The Clacton Express Preservation Group has announced that 2 of the vehicles from Class 309 No. 309624 are to be based in Essex for the first time in more than 20 years.
It has been 2 years since the Clacton Express Preservation Group purchased 309624 from the then owners, Lavender Line.
It has been in storage under agreement at the railway but the agreement was up last year.
The BDTC and MBS have been donated to the East Anglian Railway Museum, securing their long term future.
Both vehicles will undergo a cosmetic restoration as well as interactive displays being developed inside the vehicles.
The DTS will head to short-term storage before a further announcement is made about its future.
A vandalism attack took place just a few days before the vehicles were due to move to their new home, so a JustGiving page is now live to carry out repairs.
The Clacton Express Preservation Group [CEPG] is delighted to bring some positive news on the future of 309624. We can confirm today that 2 of the vehicles are to return home to Essex for the first time in almost 2 decades
CEPG Spokesperson
The East Anglian Railway Museum is pleased to be able to support the Clacton Express Preservation Group in providing a home for part of unit 309624. In its mission to educate our visitors on the history of railways in East Anglia through the preservation of key items, the class 309 electric multiple unit fits neatly into the Museum’s collection to demonstrate the transition from diesel to electric traction.
Whilst some substantial works will be required to transform the vehicles into high quality exhibits, we’re confident that they will prove to be assets to the Museum, helping to tell the story behind both the technology and history of the electrified railways in East Anglia.
We would welcome support to speed the restoration of the vehicles, so please do get in touch if you would like to get involved. We do have an open day on 25th May where you can find out more about volunteering with us so, please feel free to come along.
EARM Spokesperson
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