01Dec 2023 by Potter
4VEP returning to traffic in 2024 with new Fundraising Appeal

4VEP returning to traffic in 2024 with new Fundraising Appeal

News
Today marks the official launch of an appeal to raise £50,000 to help bring 3417 back into mainline operation. Over the past few years, despite COVID 19 and the enforced pause in the restoration of the unit, the SETG team have been patiently working towards bringing 3417 back into traffic on preserved lines. We are now on the cusp of that goal and are working towards an event in the New Year which will formally launch 3417 back into traffic. As part of that upcoming announcement, we are today unveiling plans to raise significant funds which will underwrite works including fitting GSM-R radio equipment and OTMR ‘Black Box’ systems to both driving trailers. Additionally we are going to undertake work to fit anti-override components to the buckeye couplers, fitting Controlled…
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23Jul 2023 by Potter
Onwards and Ever Sideways

Onwards and Ever Sideways

News
Once upon a time there was a Minion. And this Minion was supposed to write updates for the SETG website, but his writing mojo deserted him and he grew distracted and disillusioned with the whole process. But lo! There came unto him a guiding light named Chris Buckland, who struck him about the head with a shoe paddle and spaketh with a Great Voice. "Good game, good game, cuddly toy, cuddly toy! Stop sodding about, Potter. Get on with updating the website, you great sack of jobbies in a belt", said he. And thus was Potter galvanised to his task. "I must write Things", he said whilst rubbing Savlon into the larger head lumps, "and I must inform the impatient readership (both of them) for there is news to impart."Now,…
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11Nov 2022 by Potter
Work Report Early to Late 2022

Work Report Early to Late 2022

News
Good 'morrow, dear reader! We at the SETG, awash with tea and replete with bacon sandwiches, bid you welcome to this latest update on our trials and tribulations at Strawberry Hill. First of all, allow us to begin with a soothing soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/embed/dUH633TF-ho Ah. Sweet, sweet music! The SETG would like to apologise to those of you who rely on this website to keep you updated on our progress at Strawberry Hill; as you will all be aware, the group has been through some considerable trauma over the last few months and things are barely back to any semblance of normality. As seems to have become the norm, the VEP has become as much a form of practical therapy as much as a form of transport and the depot a…
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26Jul 2022 by Potter

Margaret “Maggie” Abrahams 1st February 1950 – 26th June 2022

News
From Potter. Surbiton, 26th July 2022."Three weeks ago we lost our friend Maggie. It was sudden, brutally so, and the Abrahams family are still reeling from her death. Her passing has left Lynn and Doug aching desperately for their adored mother, and David lost without his wife of 52 years. We have been to Strawberry Hill twice since her death, and the Trim Shop is a lonely space without her. I sat there a few days after she died, sat in her chair at her sewing table and wept. I miss my friend. Long before the SETG came into being, while I was still just another motorman on the South Western division, I first met Maggie. We were working an early morning Alton train, and Maggie was my guard. I…
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09Mar 2022 by Potter
Work Report January/ February 2022

Work Report January/ February 2022

News
Don't you love it when hard work starts to pay off, dear readers? Months and months of steady slog and what appears to be fiddling about - even to those who are doing the work - and then Kerpow! Suddenly everything comes together in a few hours and everyone walks about smiling for days afterwards. After a very busy last few weeks, I'm still smiling. It feels like we are making real headway, and we are able to show you some of the results of our efforts. (Of course we've had some really cracking cooked breakfasts and a lot of tea, too.) So where do we start? The brake chests and controllers are back from Railway Brake Services, along with some additional sundries that it was decided should be overhauled…
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15Dec 2021 by Potter
Work Reports: November/December 2021

Work Reports: November/December 2021

News
"Remember remember the Fifth of November, When Potter dropped the Tea Pot.I know of no reason why the Dropped Teapot Treason Should ever be Forgot." Dear readers, that's how long ago I started to write this news update. But, as is always the way, I found myself distracted (possibly by loud noises or shiny things - I'm only a motorman and am easily amused) and now here I am in early December with lots to tell you. And best of all, not all of the news is about bloody seats. So there's a bonus. I should however apologise in advance since I'm currently typing this with what I believe is a very bad cold (not COVID, although I'm waiting for test results) so please excuse any breaks in the narrative.…
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07Aug 2021 by Potter
April/May/June/July Update 2021

April/May/June/July Update 2021

News
Dear Everyone,I am a very embarrassed Minion. I haven't updated this website in quite some time. I know that a lot of you follow the SETG on Facebook and Twitter, but lets face it, it's better to read some in-depth reports. In my defence there have been a few things going on in Real Life that have served to make me less able or inclined to write for any length of time. But you lot don't need to trouble yourselves with such nonsense; you want to know what's been happening with 3417.Please find below a pocket digest of the latest developments at Strawberry Hill.Driver H. Potter, Minion The last few months at Strawberry Hill have seen some critical progress in the ongoing restoration. Firstly, as many of you will now…
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01Jul 2021 by Potter
Armstrong Powerhouse Second Major Sponsor for Restoration of Unique 4VEP EMU

Armstrong Powerhouse Second Major Sponsor for Restoration of Unique 4VEP EMU

News, Press Release
PRESS RELEASE: Embargoed until 1st July 2021Released via SETG/AP/BBR - Web, Facebook & Twitter as required.SETG Contact Details: Steve Upton - steve.upton@setg.org.uk Armstrong Powerhouse Second Major Sponsor forRestoration of Unique 4VEP EMU LONDON, 1st July 2021 – The Southern Electric Traction Group announced today that it has reached an agreement with Armstrong Powerhouse to sponsor the continuing restoration of the Bluebell Railway’s unique 4VEP Electric Multiple Unit No. 423 417. This comes weeks after a similar show of support from Tom Cairns, founder of RealTime Trains.3417 has been under long-term restoration at Strawberry Hill depot since 2015.  The support of Armstrong Powerhouse will go towards overhauling the brake system of the unit and, alongside the support from RealTime Trains, will mean that unit is almost fit to be hauled on…
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28Apr 2021 by Potter
RealTime Trains Latest Supporter of 4VEP Restoration – Press Release.

RealTime Trains Latest Supporter of 4VEP Restoration – Press Release.

News, Press Release
LONDON, Wednesday 28th April, 2021 The Southern Electric Traction Group announced today that it has reached an agreement with Realtime Trains to sponsor the continuing restoration of the Bluebell Railway’s unique 4VEP Electric Multiple Unit No. 423 417.3417 has been under restoration at Strawberry Hill since 2015. Attention is currently focused on making the unit fit to be hauled on the National Network, and refurbishing the passenger accommodation to allow the unit to be used either as push-pull stock with suitably equipped locomotives or as hauled stock on preserved railways. Future developments for the unit will including the installation of GSM-R digital cab radio, On-Train Monitoring and Recording equipment as well as CET toilet equipment and Central Door Locking. Steve Upton, SETG spokesman, said “It’s astonishing and gratifying to receive…
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