In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe. Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration.

The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. In the Mid-2000s the Mk3 stock belonging to the InterCity East Coast franchise, operated by GNER, received refurbishment to bring them up to the same level as the Mk4 coaches that had been refurbished as part of ‘Project Mallard’. LNER inherited its fleet of Mk3 coaches in 2018 after taking over the InterCity East Coast franchise from Virgin Trains East Coast. The introduction of Class 800 and 801 sets has seen LNER replace all its InterCity 125 sets and as a result Mk3 coaches ceased operating with LNER after a farewell tour at the end of December 2019. Nine of the fourteen HST sets transferred to East Midlands Railway.

In order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe. Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration.

The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. In the Mid-2000s the Mk3 stock belonging to the InterCity East Coast franchise, operated by GNER, received refurbishment to bring them up to the same level as the Mk4 coaches that had been refurbished as part of ‘Project Mallard’. LNER inherited its fleet of Mk3 coaches in 2018 after taking over the InterCity East Coast franchise from Virgin Trains East Coast. The introduction of Class 800 and 801 sets has seen LNER replace all its InterCity 125 sets and as a result Mk3 coaches ceased operating with LNER after a farewell tour at the end of December 2019. Nine of the fourteen HST sets transferred to East Midlands Railway.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe. Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration.

The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. In the Mid-2000s the Mk3 stock belonging to the InterCity East Coast franchise, operated by GNER, received refurbishment to bring them up to the same level as the Mk4 coaches that had been refurbished as part of ‘Project Mallard’. LNER inherited its fleet of Mk3 coaches in 2018 after taking over the InterCity East Coast franchise from Virgin Trains East Coast. The introduction of Class 800 and 801 sets has seen LNER replace all its InterCity 125 sets and as a result Mk3 coaches ceased operating with LNER after a farewell tour at the end of December 2019. Nine of the fourteen HST sets transferred to East Midlands Railway.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe. Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration.

The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. In the Mid-2000s the Mk3 stock belonging to the InterCity East Coast franchise, operated by GNER, received refurbishment to bring them up to the same level as the Mk4 coaches that had been refurbished as part of ‘Project Mallard’. LNER inherited its fleet of Mk3 coaches in 2018 after taking over the InterCity East Coast franchise from Virgin Trains East Coast. The introduction of Class 800 and 801 sets has seen LNER replace all its InterCity 125 sets and as a result Mk3 coaches ceased operating with LNER after a farewell tour at the end of December 2019. Nine of the fourteen HST sets transferred to East Midlands Railway.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe. Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972.

Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. In the Mid-2000s the Mk3 stock belonging to the InterCity East Coast franchise, operated by GNER, received refurbishment to bring them up to the same level as the Mk4 coaches that had been refurbished as part of ‘Project Mallard’. LNER inherited its fleet of Mk3 coaches in 2018 after taking over the InterCity East Coast franchise from Virgin Trains East Coast. The introduction of Class 800 and 801 sets has seen LNER replace all its InterCity 125 sets and as a result Mk3 coaches ceased operating with LNER after a farewell tour at the end of December 2019. Nine of the fourteen HST sets transferred to East Midlands Railway.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe. Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972.

Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. In the Mid-2000s the Mk3 stock belonging to the InterCity East Coast franchise, operated by GNER, received refurbishment to bring them up to the same level as the Mk4 coaches that had been refurbished as part of ‘Project Mallard’. LNER inherited its fleet of Mk3 coaches in 2018 after taking over the InterCity East Coast franchise from Virgin Trains East Coast. The introduction of Class 800 and 801 sets has seen LNER replace all its InterCity 125 sets and as a result Mk3 coaches ceased operating with LNER after a farewell tour at the end of December 2019. Nine of the fourteen HST sets transferred to East Midlands Railway.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe. Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration.

The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. In the Mid-2000s the Mk3 stock belonging to the InterCity East Coast franchise, operated by GNER, received refurbishment to bring them up to the same level as the Mk4 coaches that had been refurbished as part of ‘Project Mallard’. LNER inherited its fleet of Mk3 coaches in 2018 after taking over the InterCity East Coast franchise from Virgin Trains East Coast. The introduction of Class 800 and 801 sets has seen LNER replace all its InterCity 125 sets and as a result Mk3 coaches ceased operating with LNER after a farewell tour at the end of December 2019. Nine of the fourteen HST sets transferred to East Midlands Railway.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running. In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s.

Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. The Mk1 BCK is a Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor coach meaning seating is split into compartments connected by a corridor on one side. The coach provided both first- and second-class compartments. Along with passenger seating this coach also houses a compartment containing equipment used to help brake the train.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running. In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s.

Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. The Mk1 BCK is a Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor coach meaning seating is split into compartments connected by a corridor on one side. The coach provided both first- and second-class compartments. Along with passenger seating this coach also houses a compartment containing equipment used to help brake the train.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running.

In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s. Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. The Mk1 BCK is a Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor coach meaning seating is split into compartments connected by a corridor on one side. The coach provided both first- and second-class compartments. Along with passenger seating this coach also houses a compartment containing equipment used to help brake the train.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running. In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s.

Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. The Mk1 BCK is a Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor coach meaning seating is split into compartments connected by a corridor on one side. The coach provided both first- and second-class compartments. Along with passenger seating this coach also houses a compartment containing equipment used to help brake the train.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running. In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s.

Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. The Mk1 BCK is a Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor coach meaning seating is split into compartments connected by a corridor on one side. The coach provided both first- and second-class compartments. Along with passenger seating this coach also houses a compartment containing equipment used to help brake the train.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running. In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s.

Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. The Mk1 RB is a Mk1 Restaurant Buffet coach containing a kitchen and a serving buffet counter. As well as these features the coach would also feature seating, usually with a capacity of 23 passengers. The first phase of building British Railways' Mk1 catering vehicles followed the traditional pattern of dining that had been catered for since Edwardian times, with large Kitchen Cars preparing multiple course dining for consumption in both First and Third Class Dining Cars. However, during the early 1950s it became apparent that social patterns regarding rail travel catering were changing, a direct consequence of WWII attitudes towards dining. The catering department of British Railways was experiencing a demand from travellers for cheaper and lighter meals and was seeing an increase in social drinking that was not related to dining. This change in dining patterns meant that the use of a Buffet vehicle, rather than a full Kitchen Car/Dining Car combination, was sometimes a better option and the third phase 1957-62 Mk.1 building programme provided many of BR's vehicles with buffet facilities, not just in addition to full meal provision, but also replacing it. Propane gas units were used for gas cooking, reducing the reliance on electric power which, in turn, allowed for a smaller dynamo and battery.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running. In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s.

Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. The Mk1 RB is a Mk1 Restaurant Buffet coach containing a kitchen and a serving buffet counter. As well as these features the coach would also feature seating, usually with a capacity of 23 passengers. The first phase of building British Railways' Mk1 catering vehicles followed the traditional pattern of dining that had been catered for since Edwardian times, with large Kitchen Cars preparing multiple course dining for consumption in both First and Third Class Dining Cars. However, during the early 1950s it became apparent that social patterns regarding rail travel catering were changing, a direct consequence of WWII attitudes towards dining. The catering department of British Railways was experiencing a demand from travellers for cheaper and lighter meals and was seeing an increase in social drinking that was not related to dining. This change in dining patterns meant that the use of a Buffet vehicle, rather than a full Kitchen Car/Dining Car combination, was sometimes a better option and the third phase 1957-62 Mk.1 building programme provided many of BR's vehicles with buffet facilities, not just in addition to full meal provision, but also replacing it. Propane gas units were used for gas cooking, reducing the reliance on electric power which, in turn, allowed for a smaller dynamo and battery.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running. In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s.

Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. The Mk1 RB is a Mk1 Restaurant Buffet coach containing a kitchen and a serving buffet counter. As well as these features the coach would also feature seating, usually with a capacity of 23 passengers. The first phase of building British Railways' Mk1 catering vehicles followed the traditional pattern of dining that had been catered for since Edwardian times, with large Kitchen Cars preparing multiple course dining for consumption in both First and Third Class Dining Cars. However, during the early 1950s it became apparent that social patterns regarding rail travel catering were changing, a direct consequence of WWII attitudes towards dining. The catering department of British Railways was experiencing a demand from travellers for cheaper and lighter meals and was seeing an increase in social drinking that was not related to dining. This change in dining patterns meant that the use of a Buffet vehicle, rather than a full Kitchen Car/Dining Car combination, was sometimes a better option and the third phase 1957-62 Mk.1 building programme provided many of BR's vehicles with buffet facilities, not just in addition to full meal provision, but also replacing it. Propane gas units were used for gas cooking, reducing the reliance on electric power which, in turn, allowed for a smaller dynamo and battery.

