Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

The Pullman Car Company took rail travel to the next level of opulence at a time when rail travel was already a premium experience. The Pullman services as operated by the PCC lasted almost a century with the first service operating in 1874 and the last in 1972. Pullman services, with very few exceptions, were made up of the PCCs own rolling stock. This stock consisted of unique to the UK, almost American style coaches, made of wood and painted in the umber and cream livery. Every coach was named, even the third class coaches although in this case the name would invariably be its car number. This name would adorn the side of each coach in a painted panel akin to how a locomotive name plate appears.

Pullman services operated on each of the Big Four’s rails and on the later nationalised rail network. The operator most opposed to the notion of the service was the GWR, who saw their own coaches as being more than luxurious enough, and therefore there being little point in operating Pullman trains although they themselves would eventually commission some services. Many Pullman coaches have been preserved around the country and indeed the world, with several finding their way over to the United States.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

Upon nationalisation in 1947 the newly formed British Railways saw the need to standardise their passenger stock, having inherited a patchwork of coaches of all different specifications from each of the big four who were in turn sometimes running a wide variety of stock from their constituent companies. This new coach would have to be perfect for every possible use that the new BR may need it for, which could be tricky when the coach would need to be used on high speed summer boat trains in the south and cold winter services in the north of Scotland.

These coaches would be constructed from 1951 to 1963 with only one significant change made during this time, a swapping of bogies in the last gasps of the Mark 1s build cycle. The Mark 1 coach as it would be designated was designed to be a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ coach utilising the best features from each of the big four coaches the company had inherited. The Mark One coaches were stronger than the designs they replaced, with their introduction being commended in rail safety reports. These coaches would be in stock in one form or another in the UK until 2010, when the Mark One based Class 421 was withdrawn from service on the Lymington Branch Line.

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.