Britain's first Double-Decker train, 1949

[TinCan782]

in 1949: A new double-decker train, SR Class 4DD, was introduced at London Charing Cross, aimed at alleviating the overcrowded commute.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/double_decker_train/zhmrvk7

 

[Dutchrailnut]

not true double deckers as there is no second deck , these are basically like the LIRR step up seats .

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

Nice short! Not what I'd call double-decker or bilevel, but certainly practical with the low clearances in the UK.

A tidbit, those 'strip lights' (actually not fluorescent but incandescent bulbs) were, if no longer, made locally for US production here in Chicago. Still a US patent though!

 

[jis]

Nice short! Not what I'd call double-decker or bilevel, but certainly practical with the low clearances in the UK.

The original (1999) RER-E stock in Paris has an arrangement almost like that.

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

The original (1999) RER-E stock in Paris has an arrangement almost like that.

Now that step up is a gap to mind!

(and so rusty - makes Metra look good)

 

[jis]

Now that step up is a gap to mind!

(and so rusty - makes Metra look good)

Fortunately they were augmented with new single level stock in 2009. I don't know how many, if any, are still in service.

Most European railways do not even pretend to try to have level boarding at all stations.

 

[joelkfla]

in 1949: A new double-decker train, SR Class 4DD, was introduced at London Charing Cross, aimed at alleviating the overcrowded commute.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/double_decker_train/zhmrvk7

More like a "split-level" than a double-decker. The design is reminiscent of the duplex sleeping cars.

The upper seats would have been a bit uncomfortable for ladies in the 1960's.

 

[JontyMort]

The DD sets were designed by Bulleid just before nationalisation. In practice the disadvantages - of which longer station dwell times were one - meant that only the two prototype 4-car sets were built. They survived until 1971.

 

[cirdan]

The DD sets were designed by Bulleid just before nationalisation. In practice the disadvantages - of which longer station dwell times were one - meant that only the two prototype 4-car sets were built. They survived until 1971.

I believe one if not several cars still survive today in some museum, but have not been cared for and are in increasingly decrepit condition.

 

[JontyMort]

I believe one if not several cars still survive today in some museum, but have not been cared for and are in increasingly decrepit condition.

Two cars survive in separate ownership, and increasingly poor condition.

 

[Caesar La Rock]

Two cars survive in separate ownership, and increasingly poor condition.

They're currently being restored. Bulleid 4DD Group