Kernow MRC announce 4-TC

[Andy Y]

Class 438 / Class 491 4-TC Unit - Exclusive OO Gauge model manufactured on Kernow MRC's behalf by Bachmann Europe.

Kernow MRC are pleased to announce that we have commissioned Bachmann to produce the Class 438 / Class 491 4-TC unit.



Prototype information

 

When the route from London Waterloo to Bournemouth was electrified in 1967 there was insufficient funds to complete the electrification of the route through to Weymouth.  An alternative method of operation was designed with high-powered Class 430 4-REP units propelling one or two 4-TC units from Waterloo to Bournemouth.  At Bournemouth the 4-REP would be detached and a Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive would be attached at the Weymouth end to haul either one or two 4-TCs through to Weymouth.

In the reverse direction the 4-TCs would be propelled from Weymouth to Bournemouth where the 4-REP would then haul the 4-TCs to Waterloo, leaving the Class 33/1 at Bournemouth to await the next Weymouth service.

The 4-TCs were converted from Mk1 loco-hauled coaches, with 31 units converted in 1966-7 by British Rail Engineering at York Works.  Initially 28 x 4 car units were created with 3 x 3 car units.  The four car units were formed Driving Trailer Second Open (DTSO), Trailer First Corridor (TFK), Trailer Brake Corridor Second (TBSK) and Driving Trailer Second Open (DTSO).  The 3 car units omitted the TFK.  Summer services to Weymouth were frequently overcrowded so in 1974 a further 3 x 4 car units were converted and at the same time the 3 car units had a TFK inserted to make them up to 4 car units.

Driving control was via the Southern Region 27 core multiple control cables.  Power for heating, motor generator and compressor sets was obtained from a 4-REP unit or locomotive on standard heating jumper cables at underframe level. The TCs could not only work in multiple with 4 REPs and Class 33/1s but also with Class 73s, Class 74s and compatible 1951/57/63 EMUs.

The usual area of operation of these versatile units was between London Waterloo and Weymouth, although they could frequently be seen throughout the South Western division of the Southern Region.  Regular duties included the Kenny Belle peak shuttle service between Kensington Olympia and Clapham Junction.  They were also used extensively on West of England line duties between Yeovil and Salisbury to London Waterloo and between Reading and Portsmouth Harbour.  Until the closure of the Swanage branch they worked on through trains from London Waterloo.

Railtours saw the units make trips to varied locations throughout British Rail, including Birmingham, Cardiff, Meldon and Barnstaple.

With the electrification of the entire Weymouth line complete by 1988, along with electrification of other South Western division routes, the need for the 4-TCs was removed and most were withdrawn by 1990.  Two units were retained and repainted in original blue livery, albeit with larger yellow warning panels, with the intention to use them for "Premier Charters", a role which they performed until 1994.

The Southern Region regarded the 4-TCs as Electric Multiple Units even though they were unpowered.



A pair of 4-TCs are propelled by a Class 33/1 into Bincombe Tunnel in 1989.



Class 33/1 Diesel number 33 107 is seen at Milborne Wick with a Salisbury service in June 1985



4-TC unit number 8019 passes Woking with a Weymouth service in 1987



4-TC units 410 and 409 are propelled into Dorchester South by Class 33/1 Diesel number 33 112 in August 1981.



4-TC units 410 and 417 with Class 33/1 Diesel number 33 102 are seen in Southampton Docks in May 1992



Class 33/1 Diesel number 33 101 is seen at Upwey with the 1703 Weymouth to Bristol in July 1988



Eurostar test train comprised of 4-TC unit 8007 is seen being propelled through Clapham Junction by Class 73/2 Electro-Diesel number 73 205 in November 1993



Class 33/1 Diesel number 33 111 is seen at Haslemere propelling the 1103 Portsmouth Harbour to London Waterloo, formed of a 4-VEP and a 4-TC in May 1989.



4-TC units 410 and 417 are seen at Weymouth Quay with Class 33/1 Diesel number 33 109 in April 1993.

The Model

This will be available in six liveries - full details of these are shown below.  

Working internal lights are fitted and head and tail destination blinds also illuminate.  Separate connecting doors are provided to give variations in headcodes, similar to the previous Bachmann 4-CEP model.

The unit is wired throughout using connectors similar to the Bachmann Blue Pullman model, which allows full electrical connectivity while also allowing relatively easy uncoupling when required.

