BR Class 423 (4 VEP) 4 Car EMU 3417 Gordon Pettitt BR Blue

BR Class 423 (4 VEP) 4 Car EMU 3417 Gordon Pettitt BR Blue

1:76 scale model produced by Hornby. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Details

Relive the golden age of Southern Region electric traction with the Hornby Class 423 '4-VEP' No. 3417 'Gordon Pettitt', a beautifully detailed OO gauge 4-car electric multiple unit finished in preserved BR Blue livery with small yellow warning panels. Representing one of Britain's most recognisable slam-door EMUs, this highly detailed model captures the appearance of the preserved main line-certified unit operated by the Southern Electric Traction Group.

Once a familiar sight across the Southern Region third-rail network, the Class 423 served commuters and regional passengers for more than three decades. Hornby's latest release faithfully recreates preserved unit No. 3417 'Gordon Pettitt' in its current condition, incorporating enhanced tooling and fine detailing throughout for maximum realism.

Designed for both collectors and operators, this impressive four-car unit features a powered motor coach with a heavy die-cast chassis, directional lighting, DCC readiness, and a wealth of accurately reproduced exterior and interior details. It is an essential addition for enthusiasts modelling modern Southern Region operations or preserved railway scenes.

This four-car electric multiple unit benefits from an enhanced tooling suite that improves several key external features, including roof vent positioning, corridor gangways, windscreen wipers and jumper cable details. The powered MBSO vehicle is equipped with a 3-pole motor driving two axles and a heavy die-cast chassis to provide dependable running characteristics and smooth operation.

The model includes painted interior seating, numerous printed logos and warning labels, redesigned power couplers between vehicles, and provision for fitting a speaker and HM7070 Power Bank capacitor within the motor coach. An accessory pack is included containing detailing parts, spare couplings and an acoustic speaker chamber. Suitable for layouts with 2nd radius curves and above.

Features:

• 1:76 Scale Model
• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in BR company markings
• Best suited to 438mm radius curves
• Faithful recreation of preserved No. 3417 'Gordon Pettitt'
• BR Blue livery with small yellow panels and authentic markings
• Enhanced tooling with improved roof vents, gangways, wipers and jumper cables
• 21-pin DCC decoder socket compatible with the HM7000 system
• Touch-activated directional lighting and powered motor coach with die-cast chassis

Historical Background

Introduced from 1967, the Class 423 '4-VEP' electric multiple units became a mainstay of the Southern Region's third-rail network, operating suburban and regional services across South London, Kent, Sussex and Hampshire. Built by BREL at York, a total of 194 units entered service, becoming one of the most recognisable classes of EMU in Britain.

The unit represented by this model was originally built as No. 7714 and entered service in 1967. Following the introduction of the TOPS classification system, it became Class 423 No. 3017 before receiving a major refurbishment in the early 1990s, after which it was renumbered 3417.

Following railway privatisation, the unit continued in service with South West Trains before eventual withdrawal. Rather than being scrapped, it was preserved and acquired by enthusiasts associated with the Bluebell Railway. Since 2009, the unit has undergone extensive restoration, returning to BR Blue livery and being named 'Gordon Pettitt' in honour of the former British Rail and Virgin Trains executive. Today it remains one of the few surviving operational 4-VEP units and is certified for operation on the national network, preserving an important chapter of Southern electric railway history.