Network SouthEast
a vision for rail travel
On June 10, 1986, Network SouthEast (NSE) made its grand debut at Waterloo Station, marking a bold new chapter for rail travel in the region. It brought together routes from Exeter and Weymouth in the West to King’s Lynn in the North, uniting all lines in and around London and the South East.
The NSE promise:
- Better services
- Greater reliability
- A focus on passengers’ needs
- A revitalised railway experience
- Building confidence, convenience
- Driving economic growth for the South East
- Putting passengers and communities first
The legacy of NSE is more than just infrastructure – it’s the foundation of a railway that keeps delivering. By combining forward-thinking investment with timeless engineering, NSE set a standard that continues to shape rail travel in the South East and beyond.
Network SouthEast Friends:
preserving the legacy
Founded in 2002, NSE Friends is an enthusiastic charity committed to celebrating, protecting and preserving the rich story of Network SouthEast (NSE). Our members are dedicated to sharing memories and safeguarding the artefacts, memorabilia, and essence of a transformative period in railway history.
From iconic station furniture to the distinctive click-clack clocks and electro-mechanical Solari flap destination indicators, we’ve curated a priceless collection of items synonymous with the NSE era. Our archive includes thousands of posters, leaflets and other materials, ensuring the legacy lives on for future generations. Stored in climate-controlled environments, these items remain in pristine condition, preserving a tangible connection to the past.
The jewel in our crown: Class 421/3 Unit 1753
One of our most prized possessions is the complete 4-coach slam-door electric multiple unit 1753, a shining example of mid-20th-century railway engineering. Lovingly restored with NSE livery, it will be returning to the rails, making its rounds on preserved railways and showcasing the history of British rail to future generations. It’s a monument in motion to the golden era of NSE – and you can be part of its resurrection.
Get in touch to find out more.
Interested in becoming a member?
Send us your name and email address and we’ll get back to you with details of how to join the Friends of Network South East, email: julie@friendsofnetworksoutheast.org
