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The CEP/BEP’s was introduced in 1956 for the Kent Coast electrification project with 6 prototypes delivered. 4 were CEP’s (Corridor EPB) and 2 were BEP’s (Buffet EPB). The formation was MBSO+TCK+TSK+MBSO with the buffet car replacing the TSK on BEP’s. Further CEP’s arrived between 1958 and 1962 all mainly for the Kent Coast except for a few which were allocated to the Central division. In the early 80’s the CEP/BEP’s underwent a midlife refurbishment which comprised of converting the luggage compartments in the MBSO’s and the TSK to a saloon area, converting the TCK to a TBC and having hopper windows installed in place of the standard Mk1 sliding windows. BR also took the opportunity to replace the rather poor Mk3/4 bogies with Commonwealth bogies. 465/466 “Networker” units were introduced in the 90’s which took a lot of CEP/BEP’s out of service. Some of the trailers were used to convert “BIG” units to “CIG” units by exchanging the buffet car for a standard CEP trailer whilst others found homes on Class 207 DEMU’s to improve capacity. Connex South Eastern also removed trailer cars off some CEP’s and operated them as 3 car to improve performance, something which they managed to do despite the years stacking up.
At the moment just 3 CEP’s remain in service.......
South Eastern Trains - 411687/8/9
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