New 4-VEP arrived?

[M. Matthews]

This is one of the releases that I’ve been waiting on so I’m aware that Hornby are saying expected arrival date of Winter 2023/2024.

On a random search, this eBay listing has popped up although raised some suspicion in myself as I’ve not heard anything of these arriving yet?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126249327159?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=9IlcIQYcQZy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=fiOljGoHRmG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Have I missed something here?

[What About The Bee]

I had a careful look at the listing and the seller.

Of the 12 images in the listing, only the first two are novel, the remaining 10 are lifted directly from Hornby's pages. The first two show a box, but note the background. Carpet and cardboard are definitely not a Hornby standard. The implication is that the seller has the box [or has gone to extraordinary expense to mock up a Hornby look alike].

The seller has fairly good marks. Been around for 6+ years. Lots of positive feedback, with no negatives and only 1 neutral. Someone didn't get something, so the money was refunded. That's reasonable. If you are really interested, I have found that asking a question of the seller weeds out all the scammers, they do not respond.

The last thing I note is the price. It is 99p less than Hornby's price!! That is indeed odd for an eBay seller. Mostly, they try to profit from transaction. Further, the postage is free.

From all this, I conclude that the seller has somehow managed to obtain one. How? Why? I cannot say, but this has all the hallmarks of a valid listing.

If 99p and free postage is the difference on a £362 item, sure, go for it. If it were me, I'd wait on Hornby. If the seller has one, soon you will too.

Bee

[M. Matthews]

You’re definitely right in that it’s the first two images that almost make it look legitimate. The other thing that struck me as being odd was that the box image doesn’t show any cab ends which I’m sure all the previous 4VEP have done. Message sent to seller anyway, I’ll be interested to see the reply!

[What About The Bee]

Hi M

The fine print near the barcode identifies the product code as R30106. The sticker shows R30106 as well.

Those are the correct numbers.

I will suggest that the seller actually has this item.

Bee

Edit: well, the box anyway! 🙂

[96RAF]

I have reported in to Hornby that the product page says there are 5x locos in the box and also that despite the item being pre-order status one is up for sale on eBay. Maybe they will know the how and the why of it.

[DarkRedCape]

Something similar happened with a Terrier Train Pack of mine.

I had the item on pre-order for several months, then it released, I received mine, but it instantly went to unavailable on the website. Then some time after that it went back to pre-order only. Only after a few more months passing did it go to available to purchase.

This is the only item I have encountered this with. Not saying that’s what’s happening with this listing, just might be something to do with train packs.

Edit: I’ve had two locos arrive recently that were both set for winter 2023/2024, which officially started on the 22nd of December, both arrived before their stated release date, so early releases are happening.