The first 465 unit was formally handed over to the outgoing NSE Director Chris Green on 19 December 1991. Introduction into service was slow with only a few public trains operating the stock in advance of advertised services on 26 October 1993. By January 1994 six eight car diagrams were being operated. The early years in service for the class were not without incident. On 25 August 1993 all 465/0s were taken out of service due to traction motor defects. Then on 13 January 1996 whilst shunting in Slade Green depot 465020 parted company with itself when an inter-car coupling fractured. Thereafter all 465/0 and 465/1 units with over 80,000 miles were left running in service but with their connecting doors locked. However ASLEF drivers declared them unsafe to operate in passenger service and the units were withdrawn for ultrasonic testing and returned to service if safe. A nine percent failure rate was found.

photograph by Michael Taylor

115 units had been fitted with sanding gear at Slade Green by May 2001. By this time car numbers had been painted at cantrail level (in addition to the existing position) to all but a few units. In 2003 465/2 and 466 units started to be fitted with new red & green illuminated interior door buttons, 465229 being first. Also Networkers started being repainted into the Connex/South Eastern Trains' "colourful" white and grey livery. As with the previous Connex white and yellow livery (not carried by Networkers) this involves use of vinyl overlays over a white base coat. 465214 has received a Continental Airlines promotional livery. A recent (2004) modification to some this class has been the fitting of sloping anti-surfing panels to prevent foolhardy children in south east London from riding atop the buffers.

photograph by John Lewis

Long term experience has demonstrated that Classes 465 and 466 are more suited to outer suburban work than inner suburban services. With the introduction of the inner suburban Electrostar class 376 units and the transfer, in early 2004, of the preferred outer suburban class 365 units to Great Northern the opportunity is being taken to cascade some 465/6 units to outer suburban services. This is expected to involve a minor refurbishment, possibly involving installation of some first class accommodation.

photograph by John Lewis

Finally a brief mention should be made of the "Networker Express" project which involved conversion by ABB of the interior of two cars to main line accommodation configuration - the unit then being re-designated 465/3. This proved that a viable long distance unit could be developed from an inner suburban shell that met ninety percent of specification of the alternative, and expensive to develop, completely from new option. This was the genesis of the class 365.

photograph by John Lewis