Switches below the unit allow the internal lights to be switched on or off, and also allow for independent switching of the destination blinds at the front and rear of the unit.

The model is fitted with a 21 Pin DCC Decoder socket and also has provision for DCC Sound fitting.  One decoder is required for DCC operation and is fitted within the luggage compartment of the TBSK vehicle.  The switching arrangements for internal unit lighting are replicated for DCC and can all be controlled from the single decoder.

The first engineering sample has been received and a few tweaks are required, such as moving the headlight to the correct position and reconfiguring the wiring to allow the unit to be connected in the correct formation.

Commenting on the new models, David Haarhaus, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe, said "We are delighted that Kernow Model Rail Centre chose the award winning Bachmann Branchline Range to partner with their desire for a OO scale 4TC model. Having worked with Chris and his team for many years, across many projects, we mutually understand the importance of delivering the very best quality and uncompromising detail. I would like to thank the Kernow team and our own engineers for their dedication in producing what we believe will be a definitive model of these well-known and long lasting units"

Chris Trerise, Managing Director of Kernow Model Rail Centre, said "When I first left Cornwall to work for British Rail I was based at London Waterloo and was immediately fascinated by the Southern and the variety of units in operation.  The 4-TC has always been a favourite of mine and there was never any doubt that Bachmann would produce a model to be proud of.  This is probably the largest project we have embarked on but our team work very closely with Bachmann and this has made the entire process very enjoyable.  We are really looking forward to receiving the painted samples!"  

This model required three totally new tools to produce the four car unit, and thus is the equivalent of tooling three completely new locomotives.  Despite this we have managed to keep the price of the unit to £289.95, which is reduced to £269.95 if you place a pre-order before the model leaves China.

The six models to be produced are show below - click on the image to go to the product information page and place an order: -

32-640Z Bachmann Class 491 4-TC Unit number 416 in BR Blue livery with small yellow warning panels and etched BR logos £289.99 (£269.99 for pre-orders)

32-641Z Bachmann Class 491 4-TC unit number 404 in BR Blue and Grey livery £289.99 (£269.99 for pre-orders)

32-642Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 8022 in BR Blue and Grey livery with Network SouthEast branding £289.99 (£269.99 for pre-orders)

32-643Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 8023 in Network SouthEast livery £289.99 (£269.99 for pre-orders)

32-644Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 410 in BR Blue livery with half yellow ends Premier Charter with etched BR logos £289.99 (£269.99 for pre-orders)

32-646Z Bachmann Class 438 unit number 8007 in BR Research red and blue livery £289.99 (£269.99 for pre-orders)

Delivery of these models is expected around January 2017.

 

I had chance to take a look at the EP sample a few weeks ago and get some exclusive shots, the coupling system is that of the Midland Pullman and gives very good closure between vehicles. The face of the unit looks very good and the window surrounds are particularly well executed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Fenman]

Staggeringly bold move.

 

I'm very impressed.

 

Paul

[Spannerman]

Well done to all those who guessed the 4TC. Hopefully this goes well for Kernow

ando some clever joined up thinking to offer reductions on Heljan 33s when ordered at the same time.

 

Atb

 

Nik

Edited June 17, 2016 by Spannerman

[cromptonnut]

Do we know how "limited edition" these will be?

[Hilux5972]

Fantastic to see. Another release of a well needed 4-Car unit.

[Ian J.]

That was the best kept secret then

 

Lovely to see this, but that nearly £300 is 'eye-watering'. Still, I will try to get at least one (B/G, no light, no NSE, obviously )

[JohnR]

An excellent model! I hope it does well. The only thing is surely we will now need someone (Bachmann?) to produce a 4-REP.

[acg5324]

I do hope this gets the shrink ray treatment to n gauge.

I'll probably get one to go with my OO Cromptons.

[John M Upton]

Nice!  I dread to think how much a powered 4-REP would have been if four unpowered coaches weighs in at the thick end of 270 sheets though!!!

[LaGrange]

4 unpowered coaches at £67.50 each - Right-o. Ill gamble that these wont sell and will be reduced

 

And yes it is a 'too expensive' gripe - but it really is this time. Murphy Models Cravens/BR Mk2D coaches were made in less numbers (models that is) and were cheaper.........

