Bachmann OO 31-427C BR 7106 Class 411 4CEP Electric Multiple Unit 7106 Blue Grey
A very well detailed model of the British Railways Southern region third rail 4CEP electric unit train, TOPS class 411.
These trains were built in the late 1950s using the British Railways Mk.1 coach body design for express services over the steadily expanding network of electrified routes. Refurbished in the 1980s these trains ran until the early 2000s before finally being replaced by newer designs.
The Bachmann model features accurately reproduced bodyshells modelling the original configuration of the 4CEP trains with many finely reproduced and separately fitted detail parts. The train is driven by a heavy motor bogie concealled within one of the guards' van ends with through wiring to connect directionally controlled lighting circuits.
This model is finished in Britisn Rail corporate blue and grey livery, applied from the mid 1960s.
Eras 6-7. DCC Ready, 21 pin decoder required for DCC operation. Directional lighting. Internal lighting. Length 1070mm.
The 4CEP trains were built for long distance express services, initially into Kent, but later serving on other sections of the Southern region. CEP indicated 'Corridor Electro-Pneumatic'. Corridor stock, as opposed to the non-corridor suburban layout of most SR units and EP for Electro-Pneumatic, indicating that the trains were equiped with a fast acting electrically controlled air (pneumatic) braking system in addition to the regular automatic air brake system. As the type was intended for longer journeys a small number of units were built with buffet cars in place of the corridor second class coach, these units being classed 4BEP for Buffet Electro-Pneumatic.
The 4 CEP units were sent for refurbishment from 1979, following an intial pilot in 1975. The refurbishment included the alteration of the guards' accomodation, moving the guard from behind the cab at each end to a single central office in the composite coach.