Recognition and Equipment information
	Class 423 (4-VEP), Class 427 (4-VEG) and Class 480 (8-VAB)

VEP sets delivered up to late 1970 were painted in BR rail blue, after this date sets were painted in blue/grey main line colours. All blue No. 7785, a set destined for the central Division is seen at Selhurst the day it was delivered from York. As can be seen at this stage curtains were fitted in both second and first class. CJM

South Western allocated No. 7816 at Guildford shown the blue-grey colours, a scheme all sets were repainted into from the mid 1970s. This set has its power car as the second vehicle and shows the original style large brake van with two pairs of double opening doors. CJM

Following refurbishment and TOPS numbering the VEP fleet became numbered in the 34xx, 35xx and 38xx series. Set 3490 is seen at Ashford painted in the mid-1980s NSE colours, this view is from the TSO end with the power car third from front. To meet modern operating requirements headlights were fitted in the front gangway door from the late 1980s. CJM

Sets operating on the former South Western Division after privatisation became the responsibility of South West Trains and soon emerged in house colours. Set 3434 is seen passing New Malden with an Alton-Waterloo service. CJM

The 1980s major refurbishment of the VEP fleet saw the large guards brake van rebuilt to take two extra bays of seats, a modified vehicle is illustrated, showing how the new window-door detail was arranged. On the opposite side of the car the passenger door was in the first bay. CJM

VEP fleet interior. The view on the left shown a standard class interior in a DTC vehicle, with the side corridor feeding the first class compartments ahead. standard class seating was in 2+3, with steel overhead luggage racks. The illustration centre shows a first class compartment, these were designed for six passengers, each with an armrest. Four reading lights were provided. The illustration on the right shows the rebuilt area of the original large guards luggage van, with the two 'new' seating bays. All: CJM

The 12 modified VEP units used on the Victoria-Gatwick 'Railair City Link', classified Class 427 and known as 4VEG were allocated to Brighton depot and in addition to being used on Victoria-Gatwick services were frequently used on the Brighton coastway services. Set No. 7904 is seen at Fratton depot near Portsmouth. CJM

Painted in all over rail blue livery, except for the buffet car which was in blue and grey, the 8VAB No. 8001 approaches Vauxhall in June 1970 with a semi-fast Bournemouth-Waterloo service. CJM

1963 design EMU driving cab, as found in CIG (Phase 2), BIG (Phase 2), VEP, VEG, REP, TC and VAB. CJM

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