At the start of the 1930s the LMS abandoned the ‘Small Engine Policy that it had inherited from one of its largest predecessors, the Midland Railway. The abandoning of this policy led to some of the most famous Stanier and LMS designs such as the Jubilee, Black 5 and Duchess classes. To accompany this shift in ethos, new coaches were constructed for the LMS, with the 57’ coaches being built between 1931 and 1932.

These new coaches were steel clad, the first such for the LMS and had seating for 56, 300 such examples were built. In LMS service these coaches were painted in their striking maroon livery with LMS insignia adorning the side. The coaches, being relatively new at the time of nationalisation lasted well into the swansong days of BR, appearing in both its carmine and cream livery and later BR Maroon when BR decided to shift aesthetics back to regional recognition.

At the start of the 1930s the LMS abandoned the ‘Small Engine Policy that it had inherited from one of its largest predecessors, the Midland Railway. The abandoning of this policy led to some of the most famous Stanier and LMS designs such as the Jubilee, Black 5 and Duchess classes. To accompany this shift in ethos, new coaches were constructed for the LMS, with the 57’ coaches being built between 1931 and 1932.

These new coaches were steel clad, the first such for the LMS and had seating for 56, 300 such examples were built. In LMS service these coaches were painted in their striking maroon livery with LMS insignia adorning the side. The coaches, being relatively new at the time of nationalisation lasted well into the swansong days of BR, appearing in both its carmine and cream livery and later BR Maroon when BR decided to shift aesthetics back to regional recognition.

At the start of the 1930s the LMS abandoned the ‘Small Engine Policy that it had inherited from one of its largest predecessors, the Midland Railway. The abandoning of this policy led to some of the most famous Stanier and LMS designs such as the Jubilee, Black 5 and Duchess classes. To accompany this shift in ethos, new coaches were constructed for the LMS, with the 57’ coaches being built between 1931 and 1932.

These new coaches were steel clad, the first such for the LMS and had seating for 56, 300 such examples were built. In LMS service these coaches were painted in their striking maroon livery with LMS insignia adorning the side. The coaches, being relatively new at the time of nationalisation lasted well into the swansong days of BR, appearing in both its carmine and cream livery and later BR Maroon when BR decided to shift aesthetics back to regional recognition.

At the start of the 1930s the LMS abandoned the ‘Small Engine Policy that it had inherited from one of its largest predecessors, the Midland Railway. The abandoning of this policy led to some of the most famous Stanier and LMS designs such as the Jubilee, Black 5 and Duchess classes. To accompany this shift in ethos, new coaches were constructed for the LMS, with the 57’ coaches being built between 1931 and 1932.

These new coaches were steel clad, the first such for the LMS and had seating for 56, 300 such examples were built. In LMS service these coaches were painted in their striking maroon livery with LMS insignia adorning the side. The coaches, being relatively new at the time of nationalisation lasted well into the swansong days of BR, appearing in both its carmine and cream livery and later BR Maroon when BR decided to shift aesthetics back to regional recognition.

At the start of the 1930s the LMS abandoned the ‘Small Engine Policy that it had inherited from one of its largest predecessors, the Midland Railway. The abandoning of this policy led to some of the most famous Stanier and LMS designs such as the Jubilee, Black 5 and Duchess classes. To accompany this shift in ethos, new coaches were constructed for the LMS, with the 57’ coaches being built between 1931 and 1932.

These new coaches were steel clad, the first such for the LMS and had seating for 56, 300 such examples were built. In LMS service these coaches were painted in their striking maroon livery with LMS insignia adorning the side. The coaches, being relatively new at the time of nationalisation lasted well into the swansong days of BR, appearing in both its carmine and cream livery and later BR Maroon when BR decided to shift aesthetics back to regional recognition.

At the start of the 1930s the LMS abandoned the ‘Small Engine Policy that it had inherited from one of its largest predecessors, the Midland Railway. The abandoning of this policy led to some of the most famous Stanier and LMS designs such as the Jubilee, Black 5 and Duchess classes. To accompany this shift in ethos, new coaches were constructed for the LMS, with the 57’ coaches being built between 1931 and 1932.

These new coaches were steel clad, the first such for the LMS and had seating for 56, 300 such examples were built. In LMS service these coaches were painted in their striking maroon livery with LMS insignia adorning the side. The coaches, being relatively new at the time of nationalisation lasted well into the swansong days of BR, appearing in both its carmine and cream livery and later BR Maroon when BR decided to shift aesthetics back to regional recognition.

