Electrostar Upgrade (Inside Selhurst Depot)

Electrostar trains on Southern are halfway through being upgraded through the GTR Electrostar 'Aurora' programme and there was an invited to go down and see the work in progress, which also meant having a good reason to have a general look around inside Selhurt Depot too! A place I'd not been to since an open day back in the 1980's ...
Editor: Craig Fox

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

As a small child we used to visit the Selhurst Depot on Boxing Day and travel in the driving cab through the washer. Very exciting.😊

[@uingaeoc3905]

You kept the windows closed I trust!

[@teddyok]

Same man

[@YouFeelWheel]

I wanna do this how do I get in on it please?

[@stephendanielnz]

The number train companies that recognise the work that Geoff does is amazing

[@thecockerel86]

The electrostar is the smoothest and most comfortable commuter train in London and the Southeast. I go past the Selhurst depot most days so it's nice to see it featured here.

[@rich_rich90]

Given these units are circa 20 years old, they STILL feel relatively modern & fresh. Also Geoff walking past the 171s & not realising they're all now 3 coaches :D

[@livinglifeform7974]

They feel very new compared to most of the other non thameslink trains you see imo

[@TheTrainiac377]

Yeah I was on a 171 quite recently, 3 cars, nothing else is different but those trains are already nice enough

[@ashleyjiscool]

I was on a 4 car in September 22 so I guess I was lucky

[@TheTrainiac377]

I’ve seen 4 cars back in september, but anyone seen a 6 car 171 down around Eastbourne

[@vocalist92]

A year ago, I discovered Geoff's channel when I was researching for a job interview. Today, at said job, I now support sites like Selhurst. It's almost came full circle now

[@kevinjacobs2730]

Selhurst depot was once a football ground called “The Nest” home to Croydon Common FC originally, then after they went bankrupt Crystal Palace moved in until Selhurst Park was acquired in 1924.

[@lauram7385]

It's nice that you give them recognition for their hard work.

[@Ron_TTE]

GTR clearly pays him to come and advertise it and talk about it

[@brickleyyard4966]

Good to see the 377 and 387 will be around for some years to come

[@fuzzynutter8344]

Great insight in to what goes on behind the scenes to keep trains running, safe and looking fresh. Seems the Electrostar will be providing many more years of service too which is a testament to the Turbostar/Electrostar family.

[@DC4260Productions]

When I was doing research for a video about the old Class 487 (Waterloo and City) units, I found out they were often sent to Selhurst for maintenance in the 1980s.

[@MatthewK421]

I’m pretty sure it was Eastleigh depot

[@704commentkan]

@@MatthewK421 true

[@ModelRailway]

Very interesting! I used to live next to Selhurst Depot … they used to like testing the horns at random times! 😂 I can remember when the Thameslink shed was built (with the unusual coloured stripes) and when they originally spelt the depot name wrong with the giant letters on the side of the shed before swiftly correcting!! A neighbour used to be a depot shunter and he showed us Norwood stabling point a few times with classic 33’s, 73’s and 09’s stabled there … happy memories! Great to see the depot still thriving 👍

[@genericfootyfan]

Selhurst depo is much bigger than I imagined, thanks Geoff.

[@coolsoap8]

You're very fortunate to be able to do this, but also very deserving. Loving the content 👍

[@CdPerth]

Love the electrostars so glad to see they're getting an upgrade and will be around for a while yet. My great-grandfather was also a fireman based out of Selhurst/Norwood back in WW2, so definitely have a soft spot for the history of Southern and it's route. Cheers for this Geoff.

[@nicholasperry2380]

Great content Thank You. About the 'incident' cameras I'm rather surprised that they aren't already fitted. I know several drivers who have been interviewed after an event and cameras would have reduced the impact hugely. Great to see some refurbishment and upgrades being done too.

[@skoodledoo]

As a 378 driver, had no idea 377s don't have forward facing cameras. Interesting placement though, ours are up high just hanging down from the top of the window on the secondmans side. Driver side makes more sense.

[@SomeGuy-lw2po]

Those are track debris cameras and these units are also having them fitted.

