Thought it was all over? The Class 707’s reign on SWR had ended and the units would in future be admired by enthusiasts as South Eastern City Beam units…
Not so fast! The final 707 to work on SWR (024/030) has again been making the rounds, no doubt due to a need to fill in gaps where stock shortages might occur. The units have been debranded but are still based at Wimbledon so why not make good use of them? Some were sceptical the 707s were being used in service but there’s proof its happening and train drivers, guards and platform dispatchers are chuffed too!
Class 707 024/030 have been observed on Dorking, Hampton Court, Shepperton and Windsor Riverside services. Apparently they’ll be seen on SWR services until April 2024!!!
Huh?
— Ali Groves Trains 🇬🇧 🇴🇲 (@AliTrains) November 4, 2023
I thought she went to Southeastern so I have a feeling this service is most likely being operated with a Class 458/5 not a Class 707. pic.twitter.com/ZahIDSgQgu
As the thread shows it was indeed the Class 707!
Unbranded 707030 & 707024 platform 23 Waterloo having worked 2U16 0751 Windsor & ER – Waterloo this morning. pic.twitter.com/6RnERSLxd0
— Ashley Barras (@Ashleyb56Ashley) November 9, 2023
Well um this is a thing!
— EthanAfro 🌈 (@EthanAfro) November 15, 2023
707024 & 707030 are taking me for a full line run down to Windsor & Eton Riverside! pic.twitter.com/srIPjjeDKJ
📍Windsor & Eton Riverside
— EthanAfro 🌈 (@EthanAfro) November 15, 2023
707030 & 707024 now load up to make the return journey back to London Waterloo. I myself will be on the units as far as Wraysbury pic.twitter.com/dix2Mg3jMH
📍 Clapham Junction
— EthanAfro 🌈 (@EthanAfro) November 16, 2023
Wallet aquirred, few additional miles on a 444 done, and unexpectedly bumped into 707024 & 707030 heading for Hampton Court so now on these to New Malden! pic.twitter.com/7NCW4SoLEp
70707070707070707
— typicaldullname (@C465_networker) November 16, 2023
Nice to know they're staying for a bit longer pic.twitter.com/iz3aLGpw4E
Shift 4/5✅ I got the chance to dispatch 707 024 and 707 030. I’ve said this many times but the 707s look better in red!
— Train Dispatcher Sam (@Sam82767021) November 16, 2023
I also got the chance to dispatch @islingtonscot and @cstaggs632 a few times today aswell. Sadly @MJennings2352 was hiding away on the Windsor side😂 pic.twitter.com/DH8pR7b7T3
Phone had to go back on briefly; look what I’ve got!!! pic.twitter.com/6pTwvFc5NK
— Driver H. Potter (@DriverPotter) November 16, 2023
As they’re kicking about, it was rude not to.
— Simon Kendler (@SimonZev) November 17, 2023
Probably my last time on a pair of 707s on SWR before this last pair switch to SE#TrainLife #TrainTravel pic.twitter.com/6OpU1GVLPK
Working the 0025 to Dorking with these lovelies!! pic.twitter.com/axg6Fnf8KI
— Kieran (@KieOshea) November 17, 2023
Some 707 news for you all! 707 024 and 707 030 stay with SWR until April 24th.
— Train Dispatcher Sam (@Sam82767021) November 17, 2023
They **maybe** a second pair that to be brought back into service aswell👀
**blows raspberry’s at a certain TOC**😂
I told you they will always look better in red😉 pic.twitter.com/Z1CF08LDCd
SouthEastern’s MD Steve White says: Nice picture. There won’t be a second pair rejoining SWR. All other 707s are now modified and in use on SE. April is the latest return date for the last pair to transfer over. Enjoy while you can! (Twitter/X).
As some point out the caveat is should the 701s enter service before April 2024, then 707 024/030 will likely go over to SE earlier. ATM it seems not even one 701 will be in service with SWR this year (2023). The 701s continue to be under evaluation with no sign of any definite date into service..
