In January 1995 a small group of enthusiasts, brought together by their recognition of the rapidly approaching end of an era in travel around South London, formed a group to preserve examples of the EPB type trains. For nearly half a century these electric multiple units reliably carried millions of passengers over the Southern Electric network. The EPB Preservation Group (Company Limited by guarantee from December 1998) was born. In mid 1995 we bought BR Standard design 2 EPB [Electro Pneumatic Brake] Unit 5759 which was built at Eastleigh in 1956. It lasted until nearly the end of EPB operation being withdrawn from service on 18th January 1995. Our volunteers are now working at Shepherdswell, its home on the East Kent Railway, to restore 5759 to as near early 1960s condition as practicable.

We are also restoring the first production Kent Coast 4 Cep unit 7105. It is featured on our coffee mugs in its post refurbishment guise as 1537. South West Trains later substituted a 4BEP Buffet car, originally formed in unit 7014, for its trailer second which is the formation in which it was delivered to Shepherdswell in February 2004.

Refurbishment commenced on the fleet in 1975 which involved almost complete interior renewal with contemporary seating, lowered ceilings and fluorescent lighting. Hopper windows were fitted and the guard’s vans were removed from the motor coaches, a single replacement being constructed in the corridor composite trailer. Although in reasonable condition, repair and replacement work is needed and the opportunity to return some original features is being taken when this is carried out; the bogies on the buffet car, for example, have already been changed to the original Commonwealth type.

Along with 7105, in February 2004, S68002 joined its twin S68001 at Shepherdswell from Bournemouth Depot. It is our aim to restore S68002 to as near original condition as possible which will include the fitting of whistles, periscopes and large route indicator numerals. These additions will allow restoration of our fleet into 1950s and early and mid 1960s liveries; covering a significant period of Southern Electric development.

Our units run in passenger service on the EKR albeit mainly diesel hauled. Our intention is to run them under their own power, indeed Motor Luggage Van S68001 already does so using its part Lottery financed traction battery. These MLVs were designed to work on boat trains from Victoria to the Channel ports. They can operate on the third rail or off it on their set of traction batteries. S68001 first operated under it’s own power at the EKR in July 2000 and since then has covered over 60 miles under its own battery power. S68001 can opperate two round trips per day, and operates on some services and special event days. S68002 first operated under its own power at the EKR in March 2004. Please look at the East Kent Railway's timetable for scheduled services which may use either the EPB, CEP and/or MLVs.

Project Aurora is our latest initiative to provide a generator van to supply traction current to 5759, 7105, and/or its own motors. Motor Luggage Van S68008 has been acquired for conversion and arrived at the EKR in September 2007, with repair and restoration work starting immediately. Whilst we would prefer to electrify the line it is not currently viable in terms of cost and the timescale would be protracted.

400Hp Diesel Electric Shunter 09025 previously numbered D 4113 is used to haul our fleet in passenger service. 09025, which is opperated by the EPB Group, arrived from Selhurst Depot on 29^th September 2005. Built in 1962 at Horwich works, D 4113 was introduced to service at 9A Longsight, Manchester and saw service at other locations around the country. See 09025 history page for more information.

Group members receive our magazine ‘EPB’ four times a year and have the chance to help restore and operate electric trains.

If you are interested in Emu trains in particular or just something different in rail preservation, join the organisation that has been operating electric multiple unit trains under their own power since July 2000. You can print off the membership form from the membership page. Join us now and be a part of our Electric Preservation Breakthrough.