Twilight zone 4-EPB's at Maidstone West. 15/10/92.
From time to time in the late 80's early 90's the sidings at Keylands (Paddock Wood) and Maidstone West on the Medway Valley line had played host to stored EMU stock as their secure location prevented serious vandalism. On this date stored class 415/1 4-EPB set no.5217 is seen in the old loco siding at Maidstone West where the steam sheds once stood hence its name. While in the foreground in the up goods loop is emergency services training unit 939 997 incorrectly numbered 930 997 comprising vehicles ADB977777+ADB977778+ADB977779+ADB977780.
4-EPB 5217 never re-entered service and was formerly withdrawn a month later in November 1992 and its end came swiftly the following month being broken up at Gwent Demolition at Margam in South Wales during December 1992. The Class 415/4 unit renumbered for departmental use from 5406 to 930 997 was a face-lifted set with open saloon interiors new lighting etc. but an early withdrawal for the 415/4 sub class. The first few withdrawals had been in October 1991 but this one was taken out of service in May 1992 a good two years ahead of the bulk of the refurbished 54xx units. It is seen here stored on the up goods loop between assignments with local fire and rescue services in Kent. It too met its end at Gwent Demolition in South Wales during April 1994.
Twilight zone 4-EPB's at Maidstone West. 15/10/92.
From time to time in the late 80's early 90's the sidings at Keylands (Paddock Wood) and Maidstone West on the Medway Valley line had played host to stored EMU stock as their secure location prevented serious vandalism. On this date stored class 415/1 4-EPB set no.5217 is seen in the old loco siding at Maidstone West where the steam sheds once stood hence its name. While in the foreground in the up goods loop is emergency services training unit 939 997 incorrectly numbered 930 997 comprising vehicles ADB977777+ADB977778+ADB977779+ADB977780.
4-EPB 5217 never re-entered service and was formerly withdrawn a month later in November 1992 and its end came swiftly the following month being broken up at Gwent Demolition at Margam in South Wales during December 1992. The Class 415/4 unit renumbered for departmental use from 5406 to 930 997 was a face-lifted set with open saloon interiors new lighting etc. but an early withdrawal for the 415/4 sub class. The first few withdrawals had been in October 1991 but this one was taken out of service in May 1992 a good two years ahead of the bulk of the refurbished 54xx units. It is seen here stored on the up goods loop between assignments with local fire and rescue services in Kent. It too met its end at Gwent Demolition in South Wales during April 1994.