[@Dammy_yt]

omg i managed to go to selhurst depot earlier this year for work experience and it was an amazing time seeing the behind the scenes of the southern service and actually brought my love for trains

[@AbsoluteTVYT]

There's quite a few interesting things behind the scenes not shown here. For example, the DMIs have been upgraded as part of the refurb, with higher resolution displays for the front/rear of the train and the interior passenger information system displays, too. The PIS itself, I think, has also been upgraded to a later software version with either new or higher quality recordings to boot, and the entire speaker system fully replaced to allow automated announcements to be louder and clearer. I think most of these upgrades are a straight-swap from the 377 to the 387 units' parts as (as far as I'm aware) they're heavily interoperable in terms of components. The on-train WiFi connectivity is shared with the displays in the carriages to allow for future live info, such as connecting trains when you're approaching a station, and so on. Overall, it's a huge quality of life overhaul for the 377 fleet!

[@PrograError]

i wonder are they gonna 5G the inside too... the carriage is kind of a faraday cage for 5G as it is I believe... it certainly won't harm for a repeater on board the train... (tho inb4 the crazies be touching the trains like the towers...)

[@AbsoluteTVYT]

@@PrograError Southern and Thameslink are fine in terms of mobile phone reception. The major TOC with such an issue is CrossCountry.

[@davidcronan4072]

There is an article in this month's "Modern Railways" by Ian Walmsley who also visited the depot to see the stock upgrade.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Perfect video. Very interesting and informative. More please Geoff. 👏👏👍😀

[@samsungw200]

Love these behind the scenes videos cheers Geoff, good to see what goes on.

[@jonathanbutson1385]

i was at a Selhurst opn day in about 1984, you must be a similar "classic" vintage to me. Thanks for the excellent vids.

[@geoffansell3268]

nearly got an apprenticeship there with British Rail when I left school (many moons ago). In a way, glad it never happened, would have meant commuting from Brighton.......

[@QuantumLeclerc]

Honestly, watching the people in the depot that Geoff interviews, you can clearly tell that they are fond of the job they do.

[@foogly1129]

geoff you are a legend mate

[@1313ealmonte]

Great information. Great insight. Can wait to see them

[@parttimespotter2027]

I worked in there. Busy, noisy and the shop floor lads are great

[@oliver.6102]

Great video, really interesting - thanks for posting Geoff!

[@MrRobbo1968]

As a child visiting my nan in Thornton heath in the 1980s, I remember going to Selhurst depot with my cousin and had a look around the depot and pits. All slam door BR blue stock.

[@hurstinator]

Selhurst open days. Managed to find a source which dates the selhurst open day as 21st Sept 1980 or 18th June 1978. There is an album on flickr of the 1980 open day. The was 4subs, 4epbs, 4cep, class 117, class 33 and a class 508.

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Thank you for the video Geoff that was very interesting.

[@johnstilljohn3181]

Hey Geoff, that's amazing...! I used to work at Selhurst depot doing the C6 refurbs on old slam door units and class 455's when they were still fairly new. The shed I was in was called the Paint Shop - that's demolished now...

[@saltleywsc]

Another superb video !! have a great Christmas Geoff !

[@AaronD_]

Hope you're having a good day Geoff, merry christmas to you!

[@biggestelk]

I remember visiting the depot back in the 80's too! 🙂

[@Sean-D78]

That's good to hear!

[@andrew_smith]

My Dad took me to a Selhurst open day, must have been late '70s. I remember we climbed up into the cab and set off the horn. Great day.

[@travelswithjess]

Very interesting video Geoff!

[@jsma9999]

love Forward Facing camera's you get all great View of Track. GTR Electrostar 'Aurora' look great

[@nolimit7]

I remember when I met you at barking station and you wanted to know what was on my trolley LOL and then 2 weeks after I see you walking round my workshop. This is a good video I can send to my family and friends about what its like in a train depot as I always get asked a lot of questions about it.

[@edwardhudson9851]

Retired ex pat following from Edmonton Canada, thanks for this mate,I did a few jobs at this depot when I was a member of the "S&T" aka signals & telecomms dept as was.I was a member of the T side :0)

[@TheScottishvlogger888]

I loved that thanks. Geoff

[@highbury1972]

Thanks for posting this Geoff. I used to commute from Brighton-Selhurst/Norwood junction and I’d always gaze at the depot trackside on my train. I believe the depot still has its BR logo on its main shed visible from the train.

[@SouthernRex]

brilliant video!

