Kernow Model Rail Centre have today announced that they have been working with Bachmann to produce the Southern Region 4-TC unit, also known as class 491 and later class 438, that were usually propelled by 4 REP EMUs, Class 33/1s and also Class 73s, Class 74s and other compatible 1951/57/63 built EMUs. Although the 4-TCs were un-powered the Southern Region regarded them as Electric Multiple Units.
The first Engineering Prototype (EP) sample has been received and a few tweaks are required, such as moving the headlight to the correct position and re-configuring the wiring to allow the unit to be connected in the correct formation.
Initially six liveries will be produced, with delivery expected to be around January 2017:
- 32-640Z Bachmann Class 491 4-TC Unit number 416 in BR Blue livery with small yellow warning panels and etched BR logos
- 32-641Z Bachmann Class 491 4-TC unit number 404 in BR Blue and Grey livery
- 32-642Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 8022 in BR Blue and Grey livery with Network SouthEast branding
- 32-643Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 8023 in Network SouthEast livery
- 32-644Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 410 in BR Blue livery with half yellow ends Premier Charter with etched BR logos
- 32-646Z Bachmann Class 438 unit number 8007 in BR Research red and blue livery
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.
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along with electrification of other South Western division routes, the need for the 4-TCs was removed and most were withdrawn by 1990.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.
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!”
All images on this page are courtesy of and copyright of Kernow Model Rail Centre / Chris Trerise.
erm, forgive me for being dumb here but i assume the new TC model is un-powered as per the prototype?
hope so or whats the point having to power this and a 33/1, 73, or a 74 to couple this to it – please advise ta!
Yes unpowered as per the prototype but can be fitted with a dcc chip to remotely control lights etc.
A sound chip in a 4TC ? – I’m intrigued ! ……. is that just for doors slamming ?- or did they have their own compressors ?
Similar to an emu but without the traction motors so still has compressors, brakes, horn etc.
In conjunction with John Atkinson and in advance of Kernow’s announcement I’ve published a history of TC and REP units here:
http://www.bloodandcustard.com/bournemouth1966.html
I would have thought it a whole lot easier to produce a 4-BEP unit,
but these days so much is possible; the esoteric is the new normal.
Wonderful news, can’t wait. Well done Kernow for committing to this exciting model.
I’m very much intrigued with converting one of these 4TC’s to a 3TC set but, does anyone know which Coach of the middle two of a 4TC Set should I omit for 3TC authenticity?
Also, with omitting one of the middle two Cars making the 3TC, would I still enjoy the electrical connectivity for the lighting?
An unusual question but only have a short Branchline layout.
3TC units 301-303 were built as part of the first tranche of Bournemouth electrification stock along with 4TC 401 – 428. They were all built up to 4TC units in 1974 by the addition of a converted Mk1 FK (becoming a TFK in EMU classification) and were renumbered in the 429 – 432 series.
3TC sets seldom worked west of Bournemouth as they had no first class accommodation.
No 4TC units were “backfitted” to 3TC sets. They remained as 4-car units.
Regarding the models The electrical continuity should not be affected by the removal of one of the middle coaches as long as the middle coach remains coupled the correct way round.