Kernow Model Rail Centre join forces to support the Southern Electric Traction Group preserved 4-Vep 3417

Kernow Model Rail Centre have, along with Gaugemaster, The Winchester Railway Modellers and exceptional EMU Modeller Dan Havlik united to help raise funds for the ongoing preservation and operation of Southern Electric Traction Group (SETG) heritage 4-Vep EMU 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’, the only preserved and mainline-registered Electric Multiple Unit in the UK, by producing unique 00 gauge models of 3417.

Expert EMU modeller and friend Dan Havlik (follow him on Instagram here to see the range of fantastic EMU modelling) has produced three stunning and highly detailed and accurately decorated models of 3417 from Hornby 4-Vep 00 gauge models, one each donated by KMRC, Gaugemaster and The Winchester Railway Modellers.

During a recent visit to the SETG base at Strawberry Hill depot the models of 3417 were not only displayed alongside their full-size counterpart but they uniquely were driven along track laid inside Trailer Second Open 70797, on 3417.
To see a video, courtesy of friend, and talented Network South East modeller Peter Burnage, known for his great NSE Latchmere layout  of the models being run inside the 3417 and fun that was had click here

It was also great to see close up just what a tremendous job the Southern Electric Traction Group (SETG) are doing with the ongoing preservation at the impressive facilities they have at the Strawberry Hill depot, which I think is the only ex London South Western Railway steam locomotive shed, first opened in 1897 that still in use on the network today.

The three models will be auctioned via Ebay, details to be released nearer the time, during the week leading up to the Bluebell Railway Model Railway Weekend event over the weekend of 28th/29th June, where the models will also be on display.

KMRC also donated several of our exclusive 4-TC models for use as prizes for a fundraising raffle taking place during the Bluebell Railway Model Railway Weekend event.

Chris Trerise, Managing Director, said: “Most of us at KMRC are not only railway modellers, but some are also directly involved with railway heritage or worked on the railway in the past; so, it was a pleasure to be able support Southern Electric Traction Group with the 4-vep that I remember working and travelling on when they were still in daily service.”

I will post details of the auction to allow those interested to bid on one these unique models and support the great work of the  Southern Electric Traction Group

The detailed history of the 4 VEP units in mainline service can be found on friend Colin’s excellent site here.