I don't know much, if anything, about EMUs (Electric Multiple Units). I have only just started to understand the codes such as 4VEP, EPB, the number system, and similar, and why it is 2x2EPB and not simply 4EPB (which is entirely different!). So you could say I am having a baptism of fire in trying to research and develop a standalone layout based on Sidcup in the early 1990s!

However, the latest discussion on the Hornby 4VEPs have unnerved me somewhat. I've planned "Sidcup" around the Hornby 4VEP to some extent, even going so far as to try and design its traverser system specifically around the four car units. I do like the look of the 4VEPs - the corridor ends, the buffers and the general MK1 style of the design, specifically in the NSE livery I intend on having as the 'set period' for the layout.

But the general dissatisfaction with Hornby's model has made me think again on buying up the model. The presence of traction tyres - something I have a great aversion to - is particularly preying on my mind. Do I really want to run three or more sets of four car units with traction tyres? The cleaning of rails is made much more difficult with the leftover rubber of this aggravating, 20th century "innovation".

There's one thing I know I will do - whether I buy the Hornby model, or the Southern Pride kit, is to find a way of making the destination blind change from the two vertical stripes to the number code, and back again, in sync with the directional lights.

The Hornby 4VEP, according to the reviews (and clearly seen in their promotional photographs) uses stickers to show either the two numbers indicating the route, or a pair of line markers to show the tail end of the train.

The problem with this is that, short of turning the whole train around, there's no way of changing the stickers to alternate between the rear red markers and the front destination code. If you run it back along the line, you get white markers at the front, and a red destination panel at the rear, something that would not have happened in service.

The question is how - I think I have a workable solution, but am keeping my cards to my chest until I see a Hornby 4VEP in the flesh. Overall, I'm still leaning towards buying the Hornby set over making a kit; I really just wanted to concentrate on the scenic and operational aspects of building a new layout from scratch...!

In the meantime, I managed to pick up a Network Southeast liveried "Networker" cheaply on ebay. I intend to use it as a prototype for making some much needed centre coaches for my 4-car 365 rakes. Further, I've worked a little more on my plan and will scan in the drawings later next month after some more practical sessions with the flexitrack and four coach MK1 rake...!

Until next time!