Mention should be given fifteen 2 car BR standard design EMUs built in 1954/5 that were inherited by the Southern Region in 1963 after the Newcastle to South Shields line was de-electrified. These were classified as 2-EPBs and whilst being similar to the 1957 2-EPB units for BR(S) they were distinguished by considerably larger guards vans in their motor coaches so reducing seating capacity by ten seats. They also had shallower roller blind windows compared with their southern counterparts and a slightly greater roof overhang over their cab ends.

Under BR TOPS 4-EPBs became class 415 with sub class /1 being the SR designed units and /2 the BR design units. Similarly the 2-EPBs became class 416 with the same sub class distinctions. When introduced the EPBs wore the smart BR(S) EMU green livery. In the 1960s they succumbed to the BR corporate blue image - being suburban units they were initially overall blue. This looked smart and had a very pleasing deep lustre when new and clean but this colour scheme weathered dreadfully. The EPB stock (excepting those units fitted with large amounts of blue asbestos which were withdrawn) started being refurbished in 1980 and these were renumbered and outshopped in blue and grey. There were reformations of units throughout this process. Whilst the main line livery did not fit the class particularly comfortably it reduced the impact of weathering.

From May 1985 facelifted 2-EPBs fitted with window bars were deployed to work the North London Line after it had been converted to third rail only operation. Following the murder of a young lady in an EPB compartment in March 1988 EPB units were again reformed to concentrate all compartment stock in a limited number of units. Known to the SE Division as 4 Com units this designation only appeared on documentation and not on the units, although compartment stock was denoted by a red strip at cantrail level, the first use of such colour coding for non-catering use. Such units were diagrammed not to be used after 8 pm, although they were used to maintain service if no other stock was available. Compartment EPB stock was finally withdrawn by December 1991.

In November 1990 4-EPB 5001 was reformed and painted into green and deployed as a "celebrity" unit in addition to its everyday usage. EPBs continued to be withdrawn over an extended period. By October 1994 only seven SR design EPBs remained although a number were kept in store for at least six months after the final EPB had been withdrawn. BR design 4-EPBs were the last to remain in service, the last working being on 31 March 1995. The EPBs served an unglamorous life plying the suburbs and serving commuters well - if not exactly in great comfort.

As many an SREmG member has discovered whilst constructing the DC Kits 2/4-EPB kits getting the underframe and bogie detail accurate is an absolute nightmare since there were many variations within the EPB build.  Indeed knowing and understanding what was fitted to a particular batch is a major topic in itself which will not be covered here other than to advise that careful research is needed to get such details right. SREmG members are now fortunate that as a result of many a complex discussion over this topic they now have access to photo studies by SREmG member Mark Brinton illustrating the details under 1951 and 1957 EPB stock.  For public consumption there follows a series of photographs illustrating various details.