The Class 423 4-VEP unit, as photographed in service in January 2013. Purchased in September 2012, and operating on services ever since, this EMU was intended to fill the role of a purpose-built passenger unit for the railway. As the railway had harbored ambitions of operating a full, exclusive passenger service a multiple unit was considered - a Class 121, a Class 101, and even a Class 108 were considered before this unit was purchased for a knockdown price (about 63% of the RRP for these units normally). As a result it offers a passenger service with a four-car unit, for less money than normally.

The side profile of the EMU. Even though it has been criticized by several people for being unrealistic and having poor performance, I do believe this unit has a place here, considering its cost. The paintwork is done very well, and the unit does look convincing as an EMU from all angles - perhaps not the finest looking model, but certainly not the worst looking locomotive either. The unit's design has flaws but these are silenced when the unit is actually at work - the official story here is that extensive modifications were done to the EMU in the workshops before being run here, becoming a test unit for future modifications of the class (which never happened).

Another look at the EMU's side profile, showing off the motorized coach which houses the electrical componentry and motor - the Driving Trailers on either end do not run or power the unit. From here, pickup is done and the entire train is able to run with one coach providing all the work.

Another look at the EMU near the main station, showing off the passenger coach and its unique slam-door style.

The cabin of the EMU, showing the finer details added here - despite the fact that some detail is moulded in, other details are not and thus care should still be taken with this unit. The lining out and detailing looks decent from a distance, and the curtains on the windows in particular do look convincing.

The gangway between two carriages, also showing how the coaches are coupled together in a permanent fashion. Sadly, because of this this unit is not run as often these days; it's a bit risky having to couple and uncouple each unit again and again, lest something or a wire snap one time. In service, however, the coupling style is robust and works well to transfer current to each coach, providing light for the interiors and each headcode box.

The inside of a coach, showing how the lighting feature works.

The rear driving trailer, showing the red directional headcode light (no headcode has been added to this unit as of yet).

A closer look at the Driving Trailer. Overall, though there are flaws with this unit (I am not denying them, but acknowledging them) I do like how this unit works and looks in some ways. Though it is not exact, the price was decent enough that I was able to justify the faults - there is now an EMU on the line. Whether a smaller unit will join it is another question, however...