Bachmann Class 410 ‘4-BEP’ EMU

◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Bachmann Branchline 31-491 Class 410 ‘4-BEP’ four-car EMU ◆ PRICE rrp £499.95 ◆ AVAILABILITY Bachmann stockists Web www.bachmann.co.uk

Has it really been over ten years since Bachmann released the Class 411 ‘4-CEP’? Time does fly, but Bachmann’s entry into the realms of Southern Region EMUS was a superb model in lots of ways. It captured the look of the ‘4-CEPS’ perfectly and boasted an impressive level of exterior and interior detail. The underframes set new standards in terms of bogie and underslung equipment, while the level of finish overall was top notch. The single power unit in one of the driving cars provided ample tractive effort, and the conductive couplings between cars and all-wheel power collection offered hitherto unrivalled performance.

Most of these features are now considered standard on ‘high-spec’ multiple units and, despite the passage of a decade, the ‘4-CEP’ is still a top-ranking RTR model. A slightly different version was announced a few years back, the ‘4-BEP’ (Class 410), which features a buffet car (TRB) in place of the Second Class trailer, making it a relatively modest investment for Bachmann, as only the one new vehicle required tooling.

The ‘4-BEP’ units were built as part of the Kent Coast electrification scheme, with a 22-strong fleet being introduced from 1957. Apart from the buffet car, they were identical to the ‘4-CEP’ Class 411 stock and it was common for eight-car units to be made up of a ‘4-CEP’ and ‘4-BEP’ combo. The ‘4-BEPS’ carried on in their original format until demand for catering facilities began to dwindle, leading BR to refurbish and modify the sets during the 1980s. Bachmann Branchline has kindly sent us a blue/grey Class 410 set for review (unit No. 7010), while a BR (SR) green version is also available, portraying unit No. 7003. It consists of twin DMBS power cars (one of which features a motor within the guard’s compartment), plus a TCK Composite car and the TRB.

For the bulk of this EMU rake, there isn’t much to add to our initial review of the ‘4-CEP’ (January 2010), save for repeating that it features illuminated headcode panels and interior lighting in each car. There is space for a

11mm by 15mm speaker within the powered DMBS car (whose body unclips from the chassis), along with a 21-pin DCC interface. Standard NEM coupler pockets are fitted to the bogie frames at each outer end of the DMBS cars, but inner couplings are mounted to the underframe on sprung, pivoting close-coupler units, minimising the gap between the cars.

The newly tooled buffet car is inevitably the centre of attention here and it really does look splendid. This blue/grey version rides on an excellent set of Commonwealth bogies (the green set features original BR1 bogies) and there’s a wealth of equipment boxes and reservoir tanks slung under the floor, along with brake rodding and valves.

INSIDE STORY

The bodyshell really looks the part too, with crisp detail and well-fitting windows in the right places. The roof vents look a little small compared to prototype images, while the wire handrails at each end are nice and fine. Indeed, the buffet car looks perfectly at home with its neighbouring vehicles, in terms of detail and finish, which is universally good. The interior features tables and chairs in contrasting colours within the dining area, although the kitchen/pantry area is rather basic, with just a large corridor partition and service counter visible through the windows, so there’s plenty of potential for extra detailing work.

Bachmann’s ‘4-BEP’ provides a welcome – and useful – addition to the BR ‘slam door’ EMU roster, which is bound to delight modellers of the Southern electrified lines in the 1960s-80s eras. The new buffet car matches the overall quality of the package and our sample unit has been happily zooming around the test track without any issues, while looking splendid at the same time! (GD)

The interior is impressive, with tables and chairs in contrasting colours within the dining area