[@passiveagressive6365]

Wow has it been 20 years already😮

[@zachmakesstuff9866]

Manifesting they get rid of the 3 +2 seating, it’s so impractical when moving and means there’s less standing capacity

[@jonasrosengren9093]

Electrostar rules the world! Very good Traction & (partly) TCMS

[@Brightonomicon]

This was my Grandad's depot. After WW2 he became a railwayman, later on a linesman based out of Selhurst in the 60s/70s. I used to live only a mile away, but never had a chance to visit the site. I'd love to go see it in person and see where he used to work. Sadly he passed away in 1978 when I was only 4, so I never got to hear his stories or ask him about the railways.

[@eastlancsesteem]

Good to know that they upgrade their trains.

[@zombieman81]

Nice to see the 377/1's starting to get the "love" that the 377/4's have enjoyed. By far my favourite trains to get into London from the south.

[@shaneD7378]

I wish they would do away with the awful ironing board seats great video as always It would be amazing if more depots had open days I whent to the TL three Bridges depo open day a few years back it was a great experience

[@jacobporrett]

Looks good fun Geoff

[@timothyleberl1202]

Excellent video as always Geoff. Also all the Southeastern 375s are being upgraded to with only just power sockets and USBs, Merry Christmas to you, can't wait to see more brilliant content in 2023! 😁

[@noahstrainadventures3031]

Thanks really appreciate

[@philipbrailey]

Merry Christmas Geoff from Australia 🇦🇺 🌲🌲🌲

[@mortenpoulsen1496]

Yay. Geoff is on the tube

[@Jimyjames73]

W😮W - What an amazing place Geoff - Thanks for sharing 🙂😎🚂🚂🚂

[@C.I...]

I cannot stress enough how much I didn't ask for big screens blasting me at full brightness with a) things that could be on a scrolling LED thing, or b) ads.

[@dennismoore2300]

I am old enough to remember when steam locomotives operated in this area. Contrary to what was stated at least twice in this video, Selhurst - as such - was NEVER a steam locomotive depot. The nearest steam shed was at Norwood Junction about a mile away. This closed to steam operation in 1964, although it remained open to stable diesels (mainline and hunters) and electro-diesels for some time thereafter.

[@michellebell5092]

Ooh , you were on a train to Sutton at the end. 377s are my trains and I like them. I look forward to riding in a refurbished unit . , by the way, Happy Christmas Geoff . 🎄

[@pinza55007]

That was interesting. Liked. 👌

[@paulknight5018]

That'll be a new hard hat never used before as you still have the plastic bit attached where the label goes Geoff!

[@alphabetaxenonzzzcat]

I wondered what happened to these trains, as all I ever see are the high speed trains on the lines back to Kent these days. These trains were a big step up from the old slam door stock. It's good they are getting an upgrade.

[@juliushardware7760]

Hi Geoff, just realised I haven't commented in a while, so I wanted to quickly tell you to keep up the great work and don't stop inspiring people. (Also this project is very exiting)!

[@owenbuddery3441]

I know the class 377s would run between London or Brighton to Hastings Ore Lewes Littlehampton Portsmouth Harbour or Southampton Central services

[@jonathanbailey2552]

Can't wait till these refurbished trains come back in service

[@Jensen685]

Geoff Your Videos Never disappoint me

[@awild10]

We've started getting the refurbished units on the Arun Valley line and it is useful having the phone and laptop charging points. Didn't realise quite how extensive a refresh it was so thanks for sharing.

[@tajulislam1522]

I may have been in one of thoses "refreshed" trains but didn't even notice as the differences are so unnoticable. Now I know, the ones with the colour screens, are the overhauled units. It's also a pity that they didn't get rid of the 3+2 layout, as it just makes it incredibly difficult to walk through the aisle. The worst part is, 3+2 layout doesn't solve the problem of over-crowdedness and it's because, you'll still have those selfish users who think, the priority to putting their bags on an empty seat is far greater than that of a fellow paying passenger.

[@andrewbrown6786]

Sadly, the 3+2 seating is a requirement of franchise as defined by DfT. They are required to have the same number of seats as the slam doors they replaced 🙁

[@DavidShepheard]

Very nice video. I would have liked it if they could have gotten you on a non-upgraded 377 train and a fully-upgraded 377 train, so that you could have edited some before and after pictures, into the video.

[@Rivenworld]

I was based here 17 years ago, nice people there...