The first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mark 1 coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain’s railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York. Most Mk1 coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running.

In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident. Mk1 coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s. Network rail continue to use modified Mk1 coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 coaches on specially organised services. Delivered in 1959, BR coach number 3091 was converted to an MTA Brake Force Runner in 1986.

Southern Railway inherited a variety of coach stock that had been used by other railway companies pre-grouping. Furthermore, Southern Railway continued to build new coaches to the design of the three largest companies. The Maunsell carriage was intended to be the standard carriage design for use across the Southern Railway lines, incorporating the best features of each of the former companies' designs. Maunsell Coaches were constructed between 1925 and 1936 at Eastleigh, with 1200 being built. The standard coach design was 59ft long and made from wood with steel sheeting. One feature of the coaches was the low window placement which while less of an issue when seated, meant that whilst stood up it was difficult to see outside the coach without ducking.

In 1929 this feature was amended, resulting in the introduction of ‘high window’ coaches, although on corridor coaches the low windows remained on the compartment side of the coach. In operation, coaches were grouper together to form sets. The intention was that coaches would remain in these sets for long durations, with the set numbers appearing at the brake end of the set. 139 sets were created with loose stock being used to supplement the sets on busier trains. In August 1925, construction began on six First Class Dining Saloons for the Western Section. The first of a batch of twenty-six such vehicles under Diagram 2651, they were intended for the London-Bournemouth, London-Portsmouth and London-Exeter services and were of the low-windowed design. Seating twenty four passengers in four seating bays at one end and the kitchen, pantry, service vestibule and side corridor at the other, a set of double loading doors opened into the vestibule, while the passengers accessed the Restaurant from the gangways at either end. Four further low windowed Dining Saloons were completed between July and December 1929, intended for the inter-regional through sets and in May/June 1930, ten further Dining Saloons entered service, under Order 464, on West Country workings.

Southern Railway inherited a variety of coach stock that had been used by other railway companies pre-grouping. Furthermore, Southern Railway continued to build new coaches to the design of the three largest companies. The Maunsell carriage was intended to be the standard carriage design for use across the Southern Railway lines, incorporating the best features of each of the former companies' designs. Maunsell Coaches were constructed between 1925 and 1936 at Eastleigh, with 1200 being built. The standard coach design was 59ft long and made from wood with steel sheeting. One feature of the coaches was the low window placement which while less of an issue when seated, meant that whilst stood up it was difficult to see outside the coach without ducking.

In 1929 this feature was amended, resulting in the introduction of ‘high window’ coaches, although on corridor coaches the low windows remained on the compartment side of the coach. In operation, coaches were grouper together to form sets. The intention was that coaches would remain in these sets for long durations, with the set numbers appearing at the brake end of the set. 139 sets were created with loose stock being used to supplement the sets on busier trains. In August 1925, construction began on six First Class Dining Saloons for the Western Section. The first of a batch of twenty-six such vehicles under Diagram 2651, they were intended for the London-Bournemouth, London-Portsmouth and London-Exeter services and were of the low-windowed design. Seating twenty four passengers in four seating bays at one end and the kitchen, pantry, service vestibule and side corridor at the other, a set of double loading doors opened into the vestibule, while the passengers accessed the Restaurant from the gangways at either end. Four further low windowed Dining Saloons were completed between July and December 1929, intended for the inter-regional through sets and in May/June 1930, ten further Dining Saloons entered service, under Order 464, on West Country workings.

Maunsell’s diagram 2652 third class dining saloons were built in 1927 to provide an area for third class passengers to make use of the kitchen services provided in first class kitchen/dining coaches. The exterior of the coaches utilised the ‘low-window’ Maunsell styling, with ventilators above the windows and doors at each end which were gently recessed to accommodate their grab handles within gauging limits. Inside, each coach could accommodate 64 diners and two toilets were located at the end of the coach furthest away from the kitchen/dining first coach.

