In the 1930s the London Underground's District Line converted older
G Stock to have air operated doors, these were re-designated
Q Stock. New motor cars and trailers were also built to operate with the older stock as the
Q38. Twenty five Driving Motors and 183 trailers were built, these were similar to the previously built
O and P Stocks with a flared skirt on the sides. The trailers has driver cab doors at one end for possible future conversion to DM in future. In service these operated with older Q Stock which didn't have these flares and had clerestory roofs which gave the trains a strange appearance.
 |
| A preserved DM at LT Museum Acton |
| Information |
| Number built: |
208 |
| Built: |
1938-40 |
| Builder: |
Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Company |
| Motor: |
DC traction motors |
After the Second World War most of the Q38 trailers were rebuilt for use with
R Stock and known as
R38. Some trailers were also converted for use with
CO / CP Stock. The rest of the Q Stock remained in use on the East London Line until 1971. Two Driving Motors have been preserved.
 |
| Preserved DM 4417, the flare at the bottom of the sides can be clearly seen |
[1] Brian Hardy, Surface Stock 1933-1959 (Capital Transport, 2002) p. 55
