The Network SouthEast sector of British Rail began the planning for the development of the Class 465 Networker in 1988, and invited a tender for 710 of the units to be built. The Class 465 was introduced in order to replace the 41-year-old Class 415 slam-door EMUs. The first was delivered in December 1991 and the last in April 1995. As part of the privatisation of British Rail, the 97 465/0 and 465/1s were sold to Eversholt Rail Group and the 50 Class 465/2s to Angel Trains. All trains were originally supplied in Network SouthEast livery and branded "Kent Links Networker". They are mostly used on suburban routes out of London Victoria, Charing Cross, Blackfriars and Cannon Street to destinations in South London and Kent.
Two manufacturers
Both manufacturers' units look similar in design; the major differences are the lack of aircraft-style overhead air vents on those produced by Metro-Cammell, and the BREL and ABB units also feature slightly different dot matrix displays on the front and rear of the train to show the route number and destination, they also have different traction motors with the BREL units having Brush Traction motors whilst the Metro Cammell units have their own traction motors. There are other minor differences in door switches and audible chimes, window shapes and exterior panelling. The maximum speed of a Class 465 Networker is and they are designed only for 750 V DCthird rail operation. A Solid State Traction Converter package controls 3-phase AC Traction motors, which allows for Rheostatic or Regenerative Dynamic braking. Primary braking system is electro-pneumatically actuated disc brakes, which is blended with the Dynamic brakes. Tachometers on every axle of the unit provide for Wheel Slip/Slide Protection.
Traction equipment replacement
Plans were drawn up in 2007 to improve reliability of the BREL and ABB units by the installation of new traction equipment. The new package was developed by Hitachi Rail. It was retrofitted across all 97 465/0 and 465/1s trains over the course of 2009/2010. Brush Traction, the supplier/manufacturer of the original traction equipment, worked as consultants to assist in retro-fitting the new equipment.
Refurbishment
In 2005, the first 34 465/2 units were given an extensive refurbishment at Doncaster Works. This included new interior panelling, new flooring, new lighting, new seat moquette and the addition of a new first class seating area at the front and rear of the units, amongst other changes. This was done to allow them to be transferred to outer-suburban routes alongside the Class 375s. They would be replaced on inner suburban services by Class 376s. They were reclassified as a separate sub-fleet designated 465/9 and replaced the remaining Class 423 slam-door stock. The last in Network SouthEast livery was repainted in September 2007. Between 2010 and 2012, all Class 465/0 and 465/1s had an overhaul by RailCare of door systems, air systems, couplings and trailer bogies.
Accidents and incidents
On 2 March 2018, Class 465 units formed some of the trains that became stranded in the area due to inclement weather affecting conductor rails. Units 465003 and 465164 were amongst the nine involved.
