26/05/2026
We were asked to share a few more pictures of Class 312 so here they are with a few interesting discoveries and facts. Only one half of the 312 survives. The other half of the 312 was cut up before preservation was even an option.
The unit was withdrawn in 2003, after working the last 312 service on the LTS. The unit has largely been untouched since. The NSE livery, as far as we know, is the same coat of paint the unit was retired from service in.
It was acquired by the emergency services for use in rescue training, but the unit wasn't suitable owing to its slam doors, so it was set aside until it was formally preserved.
During the preparations for its restoration, we found a few interesting items. Two of particular note are an old packet wrapper of Walkers Ready Salted and an old travelcard that was lost in June 1997. The wrapper was much more recent, it carried a 2003 expiry date. The equivalent travelcard now costs over £130.
You can see that an old route map still exists. The map is dated May 1995, and wasn't updated after. We assume that because it was an LTS train, it was to put Chafford Hundred Station on the map, which opened in May 1995.
Despite being out of service for 24 years, the unit is in quite good condition. We need to do some body work, and replace some damaged flooring and seating, but more seats than we expected just need a good clean.
You will see the LTS Rail sticker; the unit was withdrawn in 2003, but it never received c2c branding after LTS Rail's rebrand in 2000.
In 2019/2020, a small group of volunteers cosmetically restored the front and the other side and painted it BR blue. After a reshuffling of the sidings 3 years ago, the unit now sits at the far end of the site but remains visible to the public trains.
