Revised Engineering Prototype (EP) samples of Hornby’s ‘OO’ gauge Class 423 4-VEP Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) have been received by the company’s development team for assessment.
First introduced in 1967, initially for use on British Rail Southern Region’s newly-electrified London Waterloo to Bournemouth services, they were designed to cater for high volumes of commuter traffic with passenger doors to each seating bay within the four-car sets. Further units were introduced to routes across the Southern Region third-rail electrified network.
Hornby’s Class 423 four-car EMU first appeared more than a decade ago and has been out of production for several years, but is set to return to the range following amendments to the original tooling.
The revitalised 4-VEP will incorporate tooling revisions to its front end appearance including improvements to the cab window profile, corridor connections, windscreen wipers and roof vents. In addition, the model is also set to benefit from new inter-vehicle electrical connections – which in turn will offer closer coupling – plus, a new 21-pin Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder socket.
Further enhancements include an all-new diecast chassis for the Motor Brake Second Open (MBSO) vehicle, removal of traction tyres and an improved motor bogie which is set to be relocated to the guard’s van/revised seating saloon area (according to prototype) of the MBSO.
Two new 4-VEP units have been included in the 2022 catalogue, finished as unique-liveried 3514 in Govia Southern green (R30106) and 3455 in South West Trains livery (R30107).
Priced at £362.99 each, release is anticipated later this year.
Visit www.hornby.com for more information.
