appearing on Portsmouth - Reading and Reading - Salisbury routes.
The first change to the units was the adoption of BR corporate Blue livery in the late 1960's. At this time some of their routes were becoming the victim of the network cuts. The adoption of the TOPS numbering system in the mid 1970's meant they became class 207, and numbered 207 001 - 207 019, a straight substitution of the "13" part of the number to "207 0". The next livery change was at the start of the 1980's to blue and white, although with the advent of the Network South East Business Sector at the start of 1982, they did eventually receive NSE livery.
Along with line closures increased electrification has limited the use of the DEMU's, with the East Grinstead line in the early 1980's and the Portsmouth to Southampton and Eastleigh lines in the early 1990's. Facelifted in the 1985-90 period by Eastleigh, some units were further refurbished with fluorescent lighting and gangway connections, and converted to two-car sets for use on the Ashford - Hastings 'Marsh Link' line services. Around half of the class 207 units were withdrawn in this period, notably the latter part of 1987.
1995 saw a programme of major overhaul for the 205s and 207s at Selhurst, and the creation of the 3-DEL units for use on the extended Marsh link service, initially to Brighton. This involved the addition of a trailer car from a former 4-CEP 3rd rail EMU, leading to a distinctly unusual appearance of a wider centre coach in the formation. These units were numbered 207 201 to 207 203. 207 017 remains as a two car set in unrefurbished condition.
The four surviving class 207's are in the (now defunct) Connex South Central livery and concentrated on the Ashford - Hastings route, with occasional appearances on the Oxted - Uckfield line. It seems certain that the units will receive no further updates and possibly no further livery changes before the end of their service life.