High Density PEP stock on Southern Region
Other work included the acceptance testing of the prototype High Density Stock in summer 1971. Known as the PEP stock (Prototype-Electro-Pneumatic brake) the trains were tested on the Southern Region between Farnham and Alton. These were the forerunners of the modern EMU and DMU varieties and there were three sets, two four cars in BR Blue (numbered 4001 and 4002) and a 2 car finished in brushed aluminium (numbered 2001). We were involved with a great deal of testing on these units and were based at Wimbledon Depot for a while and I remember that we used to lunch at the Woodman pub on Durnsford Road each day. In those pre-Drugs and Alcohol days a pie and a pint was the norm. I remember testing the trains between Alton and Farnham and staying in the Blue Boy Hotel which was near the station at Farnham. Click on the pictures for a bigger image |
The trains were novel in that they were the first in the UK having power-operated doors. To ensure the public were aware of this departure from previous practice there was an extensive trial period and educational leaflets were issued by Southern Region. The doors were not controlled by pushbuttons as later doors were but the passengers pushed the handle to initiate the powered opening operation. They were closed remotely by the guard. |
The front and rear of the
leaflet
Author's collection |
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The inside pages
Author's collection |
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An insert was provided giving more information about the door operation Author's collection |
The Southern Electric E-Group have a couple of pages here with a number of photographs of the PEP stock and there is a short BR promotional film on YouTube here I also recommend www.BloodandCustard.com for more information about PEP stock and what happened to the vehicles |