Now available are these utterly unique new Electric Multiple Units in OO Gauge from KR Models - the Bulleid Southern Region 4-DD Double Deckers!
This is the first time these fascinating units have ever been produced in ready-to-run OO Gauge before. Their full history is catered for with BR plain green, BR green with small yellow panels, BR green with full yellow ends and BR blue with full yellow ends available. Each of these can be optioned DCC Ready, DCC Fitted or DCC Sound Fitted depending on your preference.
We have already sold out of many of these highly anticipated models and the rest aren't far behind so place your orders now to avoid missing out.
In Stock Now
Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts including horns, pipework, cables and underframe relief
Detailed interior with cab furniture and the unique alternating 'up' and 'down' compartments
Twin motors - one in each end car, driving one bogie each
All-wheel electrical pickups on every coach
Pre-fitted interior and cab lights (DCC operable)
Headcode lamps (DCC operable)
DCC & Sound Capability - 21-pin socket - only 1 decoder required for the full 4-car set
Close coupling system with sprung buffer between cars
NEM tension lock couplings on outer ends for coupling to other 4DDs or other units if preferred
Prototype Information
The SR Class 4DD was an experimental double-decker electric multiple unit built in 1949 and operated by the Southern Region of British Railways until 1971. Conceived by Oliver Bulleid for the Southern Railway's commuter line from London Charing Crossto Dartford, the two trains were the only double-decker trains to be used on the mainline railway network in Britain. Whilst commonly used in continental Europe and North America, the restrictive railway loading gauge in the United Kingdom prohibits normal double-decker trains with two fully separated decks.
The 4DD was more split-level than truly double-deck because the compartments were alternately high and low to ensure that the overall height of the train was exactly within the clearances necessary to safely pass through tunnels and under bridges.
The intention to carry more passengers in a train of the same length as other contemporary stock was met, with the two 4-DD units having 1,104 seats compared to 800 in other units of similar age. However it was found that the additional number of passengers meant longer time spent at stations to allow passengers to get on and off. In practice, the upper compartments were cramped and poorly ventilated because the upper-level windows were impossible to open due to tight clearance. To resolve this problem, the compartments were pressure-ventilated, but the equipment proved to be unreliable.
Unusually for an "experiment" they lasted in traffic from 1949 to 1971, undergoing routine maintenance and repaints with no hiccups in their life. The two units were finally withdrawn on 1 October 1971 having travelled approximately 700,000 miles in service.