Class 456: The final week at SWR

The start of 2022 saw the withdrawal of South Western Railway's 24 Class 456's from service. They are intended to be replaced by brand new Class 701's, but despite none of the 701's entering service yet due to continuous issues, a reduced timetable due to the impacts of the Omicron wave of COVID-19 and reduced capacity meant that SWR could withdraw the 456's earlier than planned on 17th January 2022. Units which required overhauls were gradually stood down from service and in the last week in service, just six units remained in service. It is highly unlikely, unless there is a mass return of commuters to the railway as offices start to reopen, that the Class 456's will ever carry passengers again and are likely to be scrapped in the near future.
I took a trip on the 456's for the final time on Tuesday 11th January, with this video featuring two of the final three pairs left in service, 456011/456009, and 456021/456013 with onboard footage from both units.
The 456's will always hold fond memories for me, having experienced these units while they were with Southern and then with South West Trains. They will be greatly missed, but at least the 455's still have a year or two left in service!
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[@Andrewjg_89]

Rest in Peace Class 456. 😢