A Cambuslang firm has gone ‘one step beyond’ by creating a Madness-themed welfare van for rail workers.
Plant hire company AB2K created the ‘Mad Mess’ vehicle which paid tribute to the classic pop band with a wrapped design of the Madness ‘One Step Beyond’ cover with the slogan ‘Our house in the middle of our track’ emblazoned on the side.
The pop legends even got in touch to say they loved the van, which is used by rail construction employees and key workers for breaks while out on the tracks.
Mark Bedford, aka Bedders, the bass player from the pop legends, published a video on Youtube praising the “brilliant” van.
He said: “I’ve just seen some fantastic pictures of a rather unusual vehicle. It’s a big lorry that goes along railway tracks.
“What made me most pleased and proud about it is that it was covered in Madness imagery.
“I found out it was called the Mad Mess and it looks absolutely brilliant. You’ve really gone one step beyond.
“I loved it so much I actually showed the rest of the band and they’ve asked me to pass on my very best wishes to you all there and also to thank you for all the essential work you’re doing on keeping the railways going.
“I hope you are really going to enjoy your very own Mad mobile. We actually like it so much we quite fancy building one ourselves.”
The firm’s managing director John Murphy said: “We are immensely grateful to Bedders and the band for this response. The reaction on social media has been overwhelming.
“Rail staff work in cold dark places and as key workers their welfare is paramount.
“We wanted to do something to bring a smile to their faces so we took an unused vehicle and designed it around a band that many of us really love – Madness.
“There’s no doubt about the fact that this band, a national treasure, makes people feel good. The very sight of the vehicle approaching remote locations on rail with the Madness image on the side next to ‘Mad Mess’ instantly makes rail workers feel happier.
“On the road drivers honk their horns and wave – the presence of the nutty boys has lifted spirits for so many people, way beyond our company. This video from the band tops it all.”