The British Rail Mark 1 coaches were not suitable for higher speed rail services, with the Mark 1 coaches being a perfect compliment for steam locomotives which saw themselves being replaced by diesel and electric locomotives as the 1960s progressed. The Mark 2 coach was introduced in 1964 and was all steel. While the Mark 2 was a progression of the Mark 1, the two shared almost no common parts, and only a passing resemblance.

In service, the Mark 2 coaches were commonly seen in the BR Blue and Grey livery and Network South East colours. The coaches were mainly hauled by larger express diesel and electric locomotives such as the Class 40, 47 and 86. As of 2022, the only Mark 2 coaches still in service are those that are part of the Network rail fleet.

The Mark 2 F sub categories had plastic internal panelling with new style seats. Visually they were similar to the Mark 3 coach although there were obvious differences between the two with the length being the most notable. The coaches also had heating and air conditioning as debuted on the Mark 3 prototypes.

The British Rail Mark 1 coaches were not suitable for higher speed rail services, with the Mark 1 coaches being a perfect compliment for steam locomotives which saw themselves being replaced by diesel and electric locomotives as the 1960s progressed. The Mark 2 coach was introduced in 1964 and was all steel. While the Mark 2 was a progression of the Mark 1, the two shared almost no common parts, and only a passing resemblance.

In service, the Mark 2 coaches were commonly seen in the BR Blue and Grey livery and Network South East colours. The coaches were mainly hauled by larger express diesel and electric locomotives such as the Class 40, 47 and 86. As of 2022, the only Mark 2 coaches still in service are those that are part of the Network rail fleet.

The Mark 2 F sub categories had plastic internal panelling with new style seats. Visually they were similar to the Mark 3 coach although there were obvious differences between the two with the length being the most notable. The coaches also had heating and air conditioning as debuted on the Mark 3 prototypes.

The British Rail Mark 1 coaches were not suitable for higher speed rail services, with the Mark 1 coaches being a perfect compliment for steam locomotives which saw themselves being replaced by diesel and electric locomotives as the 1960s progressed. The Mark 2 coach was introduced in 1964 and was all steel. While the Mark 2 was a progression of the Mark 1, the two shared almost no common parts, and only a passing resemblance.

In service, the Mark 2 coaches were commonly seen in the BR Blue and Grey livery and Network South East colours. The coaches were mainly hauled by larger express diesel and electric locomotives such as the Class 40, 47 and 86. As of 2022, the only Mark 2 coaches still in service are those that are part of the Network rail fleet.

The Mark 2 F sub categories had plastic internal panelling with new style seats. Visually they were similar to the Mark 3 coach although there were obvious differences between the two with the length being the most notable. The coaches also had heating and air conditioning as debuted on the Mark 3 prototypes.

The British Rail Mark 1 coaches were not suitable for higher speed rail services, with the Mark 1 coaches being a perfect compliment for steam locomotives which saw themselves being replaced by diesel and electric locomotives as the 1960s progressed. The Mark 2 coach was introduced in 1964 and was all steel. While the Mark 2 was a progression of the Mark 1, the two shared almost no common parts, and only a passing resemblance.

In service, the Mark 2 coaches were commonly seen in the BR Blue and Grey livery and Network South East colours. The coaches were mainly hauled by larger express diesel and electric locomotives such as the Class 40, 47 and 86. As of 2022, the only Mark 2 coaches still in service are those that are part of the Network rail fleet.

The Mark 2 F sub categories had plastic internal panelling with new style seats. Visually they were similar to the Mark 3 coach although there were obvious differences between the two with the length being the most notable. The coaches also had heating and air conditioning as debuted on the Mark 3 prototypes.

The British Rail Mark 1 coaches were not suitable for higher speed rail services, with the Mark 1 coaches being a perfect compliment for steam locomotives which saw themselves being replaced by diesel and electric locomotives as the 1960s progressed. The Mark 2 coach was introduced in 1964 and was all steel. While the Mark 2 was a progression of the Mark 1, the two shared almost no common parts, and only a passing resemblance.

In service, the Mark 2 coaches were commonly seen in the BR Blue and Grey livery and Network South East colours. The coaches were mainly hauled by larger express diesel and electric locomotives such as the Class 40, 47 and 86. As of 2022, the only Mark 2 coaches still in service are those that are part of the Network rail fleet.