Whereas a further 40 kitchen/dining firsts were built to the same ‘low-window’ style from 1929 onwards, accompanying third class dining was felt to be better served by the new ‘high-window’ open third saloons and as a consequence, from 1930, the six third class restaurant dining saloons were reclassified as open thirds. In 1947 the six coaches received updated interiors, with 4 of the coaches becoming composite coaches and two becoming first class coaches. The four composite coaches, nos. 1365-1368, served on the South Western section of the railway network paired with diagram 2659 Kitchen & Buffet Cars.

Maunsell’s diagram 2652 third class dining saloons were built in 1927 to provide an area for third class passengers to make use of the kitchen services provided in first class kitchen/dining coaches. The exterior of the coaches utilised the ‘low-window’ Maunsell styling, with ventilators above the windows and doors at each end which were gently recessed to accommodate their grab handles within gauging limits. Inside, each coach could accommodate 64 diners and two toilets were located at the end of the coach furthest away from the kitchen/dining first coach.

Whereas a further 40 kitchen/dining firsts were built to the same ‘low-window’ style from 1929 onwards, accompanying third class dining was felt to be better served by the new ‘high-window’ open third saloons and as a consequence, from 1930, the six third class restaurant dining saloons were reclassified as open thirds. In 1947 the six coaches received updated interiors, with 4 of the coaches becoming composite coaches and two becoming first class coaches. The four composite coaches, nos. 1365-1368, served on the South Western section of the railway network paired with diagram 2659 Kitchen & Buffet Cars.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1996, as a result of the privatisation of British Rail, The InterCity Great Western franchise was awarded to Great Western Trains who in 1998 became First Great Western (FGW). FGW operated Mk3 coaches in HST car-sets from London Paddington to various locations in the west, south wales and south-west. FGW was rebranded as Great Western Railways in September 2015 and in 2017 started to replace its InterCity 125 sets with new Hitachi Class 800 and 802 sets.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1996, as a result of the privatisation of British Rail, The InterCity Great Western franchise was awarded to Great Western Trains who in 1998 became First Great Western (FGW). FGW operated Mk3 coaches in HST car-sets from London Paddington to various locations in the west, south wales and south-west. FGW was rebranded as Great Western Railways in September 2015 and in 2017 started to replace its InterCity 125 sets with new Hitachi Class 800 and 802 sets.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1996, as a result of the privatisation of British Rail, The InterCity Great Western franchise was awarded to Great Western Trains who in 1998 became First Great Western (FGW). FGW operated Mk3 coaches in HST car-sets from London Paddington to various locations in the west, south wales and south-west. FGW was rebranded as Great Western Railways in September 2015 and in 2017 started to replace its InterCity 125 sets with new Hitachi Class 800 and 802 sets.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1996, as a result of the privatisation of British Rail, The InterCity Great Western franchise was awarded to Great Western Trains who in 1998 became First Great Western (FGW). FGW operated Mk3 coaches in HST car-sets from London Paddington to various locations in the west, south wales and south-west. FGW was rebranded as Great Western Railways in September 2015 and in 2017 started to replace its InterCity 125 sets with new Hitachi Class 800 and 802 sets.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1996, as a result of the privatisation of British Rail, The InterCity Great Western franchise was awarded to Great Western Trains who in 1998 became First Great Western (FGW). FGW operated Mk3 coaches in HST car-sets from London Paddington to various locations in the west, south wales and south-west. FGW was rebranded as Great Western Railways in September 2015 and in 2017 started to replace its InterCity 125 sets with new Hitachi Class 800 and 802 sets.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1979 British Rail ordered 236 Mk3a sleeper carriages to replace an ageing fleet of Mark 1 sleeper cars built to various designs and which dated from the late 1950s to early 1960s. This order was later reduced to 207 carriages. East coast sleeper services between London and Scotland ceased in May 1988, but the sleeper services on the WCML from Euston remined. Mk3 sleeper vehicles remain in use on the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall having had their interiors refurbished.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1979 British Rail ordered 236 Mk3a sleeper carriages to replace an ageing fleet of Mark 1 sleeper cars built to various designs and which dated from the late 1950s to early 1960s. This order was later reduced to 207 carriages. East coast sleeper services between London and Scotland ceased in May 1988, but the sleeper services on the WCML from Euston remined. Mk3 sleeper vehicles remain in use on the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall having had their interiors refurbished.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1979 British Rail ordered 236 Mk3a sleeper carriages to replace an ageing fleet of Mark 1 sleeper cars built to various designs and which dated from the late 1950s to early 1960s. This order was later reduced to 207 carriages. East coast sleeper services between London and Scotland ceased in May 1988, but the sleeper services on the WCML from Euston remined. Mk3 sleeper vehicles remain in use on the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall having had their interiors refurbished.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1979 British Rail ordered 236 Mk3a sleeper carriages to replace an ageing fleet of Mark 1 sleeper cars built to various designs and which dated from the late 1950s to early 1960s. This order was later reduced to 207 carriages. East coast sleeper services between London and Scotland ceased in May 1988, but the sleeper services on the WCML from Euston remined. Mk3 sleeper vehicles remain in use on the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall having had their interiors refurbished.