Southeastern heralds train fleet improvement plans

The remaining Class 707s have finally been transferred to Southeastern from previous operator South Western Railway, with the last 12 having been retained by SWR for longer than originally envisaged. On September 22, 707017 and 707022 work 2J29, the 12.06 Waterloo to Hampton Court service, as the train passes over the viaduct at Hampton Court Junction.

James Stearn

SOUTHEASTERN HAS detailed plans for the refurbishment and upgrade of its train fleet following the transfer of the final 12 Class 707 electric multiple units from South Western Railway – reuniting the whole 30-strong fleet at Southeastern.

The five-coach Class 707s, known as ‘City Beams’ by Southeastern, are used in pairs on Metro services on its Grove Park, Hayes and Dartford lines. The first six of the recently transferred units have now entered service with Southeastern, while the final six are now being prepared for entry with the operator on Metro services by December.

The introduction of the full fleet will allow Southeastern to take more of its Class 465 and 466 Networker trains out of service and send them for store.

Meanwhile, work continues on the Class 375 upgrade project, which is expected to be completed in March next year. The trains are undergoing work that includes the fitting of plugs and USB charging ports into the passenger saloons of the trains, as well as LED lighting and energy metering for the fleet.

Finally, Southeastern’s high-speed Hitachi Class 395 Javelin trains are now being