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Hornby R30469

Class 423 - 4 VEP - 3417 'Gordon Pettitt' - Train Pack

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI/AI images rather than photographs

Prototype Era
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

The Class 423 ‘4-VEP’ was once a common sight across the Southern Region third rail network, from the 1960s right through to the early 2000s when they were withdrawn. But now, thanks to the tireless work of the Southern Electric Traction Group, passengers are once again able to travel upon one of these slam door icons, No. 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ in BR Blue, which is the vehicle depicted on our latest highly detailed OO Gauge 4-VEP release.

Model Specification:

• Exquisitely detailed model of 4-VEP 4-car EMU
• Faithful replication of No.3417 in its current condition
• Heavy diecast chassis on powered car for improved running characteristics
• Based on enhanced tooling suite which improves the shape and positioning of the roof vents, nose end corridor gangways, windscreen wipers and jumper cables
• 3-pole motor driving two axles on the powered MBSO car
• Accessory pack with acoustic speaker chamber, detailing parts and spare couplings
• Minimum 2nd radius

Electronics:

• 21-pin DCC decoder socket compatible with HM7000 system
• Space in motor car for speaker and HM7070 power bank capacitor
• Features redesigned power coupler between coaches
• Touch-activated directional lighting to turn on and off.

Livery:

• Retro BR Blue with small yellow panels
• Numerous printed logos and warning stickers
• Painted interior seating
• Accurate colours and fonts
• Era 11

History

The 4-VEP EMUs were introduced in 1967, for use on south London suburban services and rural routes in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire. One of 194 units built at BREL York, set No. 7714 entered service in 1967. Becoming Class 423 under TOPS, the unit was renumbered 3017 in the 1980s. Following refurbishment in the early 1990s, the units were all renumbered, this one becoming No. 3417. 

After privatisation of BR, the set became part of South West Trains. Upon retirement, it was sold to a group at the Bluebell Railway and, since 2009, has been overhauled and returned to BR blue, named ‘Gordon Pettitt’ and registered for operation on the main line.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Hornby Class 423 – 4 VEP – 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ train pack is an OO gauge model representing a British Rail Class 423 four‑car electric multiple unit. The model is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket and is built to the OO gauge standard. It has a length of 1 068 mm, a minimum curve radius of 2nd radius (438 mm) and uses NEM couplings and plastic buffers.

The model replicates unit number 3417, later named ‘Gordon Pettitt’, in its BR Blue livery as it appeared after refurbishment in the early 1990s. The repaint includes accurate colours, printed logos, warning stickers and painted interior seating. The livery conforms to the era‑11 specification for British Rail.

Technical features include a heavy die‑cast chassis on the powered motor‑car, a three‑pole motor driving two axles, and a redesigned power coupler between coaches. An accessory pack provides an acoustic speaker chamber, detailing parts and spare couplings, and space in the motor car for a speaker and HM7070 power‑bank capacitor. Lighting is touch‑activated for directional illumination.

The real Class 423 units were introduced in 1967 for suburban services on the Southern Region and were withdrawn in the early 2000s. Unit 3417 entered service as number 7714, was renumbered 3017 in the 1980s and became 3417 after early‑1990s refurbishment. After privatisation it operated with South West Trains, was later sold to the Bluebell Railway, and has been overhauled and returned to main‑line operation in BR Blue since 2009 under the name ‘Gordon Pettitt’.