kintbury jon

Yes I should have said that in my post. I think that Hornby have got the right dark blue shade (as I seem to think Heljans effort was pretty good). Whether they should have used a darker blue on the Ltd Edn 2EPB, i'm not sure

Mine has arrived (and is chip fitted). Just thought i'd share some interesting comparisons... NSE flashes 4VEP vs 2EPB NSE blue 2EPB vs 4VEP Cab ends - MJT - Hornby - MTK (on a Lima coach) The blue is quite dark but does seem a similar shade to my Heljan 33114 and 47711 - i'm assuming it's lighter than the very dark shade Hornby used on 50002 and 50045. Headcode stickers are an interesting feature but a right pain to fit! In terms of speed it runs faster than the Bachmann units but not by a lot. I have run it as a 12 car formation for about 5 minutes (VEP,EPB,EPB,CEP) and no derailments occured.

On Southwestern Lines, 4VEPs were used on: Waterloo - Reading Waterloo - Alton Waterloo - Basingstoke - Sothampton - Bournemouth (stoppers + some semi fasts) (Waterloo) - Ascot - Guildford Waterloo - Woking - Guildford - Portsmouth (stoppers + some semi fasts) Eastleigh/Southampton - Portsmouth

Here it is (taken last October): After refurbishment the unit was renumbered 3582 but I don't think 76275 was refurbished itself, just the three genuine VEP vehicles. Don't renumber your VEP to 3582!

Not quite, it's 76275 originally from a 4TC unit. I travelled in it once. One of the few vehicles that retained bulbs instead of fluorescent tubes. It ended up in Connex livery and now resides in St Leonards depot having been purchased by the Hastings Diesel Group.

Hattons have now updated their page for the 4VEP and have a variety of photos: http://www.ehattons.com/StockDetail.aspx?sid=32159 Whilst there are errors, it looks like a VEP (to me) and (assuming they get the NSE stripes in vaguely the right place) will be better than anything I have or could produce myself. I bought a Southern Pride VEP many years ago but was never happy with it (the cabs bothered me for instance!) I could vote with my wallet and not purchase it but I do want a VEP. I have coped with tubby 47's, 33/0's with incorrect roof profiles and so i'm sure I can cope with the issues of the VEP. This doesn't necessarily make it right that these errors have been made though and I would be interested to hear what Hornby's response would be to the comments made in the last few pages of this thread.

Would it be possible to produce a piece of metal or resin to fit on top of the inside of the gangway? A gap could be put in place for the headocde box and that could have a piece of clear plastic inserted so that the lighting would not be affected. This would save carving out the end. Just a thought?

Blimey, after hoping someone would post a picture of their model, I wasn't expecting this! Your modification does look good, but as you say, you shouldn't have needed to do it. I'll still get an NSE one though!

Would I be right in thinking that there was only one wagon repainted in Railfreight Metals colours? (based on the comment of the photo). Was thinking of getting two of the four packs of 38-351 and 38-352 from Hattons.

The photo is not of a VEP but a REP. I wouldn't like to say what differences there might be (if at all). Looks like one of the 3REPS numbered 29xx.

A wedding came in the way of my visit but hopefully will be able to attend next year.

Fantastic - love it!

I reckon the curtains are in the right place based on where the seating in a VEP is. Can't wait to get hands on an NSE one!

He can always bid on it!

I know i've mentioned it before but I just love these typos! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Collection-Horny-Buildings-/170632816159?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item27ba82261f

My memories of 33's include seeing Dutch ones running in pairs on Meldon workings, Railfreight Construction ones runing in pairs on Channel Tunnel workings so there is logic in selling them as pairs. For me though, I have enough 33's (2x 33/0, 4x 33/1, 3x 33/2) mainly due to the Hattons bargains that were for sale last year. Will still be tempted when they come out though!

Not railway related but an entertaining listing. Great photo! http://cgi.ebay.co.u..._fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

Absolutely crazy. 8 Bodyshells plus a few chassis and glazing sell for £216.11.

There's three listings for Horny if you search in the Trains/Railway Models section. (Not sure how many there are in all sections though!)

Regarding 70012, I wonder how much of a coup it would be to the haulage bashers, to get it started up, and do a mile or so behind it. One of the rarest loco's to get hauled by maybe?

Just a thought here chaps, the suggested unit number looks like it's 3185 which would have the original large luggage area in the MBSO. I'm surprised that they haven't opted for the 34xx / 35xx series with the extra seating bays. It does however, match the picture in the catalogue. I've got a feeling the mock up model thats been doing the rounds is of the refurbished example but i'm guessing they're doing both types.

Anyone fancy £22 in £2 coins for £25 + £2 postage? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/11-x-british-2-coins-/350421836976?pt=UK_Coins_OtherBritish_RL&hash=item5196c4e4b0

I assume it's 3185 not 2185. That sounds like a Kent Coast one. I'm guessing it will come with the decals on the MBS. Guessing the headcode is this (from the SEMG site) 54 Herne Hill - Ramsgate via Chatham or Charing Cross - Gravesend or Maidstone West via Lewisham and Sidcup

Is the 4VEP out. This listing implies they are? At £110 seems a reasonable price too. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hornby-R2947X-NSE-CLASS-423-VEP-4-CAR-UNIT-/190475899856?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2c593f93d0

My dad is an avid collector of Trix. I would have thought that the motor itself is similar to other engines, maybe the cheap 040 tanks that were mass produced. I know there's a chap that does Trix resprays and I guess that if someone has the spare correct tender, it could be a reasonable buy. I've spoken to my dad and he reckons that it would be worth around £80 for the parts - £100 tops (to him).