A four-car Class 315 electric multiple unit (EMU) has been saved for preservation thanks to the efforts of the Class 315 Preservation Society.

The unit, Class 315 No. 315 856, has been donated to the society for preservation by Eversholt Rail and will be based at the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway in Wales.

Currently at Ilford depot where it has spent its working life covering suburban lines in and out of London Liverpool Street, the unit will soon travel by rail to the Dean Forest Railway. From there it will continue by road to the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway, where it will be restored it to its original state when delivered new to British Rail from BREL York 1980/81.

Restoration will include a full repaint and refurbishment of the interior to original specifications. Once refurbished, the unit will not remain a static exhibit, but will be available for use on preserved railways, although it is not expected to return to main line use.

Anyone who wishes to find out further information or how to become involved with the society should check online at www.class315preservationsociety.com, where there is also a wide variety of merchandise available to purchase. The society seeks everyone’s support, both physical and financial to help it restore the unit.

Yesterday, Thursday, 1st December, David Silman, Chairman of the Class 315 Preservation Society, commented that the society has secured a Class 315 four-car EMU and said: “This is a monumental achievement by the Society, with several years of hard work paying off to allow future generations to enjoy an unsung workhorse for the masses.”

Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director, Eversholt Rail, added: “We are delighted to support the Class 315 Preservation Society by donating this C315 unit. The fleet has been running in service on the Liverpool Street to Shenfield route for 42 years and it is fantastic to see this one being preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

David Mee a Director with the Llanelli & Mnydd Mawr Railway commented: “We would like to congratulate the Class 315 Preservation Society on securing a unit for preservation and look forward to welcoming both it and the Society Members to our base at Cynheidre. We look forward to working closely with the Society to develop the best possible future for the unit”.