The Mark 2 F sub categories had plastic internal panelling with new style seats. Visually they were similar to the Mark 3 coach although there were obvious differences between the two with the length being the most notable. The coaches also had heating and air conditioning as debuted on the Mark 3 prototypes.

The British Rail Mark 1 coaches were not suitable for higher speed rail services, with the Mark 1 coaches being a perfect compliment for steam locomotives which saw themselves being replaced by diesel and electric locomotives as the 1960s progressed. The Mark 2 coach was introduced in 1964 and was all steel. While the Mark 2 was a progression of the Mark 1, the two shared almost no common parts, and only a passing resemblance.

In service, the Mark 2 coaches were commonly seen in the BR Blue and Grey livery and Network South East colours. The coaches were mainly hauled by larger express diesel and electric locomotives such as the Class 40, 47 and 86. As of 2022, the only Mark 2 coaches still in service are those that are part of the Network rail fleet.

The Mark 2 F sub categories had plastic internal panelling with new style seats. Visually they were similar to the Mark 3 coach although there were obvious differences between the two with the length being the most notable. The coaches also had heating and air conditioning as debuted on the Mark 3 prototypes.

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 brakes 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.

The Mark 3 coaches were introduced into service with the Class 43s as the Intercity 125 service. This top flight service was dressed in a variation of BR Blue with a grey window surround. The Class 43s would be painted in a complimentary colour scheme with yellow noses for safety reasons. The Mark 3 coaches would continue in service in this scheme until the late 1990s. In preservation, some of these coaches have had this distinctive livery reapplied.

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 brakes 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.

The Mark 3 coaches were introduced into service with the Class 43s as the Intercity 125 service. This top flight service was dressed in a variation of BR Blue with a grey window surround. The Class 43s would be painted in a complimentary colour scheme with yellow noses for safety reasons. The Mark 3 coaches would continue in service in this scheme until the late 1990s. In preservation, some of these coaches have had this distinctive livery reapplied.

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 brakes 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.

The Mark 3 coaches were introduced into service with the Class 43s as the Intercity 125 service. This top flight service was dressed in a variation of BR Blue with a grey window surround. The Class 43s would be painted in a complimentary colour scheme with yellow noses for safety reasons. The Mark 3 coaches would continue in service in this scheme until the late 1990s. In preservation, some of these coaches have had this distinctive livery reapplied.

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 brakes 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.

The Mark 3 coaches were introduced into service with the Class 43s as the Intercity 125 service. This top flight service was dressed in a variation of BR Blue with a grey window surround. The Class 43s would be painted in a complimentary colour scheme with yellow noses for safety reasons. The Mark 3 coaches would continue in service in this scheme until the late 1990s. In preservation, some of these coaches have had this distinctive livery reapplied.

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 brakes 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.

The Mark 3 coaches were introduced into service with the Class 43s as the Intercity 125 service. This top flight service was dressed in a variation of BR Blue with a grey window surround. The Class 43s would be painted in a complimentary colour scheme with yellow noses for safety reasons. The Mark 3 coaches would continue in service in this scheme until the late 1990s. In preservation, some of these coaches have had this distinctive livery reapplied.

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 brakes 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.

The Mark 3 coaches were introduced into service with the Class 43s as the Intercity 125 service. This top flight service was dressed in a variation of BR Blue with a grey window surround. The Class 43s would be painted in a complimentary colour scheme with yellow noses for safety reasons. The Mark 3 coaches would continue in service in this scheme until the late 1990s. In preservation, some of these coaches have had this distinctive livery reapplied.

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 brakes 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.

The Mark 3 coaches were introduced into service with the Class 43s as the Intercity 125 service. This top flight service was dressed in a variation of BR Blue with a grey window surround. The Class 43s would be painted in a complimentary colour scheme with yellow noses for safety reasons. The Mark 3 coaches would continue in service in this scheme until the late 1990s. In preservation, some of these coaches have had this distinctive livery reapplied.

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 brakes 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.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.

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 brakes 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.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.

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 brakes 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.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.

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 brakes 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.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.

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 brakes 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.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.

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 brakes 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.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.

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 brakes 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.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.

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 brakes 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.

Some 40 years after introduction the Mark 3 coaches and Class 43 units are still in service. One of the most prominent users of the train is the GWR, with their Class 255 Castle sets made up of two 43 units and four coaches. These units were refurbished between 2018 and 2020 to make 12 trains, with the first being introduced in March 2019.