The Class 465 is the largest fleet within the Networker family of trains, originally consisting of 147 units over two sub classes, being introduced to operate ‘Kent Link’ suburban services within South East London and parts of Kent. The two sub classes of Class 465 were ordered from two different manufacturers due to the amount of units needed, as well as the subsequent order of two car Class 466s to strengthen South East London suburban services to 10 carriages. The original 97 /0 and /1 units were built by British Rail Engineering Limited. The second 50 /2s as well as the 43 466s were built by Metro Cammell. Originally, the /0 and /1 units were unable to work in multiple with the /2 fleet, thanks to differences in the two builds. Nowadays this is a thing of the past, but the two fleets still do not use common parts and there remain a few differences between the two builders trains.

The Class 465s role in recent times has shifted, thanks to the introduction of the Class 376 to the inner suburban South Eastern network 34 units were upgraded in the mid 2000s to include first class accommodation, as well as other changes, to allow them to work outer suburban routes alongside the Class 375s. Since then the role of the Networkers on South Eastern has remained largely the same, however by 2021 all remaining unrefurbished Metro Camell /2s had been withdrawn for storage, and the introduction of the Class 707s to inner suburban work on South Eastern means more withdrawals of the Class are due.

465908 was returned to it’s Network SouthEast livery only this year, making it the most recent return of any train included in ‘The Glory Days of Electrics’. An event was held by current operator SouthEastern in February, with Rail Minister Peter Hendy and former director of Network SouthEast Chris Green in attendance. 465908 is currently out on the South Eastern network operating services on most days, messaging #NetworkSouthEast to 07866 002690 on WhatsApp gives information on it’s passenger services.

Mainline operator Southeastern has confirmed that 465908 ‘Chris Green’ will be attending ‘The Greatest Gathering’ in August.

(1) South Eastern 465156 at New Cross. (2) South Eastern 465001 approaching Lewisham. (3) South Eastern 465155 at Rainham (Kent). (4) South Eastern Class 465s 238, 912, 244 and 250 in storage at Ely Papworth Sidings. (5) South Eastern 465042 at Hither Green.

Additional information on the Class 465

Kent Rail - Class 465/466 Kent Link Networker

https://www.kentrail.org.uk/Class_465_466_Networker.htm

Motion History: The History of the Networkers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5WtaOwvgCQ&t