Rarely modelled, but part of the railway scene now for almost 50 years, the British Rail ‘PEP’ family of EMUs is now reaching the end of its service life. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES takes a look at the interesting history of this group of influential but often overlooked trains.
Towards the end of the 1960s, British Rail took a close look at its electric suburban services, which were at that time predominantly operated by slam-door compartment stock, the design of which went back many years. Passengers were increasingly demanding more comfortable travelling conditions and the elimination of individual compartments with their attendant safety issues.
As a result, the British Railways Board asked its designers to come up with a proposal for a new generation of train primarily for use on the Southern Region but which would be suitable for more widespread deployment if required.
Above: BR Southern Region experimental 4-PEP Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) 4001 and 4002 sweep into Clapham Junction station with a Shepperton to Waterloo via Wimbledon service in the mid-1970s. Note the aluminium driving car from 2-PEP unit 2001 formed at the rear of 4001. Rail-Online.
This resulted in a mock-up appearing at Doncaster which contained many of the f…
