The Clacton Express Preservation Group has announced that the DTS vehicle of Class 309 No. 309624 has been saved for preservation.

This news follows on from the announcement earlier this week that the BDTC and MBS were heading for the East Anglian Railway Museum, but unfortunately, available space at the museum meant that there it was unavailable to provide a home for the DTS vehicle.

However, the DTS has been offered a home at the Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway, meaning that reuniting the entire unit will not be impossible.

The plan is that the vehicle will be restored to 1980s condition and used with the railways Mk 1 propelled stock.

The Clacton Express Preservation Group [CEPG] is today pleased to reveal more information about the future of the third vehicle of the Class 309 Electric Multiple unit. It was revealed on Tuesday 13th May that the 309 BDTC and MBS were to head to the East Anglian Railway Museum, unfortunately lacking the space to also accept the DTS vehicle. At the time, we announced it was heading into secure storage pending a further announcement on its future.

However, we are pleased to reveal today that this will no longer be the case as the vehicle has been offered a home at the Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway. This ensures this vehicle’s survival as a useful asset in its own right and means that reuniting the whole set one day will not be impossible. Our profound gratitude goes out to everyone at the RHWR for providing this vehicle a future and working around the clock to ensure no further storage is necessary.

CEPG Spokesperson

The RHWR, railway operating division of Rushden Historical Transport Society, are delighted the Clacton Express Preservation Group have accepted our offer for the final vehicle of the Class 309 set. It is intended to restore and equip the vehicle as accurately as possible to its 1980s condition, and to use the vehicle together with our existing Mk1 propelled stock. We also look forward to interaction and promotion between CEPG and ourselves.

David Chambers – Trustee RHTS