By the early-1970s only 18 sets remained in use, reduction in demand on the service resulting in years of storage for the first seven sets from the late 1960s onwards (65436-65442; 77157-77163). Additionally Driving Trailer 77164 was transferred in 1970 to the Tilbury lines of the Eastern Region to replace car 75292 in 302244, which had been written off in an accident. Its running mate 65443 was thereafter a spare car at Bury depot. 65436 and 65437 were for a time used as the depot shunting set, they had some front wiring and internal fittings removed, were repainted in plain blue with yellow ends and was known locally for its speed and power over a normal power-trailer set.