In 1898 the G.W.R. built ten 51ft non-corridor brake thirds to Diagram D27 (Kit 4C52), four composites to Diagram E58 (Kit 4C51) and one composite to Diagram E59. These formed five 3 coach trains for Bridgend — Tondu services. Between 1913 and 1916 eight of the D27 brakes were converted to auto train driving trailers (Kit 4C50). To run with them the composites were also converted, along with three other coaches. These made eight 2-coach auto sets which became known as Clifton Down sets.
Overshadowed by the more numerous purpose-built auto coaches, the Clifton Down sets have not been well documented, but they appear all over the GWR system. As well as Bristol area branches they were seen at Marlow, Henley, Lambourne, Paignton, Mortonhampstead and Neyland to mention but a few. The last survivors were withdrawn in 1950.
4C50 CLIFTON DOWN DRIVING TRAILER
Diagram A2/A3
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4C51 5lft COMPOSITE
Diagram E58/THIRD Diagram C40
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No illustration available
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4C53 GWR TADPOLE A FISH TRUCK
Diagram S2
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4C54 GWR TADPOLE A - POST 1915
Diagram S2
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| These distinctive vehicles were built in 1889 for the Broad Gauge. Kit 4C53 portrays them as converted to standard gauge and before the guard's caboose was removed. In 1915 they became ‘brown' vehicles. They were withdrawn at the end of 1926. |
From 1915 onwards the guards cabooses were gradually removed from the Tadpoles. Kit 4C54 portrays them in this final state. They were withdrawn at the end of 1926.
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4C55 GWR BROAD GAUGE TADPOLE A
Diagram S2
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4C56/7C56 GWR F12 38ft 6in SLIP COMPOSITE
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This is the original version as built in 1889. With 5ft wheel base bogies running on 7ft gauge track the riding must have been indescribable, All three versions of the kit include compensation, All vehicles were converted to standard gauge when the broad gauge was abandoned. The 4mm scale version is only available to special order. A 7mm scale version may be available through the Broad Gauge Society. |
These very short vehicles were built as a pair for the Liverpool to Folkestone S.E.C.R. through service which slipped at Reading . They soon merged into the general slip coach fleet appearing on various services up to the First World War. After the war they became brake composites and lasted until 1936.
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GWR 1887 ‘METRO' FOUR WHEELERS |
| In 1887 the G.W.R. built thirteen sets of close coupled four wheelers to the designs of William Holden. They were for the Middle Circle services and had distinctive round topped doors to allow them to run over the Metropolitan Railway. When they were superceded on London suburban workings they spread to branch lines all over the system. Many ended their days in the 1940's in the Welsh Valleys. |
4C90 GWR T8 26ft BRAKE THIRD |
4C91 GWR S18 26ft THIRD |
Also available in 7mm '0' Gauge as 7C90
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Also available in 7mm '0' Gauge as 7C91
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No illustration available |
4C94 GWR T7 26ft BRAKE SECOND
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No illustration available |
Original sets ran:
| 6 trains |
Bk2/2/1/1/3/3/3/Bk3 |
| 3 trains |
Bk2/2/2/1/1/3/3/3/Bk3 |
| 2 trains |
Bk2/1/1/3/3/3/Bk3 |
| 2 trains |
Bk2/2/1 /1 /3/3/3/Bk3 |
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