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1979 British Rail ordered 236 Mk3a sleeper carriages to replace an ageing fleet of Mark 1 sleeper cars built to various designs and which dated from the late 1950s to early 1960s. This order was later reduced to 207 carriages. East coast sleeper services between London and Scotland ceased in May 1988, but the sleeper services on the WCML from Euston remined. Mk3 sleeper vehicles remain in use on the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall having had their interiors refurbished.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1979 British Rail ordered 236 Mk3a sleeper carriages to replace an ageing fleet of Mark 1 sleeper cars built to various designs and which dated from the late 1950s to early 1960s. This order was later reduced to 207 carriages. East coast sleeper services between London and Scotland ceased in May 1988, but the sleeper services on the WCML from Euston remined. Mk3 sleeper vehicles remain in use on the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall having had their interiors refurbished.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1979 British Rail ordered 236 Mk3a sleeper carriages to replace an ageing fleet of Mark 1 sleeper cars built to various designs and which dated from the late 1950s to early 1960s. This order was later reduced to 207 carriages. Mk3 sleeper vehicles remain in use on the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall having had their interiors refurbished. East coast sleeper services between London and Scotland ceased in May 1988, but the sleeper services on the WCML from Euston remined. Responsibility for operation of the remaining Anglo-Scottish services passed within British Rail from InterCity West Coast to ScotRail in March 1995. The Caledonian Sleeper franchise was initially handed out as part of the ScotRail franchise which was won by National Express who took over the services operation in 1997. National Express continued to use BR’s Mk3 sleeper coaches, hiring locomotives from Virgin Trains until March 1998 and EWS from then on. Mk2 seated carriages were added to the service in 2000 featuring first class-style reclining seats, whilst the Mk3 sleeping cars were refurbished. In 2004 the ScotRail Franchise including the Caledonian Sleeper was transferred to FirstGroup with the Caledonian sleeper rolling stock being repainted in FirstGroup's corporate blue, pink and white livery. In 2014 the Caledonian Sleeper became part of a separate franchise awarded to Serco who invested £100 million in new Mark 5 carriages which were introduced in April 2019, replacing the aging Mk3 stock.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. In 1979 British Rail ordered 236 Mk3a sleeper carriages to replace an ageing fleet of Mark 1 sleeper cars built to various designs and which dated from the late 1950s to early 1960s. This order was later reduced to 207 carriages. Mk3 sleeper vehicles remain in use on the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall having had their interiors refurbished. East coast sleeper services between London and Scotland ceased in May 1988, but the sleeper services on the WCML from Euston remined. Responsibility for operation of the remaining Anglo-Scottish services passed within British Rail from InterCity West Coast to ScotRail in March 1995. The Caledonian Sleeper franchise was initially handed out as part of the ScotRail franchise which was won by National Express who took over the services operation in 1997. National Express continued to use BR’s Mk3 sleeper coaches, hiring locomotives from Virgin Trains until March 1998 and EWS from then on. Mk2 seated carriages were added to the service in 2000 featuring first class-style reclining seats, whilst the Mk3 sleeping cars were refurbished. In 2004 the ScotRail Franchise including the Caledonian Sleeper was transferred to FirstGroup with the Caledonian sleeper rolling stock being repainted in FirstGroup's corporate blue, pink and white livery. In 2014 the Caledonian Sleeper became part of a separate franchise awarded to Serco who invested £100 million in new Mark 5 carriages which were introduced in April 2019, replacing the aging Mk3 stock.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. After an iconic life of service on the East Coast Main Line, LNER removed its Inter-City 125s from service at the end of 2019. To celebrate LNER announced a farewell rail tour using power cars 43206 and 43312 along with 7 Mk3 coaches. The entire train was repainted in the original blue and yellow livery and the tour lasted for four days.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. After an iconic life of service on the East Coast Main Line, LNER removed its Inter-City 125s from service at the end of 2019. To celebrate LNER announced a farewell rail tour using power cars 43206 and 43312 along with 7 Mk3 coaches. The entire train was repainted in the original blue and yellow livery and the tour lasted for four days.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. After an iconic life of service on the East Coast Main Line, LNER removed its Inter-City 125s from service at the end of 2019. To celebrate LNER announced a farewell rail tour using power cars 43206 and 43312 along with 7 Mk3 coaches. The entire train was repainted in the original blue and yellow livery and the tour lasted for four days.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. After an iconic life of service on the East Coast Main Line, LNER removed its Inter-City 125s from service at the end of 2019. To celebrate LNER announced a farewell rail tour using power cars 43206 and 43312 along with 7 Mk3 coaches. The entire train was repainted in the original blue and yellow livery and the tour lasted for four days.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. After an iconic life of service on the East Coast Main Line, LNER removed its Inter-City 125s from service at the end of 2019. To celebrate LNER announced a farewell rail tour using power cars 43206 and 43312 along with 7 Mk3 coaches. The entire train was repainted in the original blue and yellow livery and the tour lasted for four days.

