The LNER designed Class 306 units were introduced in 1949 for London suburban services and originally used the 1500V DC system, being converted to 25kV AC operation in the early 1960s. The class was withdrawn in the 1980s, with one unit escaping the cutter's torch. In an approximation of the original green livery, preserved 306017 (with DMSO E65217 leading) rounds the sharp curve from Witham station on the Braintree branch with the 13:28 Witham to Braintree service on 4 October 1998. The use of this vintage train on this particular Sunday was to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Braintree line which was constructed by the Eastern Counties Railway.