Feature-filled: Clark Railworks 'Quad Art' coaches
The highly-anticipated four-coach 'Quad Art' sets from Clark Railworks (depicting the 1923 builds) have been selling steadily since their release late last month.
'Quad Arts' were used on stopping trains between London and Hertfordshire as well as on semi-fast services as far north as Cambridge. A healthy lifespan of over 40 years saw them decorated in teak, crimson and maroon liveries, with motive power provided by everything from N1s, N2s and N7s to Class 20s and 31s as the diesel age dawned.
The weight saved through use of articulation facilitated greater acceleration and thus faster schedules when compared with conventional stock. Compartments were spartan and rather ‘intimate’ for commuters of the period – but the wood panelling, wall prints and wired luggage racks are all features that are faithfully represented on these models.
Quad Art set No. 85 became a minor celebrity following overhaul in 1954, when it was often used on the 17:58 London Kings Cross – Welwyn Garden City ‘Pottersbarbarian’ service and became something of a mascot for commuters and railwaymen. This set has been fully restored by the M&GN Society and can be enjoyed by 21st-century passengers today amid the pastoral landscape of the North Norfolk Railway.
Each Clark Railworks coach pack contains four coaches and three accessory packs, including the provision to convert to EM or P4 gauge.
A magnetic wand for activating/deactivating internal lights is included, as is a surplus of optional destination boards giving plenty of choice!
Prototypically to make an accurate rake, you'll need to purchase two of these packs. In reality, two sets were usually put together.
A wonderful collection of compatible ready-to-run locomotives from the past decade can haul these vehicles, covering multiple eras.
With LNER versions expected to arrive this month and with Bachmann's L&NWR 50ft arc roof coaches, the modelling horizon is looking bright for compatible options...
Fancy treating yourself to a set? Perhaps you'd like to have options on compatible models - our helpful staff are here to help.