[@trainspotter800]

Yesss

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

Awesome video Geoff. 377/5s from Southeastern will go to Southern

[@LokiAvivson]

When will the Southeastern 377/5s go to Southern? And what routes will they operate on? Because I always see 4-car 377/2s on the West London line between Watford Junction and East Croydon

[@PGATProductions]

@@LokiAvivson they're not coming anymore

[@paulpenfold2352]

I always thought Crystal Palace played at the site, at what was called The Nest, until they moved up the hill in 1928 or 1929. So it can't be over a hundred years old.

[@JamesRantell]

Used to travel to Selhurst daily for school, always wondered what goes on in the depo

[@LeoStarrenburg]

Those safety hats remind me of the old BR caps, the ones they had when the grease tops were phased out.

[@6toeNL]

They look uncomfortable. Especially during summer...

[@caw25sha]

I thought they look like jockey hats. Not so colourful though.

[@PaulBooth3440]

@PropNoise they are surprisingly comfortable, especially the light weight one that Geoff was given in the video 😁

[@paulgilbert9346]

I am just old enough to remember when Selhurst still had steam locos and a large marshalling yard.

[@bb-3653]

I love 377s , I didn't even notice they were getting a refresh at all. It also means likely the motors and systems will get refreshed too so they don't get all dodgy and can perform effectively as if they were new I assume..

[@colinrainsbury730]

I went there for an apprenticeship position in the 1970's but the folks didn't like it looking back I should have done it

[@Mainline421]

Same moquette, interesting choice.

[@ElectroRail]

YAY!

[@tonywallow964]

Nice👍🎄

[@networkerfan]

5:56 love the Olivia Rodrigo reference Geoff

[@bluegruntfuttock]

Great to see, but all those USB A sockets, gonna need replacing sooner rather than later with USB C. Yes people will still have USB A for a while, but it's not very forward thinking

[@caw25sha]

Geoff should visit North Pole Depot. Apparently it's pretty busy this time of year.

[@jonathanbutson1385]

LOL!🤣

[@markcf83]

Boom boom.

[@darrengomes2203]

I was wondering when their half-life refurb was due. Good to hear the seat moquettes will be replaced, they absolutely stink of old sweat in Summer!

[@bjoernaltmann]

The seats in the older versions were very comfy, now as on the Thameslink trains hard as a board.

[@commonsense3482]

Looks interesting surprised LED interior display not replaced with the TV screen style displays used on Thameslink

[@stuartkinnear2478]

There was talk of a plan to get some more Electrostars for the Gautrain network here in South Africa around 2019 or so. The pandemic put paid to that sadly. The interiors of those trains are very similar to the ones on the Gautrain network - though I don't think our Electrostars have all the bells and whistles.

[@Trainman10715]

i doubt that would have happened anyway, bombardier discontinued the electrostar in 2017, the final unit being a class 387 for GWR. their successor is the aventra

[@stuartkinnear2478]

@@Trainman10715 Yes. As I understand it they were looking at buying some used units - not new.

[@goatgamer001]

now electrostar is gonna be a star!

[@trevormstone]

Great to see SU depot! I started at Selhurst as a BR apprentice in 1986, when there was an Engineering Apprentice Training School on site. Have visited many times since in my job and know the depot very well. Here's a question for you (which I know the answer to): Why are the sidings next to the repair shop, which you visited, known as the AC sidings?

[@Uk_trains-lq4lw]

Good video mate shame there’s no 455s left

[@klaustheklengonian2892]

were your videos alway in 720p or in 1080p at some point? Enjoying the content and have a good one!

[@jaycollins6824]

I still miss the Class 455s, I can’t believe they’re dead now.

[@riddypr]

South Western Railway still uses them (though they do have moderately different seating plans)

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’d like to know more about the Open Day you went to.

[@TheSlinq]

I've always wondered why the class 377 have those dual headlights that are always lit differently on each side- kinda looks like a car with a headlight bulb out?

[@Trainman10715]

most trains in the uk have this, especially those introduced from 1980 to 2015. standard procedure is that the drivers side headlight is for night time, and the second mans side headlight is for daytime

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

Electro stars were the first trains I took in the UK

[@ye_mother]

Yessir selhurt

[@ye_mother]

Yes no s as you might see somewhere on the picture of vid

[@PokhrajRoy.]

2:00 It reminds me of the depot in ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’.

[@nigeljones3972]

Surprised they have not changed the moquette.