Class 465908 Receives Network SouthEast Livery as Southeastern Plans Fleet Upgrade
For the first time since 1994, A class 465 networker has been given the historic Network Southeast Livery.
Southeastern has recently renovated Class 465908 in the iconic Network SouthEast (NSE) livery, a nostalgic tribute to British railway heritage. This move celebrates the history of the Class 465 units and the distinctive branding that once symbolised commuter rail services in South East England.
The History of the Class 465 Networker
The Class 465 Networker units were introduced in the early 1990s as part of British Rail’s modernisation efforts under the NSE sector. Planning began in 1988 to replace aging Class 415 (4EPB) slam-door electric multiple units (EMUs) that had been in service for over four decades. The first Class 465 unit entered passenger service on December 1, 1992, following a ceremony at London Cannon Street station. The final unit was delivered by April 1995.
Manufactured by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL), ABB Transportation, and Metro-Cammell, the Class 465 units were designed for suburban routes from London terminals such as Victoria, Charing Cross, Blackfriars, and Cannon Street, extending across South London and Kent. Originally, all units sported the vibrant NSE livery and were branded as the “Kent Link Networker,” highlighting their crucial role in regional connectivity.
The Legacy of Network SouthEast Livery
Network SouthEast, established in 1986, was a sector of British Rail that unified various commuter services under a single brand. The NSE livery, with its bold red, white, and blue colour scheme, became a recognisable symbol of this effort. Although NSE ceased operations in 1994 due to British Rail’s privatisation, its livery remains a nostalgic emblem of that era.
Class 465908
Class 465908 belongs to the 465/9 sub-class, which was originally built as Class 465/2 by Metro-Cammell between 1991 and 1993. In 2005, these units underwent extensive refurbishment at Doncaster Works to replace the aging slam-door Class 423 EMUs, leading to their reclassification as Class 465/9. The upgrades included new flooring, improved lighting, and the addition of first-class seating, making them better suited for outer-suburban services.
The recent application of the NSE livery to 465908 serves as a homage to its original appearance and the broader legacy of Network SouthEast. This initiative not only celebrates the historical significance of the Class 465 units but also gives railway enthusiasts and passengers the opportunity to experience a piece of railway history in contemporary service.
Upcoming Fleet Changes and Decommissioning Plans
While celebrating the past, Southeastern is also looking to the future by planning a major fleet upgrade. The Class 465 and 466 units, collectively known as “Networkers,” have been a staple of Southeastern’s Metro services for over 30 years. However, plans are underway to replace them with more modern rolling stock.
In May 2024, Southeastern announced that five train manufacturers—Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens, and Stadler—had been shortlisted to supply new or upgraded trains for its Metro services. The company aims to replace the aging Networker fleet as soon as possible.
As part of the transition, Southeastern will be receiving 13 Class 377/1 units from Southern between December 2024 and December 2025. These units will replace some of the older Class 465 trains, marking the beginning of the decommissioning process. While exact timelines for the full withdrawal of all Class 465 and 466 units have not been publicly confirmed, Southeastern’s efforts to procure new trains indicate that the retirement of these beloved trains is imminent.
A Tribute to the Past, A Step Towards the Future
The NSE-liveried Class 465908 is a fitting tribute to an era of British rail history that many passengers and enthusiasts fondly remember. While the Networkers have served commuters reliably for decades, Southeastern’s modernisation plans signal a new chapter for rail travel in the region. As new trains arrive and older units are phased out, this livery serves as a reminder of how far the railway has come and where it is headed next.
Update: 25 February 2025
Southeastern Railway has officially unveiled Class 465908 in its new heritage livery at London Charing Cross. The train, now adorned in the iconic Network SouthEast colours, was revealed as part of the Railway 200 celebrations. This special event also saw the train named “Chris Green” in honor of the former Director of Network SouthEast.
The unveiling drew a large crowd, including rail enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy. The heritage livery restoration was a collaborative effort between Southeastern, Angel Trains, and Wabtec, celebrating the rich history of the UK’s railways.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that Class 465908 will attend “The Greatest Gathering” in Derby later this year, an event expected to attract significant attendance as part of the Railway 200 festivities. The train will continue to serve passengers across the Southeastern network, blending historical homage with modern rail service.
Chris Green expressed his pride in the recognition, highlighting the achievements of Network SouthEast and its lasting impact on the railway industry. This event marks a significant milestone in the year-long celebration of 200 years of passenger rail services in the UK.
How to track 465908
If you are interested in checking what services Networker unit 465908 is working during the coming days you can WhatsApp #NetworkSouthEast to Southeastern on 07866 002690 and it will reply automatically with that days service allocations.
Photos courtesy of Dominic Noades and James Pickering from Southeastern Trains Enthusiasts, check out their Facebook page – Southern Electric Group
Railway 200 Networker Unveiling – Charing Cross February 2025.JPG ourtesy of newsroom.southeasternrailway.co.uk/
References and sources used for this article
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_465
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_SouthEast
https://www.networksoutheast.net/southeastern.html
https://railnews.mobi/news/2024/05/15-five-trainbuilders-shortlisted-by-southeastern.html
https://www.kentrail.org.uk/Class_465_466_Networker.htm
https://www.networksoutheast.net/
For detailed copyright or usage rights of these sources, visit their respective websites or contact the publishers directly.
2 responses to “Class 465908 Receives Network SouthEast Livery”
Where do I find out which services Networker unit 465908 is working during the coming days please?
Hi Christopher, you can send WhatsApp message with hashtag #NetworkSouthEast to Southeastern on 07866 002690 and it will reply automatically with that day’s service allocations