455871 ‘Roy Watts MBE’

455 871: the last remaining Class 455 EMU,
now owned by the SETG - yes, the nutters who look after @Gordon_3417.
Aiming to return to service 2026: stay tuned!

[Driver H. Potter @DriverPotter]

Very heartening to walk into the messroom at @LondonWaterloo this evening and find myself being asked by fellow @SW_Help staff what’s happening with @Gordon_3417 & @Project_SETG455 - it’s a rewarding being a Minion!
@HRA_UK @bluebellrailway
#volunteersweek #volunteer #givingback

[The Transport Hub @transporthub21]

Clapham Junction looking towards Vauxhall and beyond.

[Driver H. Potter @DriverPotter]

Heading out of the door to speak to @SEG3142 shortly - time to gently unfurl the saga of how we managed to secure @Project_SETG455 for preservation.

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

Many Minions are needed to turn mad dreams & wild ambitions into reality.
We have a team who are achieving things previously believed to be impossible, backed by a cadre of supporters who have bought into those dreams. It’s a small but astonishing story; we’re very proud of it.

[455871 ‘Roy Watts MBE’ @Project_SETG455]

It’s a bit toasty, isn’t it?

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

‘S warm in ‘ere.
#PoachingVEP

[455871 ‘Roy Watts MBE’ @Project_SETG455]

@Timtrainspotter @Gordon_3417 We’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our EBay sales. Our team are running on fumes in the run up to the Mid Hants and as volunteers we need to protect the work life balance of our team. It will be back.
Soon :)

[455871 ‘Roy Watts MBE’ @Project_SETG455]

@lawrenceofthe @Gordon_3417 @DriverPotter He did. In fact, he had to show Billy how something was done.
#usefulpotter

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

More shelves, more grills painted, more seats produced and work completed: another busy & productive day at Strawberry Hill.

Important Note - Billy had to ask Potter for his help.A Fitter asking a Driver.

THIS NEVER HAPPENS.

Buckie is treating it as a sign of the End Times.

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

Busy at the depot this afternoon.
Trim Shop in full flow, stores reorganisation carries on a’pace and 3417’s height limiting beam overhaul continues.

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

And two arty shots taken during a pause by Minion Max….
@Project_SETG455

[455871 ‘Roy Watts MBE’ @Project_SETG455]

#DetailsDetailsDetails

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

From one old girl to another….

[455871 ‘Roy Watts MBE’ @Project_SETG455]

Work ongoing.
5871 is coming back to life!

[455871 ‘Roy Watts MBE’ @Project_SETG455]

@Gamera365 @splittieful No motor failures on this unit.

[455871 ‘Roy Watts MBE’ @Project_SETG455]

There’s always a chance….
#BringSpannersHome

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

EMU preservation isn’t about tales of luxury and privilege. It’s about machines that were wrapped up in millions of ordinary lives, of moments & memories shared by the hundreds & thousands of people who wove their stories while using these workaday units as they were built to be.

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

In loving memory of our much-missed friend Gwil Jones.

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

More changes at the shed.
Stores continue to be moved, and now the Trim Shop is being re-organised as well.
We’re making ready for a major influx of parts and equipment; hats off to the Minions involved!

[423417_GordonPettitt @Gordon_3417]

#FrontEndFriday
Not bad going for an idea dreamt up in a pub….

[Driver H. Potter @DriverPotter]

I drivved a Class 507 today.
There were no screams.
All passengers survived.
Equipment was returned to owners the right way up, with all parts still attached & not engulfed in flames.

All in all, a win.

Many thanks to @class_507 & @AlstomUK for making the SETG most welcome.