 

January is not a good time to launch given many will be skint after Christmas

 

A nice model though

Edited June 17, 2016 by LaGrange

[Andy Y]

Murphy Models Cravens/BR Mk2D coaches were made in less numbers (models that is) and were cheaper.........

 

 

That was about 4/5 years ago though wasn't it?

 

This product is completely new tooling; Kernow MRC are generally happy to keep stock available for quite a time without any early reductions.

[Arthur]

Good to see a model announced on which considerable work has already been completed and which is that bit closer to release.

 

Too late and too blue for me but it does look like a stonking model, Kernow deserve to do well with it.

Edited June 17, 2016 by Arthur

[Gwiwer]

Aaaaaaannnnnnddddddd - ordered

 

Best wishes to KMRC in this venture.  I have to say the test shot looks mighty good and I can't wait to see and in due course receive an original blue one.  Possibly a b/g one later on as well.  A new 33/1 is already in the mail from another supplier. Edit: Ordered before Kernow MRC announced their special offers on 33/1 Cromptons to complement the 4TC

 

Price?  It's well within what I perceive to be the ballpark for an illuminated 4-car commissioned unit requiring all-new tooling in 2016.  Maybe more than some can afford but we live in a new world order now.

Edited June 17, 2016 by Gwiwer

[tamperman36]

very nice however very expensive for a non powered unit, unfortunatley well out of my budget.

[amwells]

I wonder if the extra two NSE coaches will be available to include in 8007?

 

Now, if Dapol and Heljan (perhaps via Kernow?) can announce 73205 and 83301 (even with the wrong bogies), it will save me time and I can retire my converted Lima versions!

[217 RIVER FLESK]

Nice model & yes I'd like one, but tis one large chunk of money - think I will have to sit this one out & hope that in the future they produce a 3-TC

[RectoryLane]

Just hope that the TBSK is the right way round with the brake towards the middle and not as in the EP pictures.

[Spannerman]

Really,less than 10 posts in and a number of complaints about price.

 

Why can't people talk about the prototype or the model rather than the constant need to harp on about the price, it's like this on every new model released.

 

Nik

[number6]

Looks splendid.

 

A REP can emerge from that with some bits and bobs and a big saw.

 

Although I could weep at how close this is to a CIG yet how far it is too.That would be a major chop shop session... 

[aussiebrfan]

Wow, great news, well done Kernow.

 

Ps. Could everyone who is about to post with something along the lines of 'gee I want one but its too expensive, or wow thats expensive or I cant afford one., please don't bother because I'm bored already and don't care. If you cant afford it or think its too expensive then don't buy it, simple really.

[cromptonnut]

How drastically different does a VEP look from a REP?  Just wondering if I could get away with the Hornby VEP to run with one (or two) ...

[4630]

. 

Edited November 12, 2016 by 4630

[lapford34102]

Looks very nice. Will be interested to see what they do about the curtains and underframe colour on the early blue version.

 

While the model itself is worthy of discussion the price is a valid aspect, it's nigh on 20% of the average spend according to Andy.  At least one person has the disposable income, many will not so I hope this doesn't become a point of discord.

 

 

Stu

[Oldddudders]

Very drastically in just about every respect.

Too true. The VEP was a high-density outer-suburban untit with doors to almost every compartment. The REP a main-line unit with few doors. Chalk and cheese.

[Taigatrommel]

I think the price is a valid subject for discussion.  It seems very high, though I suspect Bachmann have Kernow over a barrel there - I'd imagine Kernow have to cover the full development cost, and have calculated covering that cost from the first batch of models, just in case delivery ends up being slow and the exclusivity period ends before subsequent batches are sold.  Although I say that the price is high, what would be a fair price?  £45 a coach is not far off normal for new releases of high standard now, so that puts £180 right off the bat.  Looking for similar products globally, I'd compare it to a couple of Belgian models.  A set of five M6 coaches from Classix (an exclusive production of Heris models) is €270, so approx £215.  That only has one driving end, so that's probably broadly comparable.  However, they have wider distribution than Kernow, not being limited to one shop.  A shop exclusive, the Olearts AM80 "Break" sells for €489 as a three car EMU, so £385.  Next to that, £270 seems reasonable.  Making these comparisons, now I'm over the initial shock at the price, I'd say it's actually reasonable.  I'd better hurry up and finish my own TC!