Clark Railworks OO Quad Arts

The Quadarts were built from 1923 with a small pause until 1925 when the electrification of the London Suburban lines was considered but didn't happen. The LNER directors voted against the electrification and an order of more quad sets was placed. Due to the staggering work load on the company workshops orders for further sets were placed with outside contractors, namely Midland Carriage & Wagon Co. In total 97 sets were produced between the GNR, LNER & Contractors making up the fleet of Quad Art coaches.

Seeing use on the suburban lines the Quad’s became a favoured work horse for moving people in the busy rush hour periods. They were regularly formed into one set of 8 from the two sets of 4 to move passengers from the captial quickly and efficiently. Due to the vehicles being such a success they were the last articulated loco-hauled stock to be running on the UK mainline with their demise finally coming in April of 1966. They were such a success it was reported two sets were fitted with Westinghouse quick service brake valves and reached speeds of 90 mph behind an A4. In the later years the Quads were hauled by a wide variety of motive power, ranging from the humble N1, N2 & N7 to locos such as A4s, BR class 20s, 31s and much more.

One of the more ‘BR famous’ sets of Quads was set 85. Overhauled at Stratford in 1954 the set was frequently booked to work the 17:58 train Kings Cross-Welwyn Garden City and as such was nicknamed the ‘Pottersbarbarian’. The other well known Quad set is the remaining 4 vehicles from Set 74. This has been lovingly preserved by the M&GN Society and North Norfolk Railway where the set can be seen in service and has a permanent shed to reside in to assist it’s preservation.

Livery-wise the Quadarts carried three distinctive liveries over their long life span. Firstly they carried varnished teak livery right up until BR when Crimson was adopted for secondary stock of which the Quads were classed. After, Crimson Maroon was applied throughout until the vehicles were retired from the lengthy service.