In-order to allow running at 125 mph on Britain’s Victorian era railways, new rolling stock was needed by British Railways. Significant improvements over the Mk2 included new secondary air suspension between the bogies and the coach body as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

Mk3 coaches are 75ft (23m) long enabling far greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also incorporate disk breaks and wheel slip protection enabling faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches to be delivered were used as part of the HST prototype along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars in 1972. Mk3 coaches entered service in 1975 along with the Class 43 forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. After the HST Mk3 coach variant was introduced, further Mk3 coaches were introduced to the West Coast Mainline for use as part of locomotive hauled trains.

Whilst Mk3 stock is standard for HST units, the standard locomotive hauled stock is Mk3a. Mk3a stock differs from Mk3 stock due to the inclusion of buffers as well as a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before 3B stock with improved seating and lighting was built from 1985 to 1988. After an iconic life of service on the East Coast Main Line, LNER removed its Inter-City 125s from service at the end of 2019. To celebrate LNER announced a farewell rail tour using power cars 43206 and 43312 along with 7 Mk3 coaches. The entire train was repainted in the original blue and yellow livery and the tour lasted for four days.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the Great Northern Railway (GNR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GNR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the Great Northern Railway (GNR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GNR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the Great Northern Railway (GNR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GNR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the Great Northern Railway (GNR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GNR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the Great Northern Railway (GNR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GNR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This LSWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and oil lamp lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This LSWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and oil lamp lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This LSWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and oil lamp lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This LSWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and oil lamp lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the many which served on the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) in the late 19th and early 20th century. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This LSWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and oil lamp lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the hundreds which served on the GWR from the Victorian era onwards. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the hundreds which served on the GWR from the Victorian era onwards. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the hundreds which served on the GWR from the Victorian era onwards. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.

This four wheeled coach is a representation of the hundreds which served on the GWR from the Victorian era onwards. Four wheeled coaches proved especially good at branch line work where their small size enabled the traversing of tight radius curves, whilst lower passenger numbers meant their small size was more acceptable and enabled trains to be hauled by smaller engines.

This GWR coach is modelled as having step boards to enable access at stations with low platforms and gas lighting.