Description
The Mark 2 coach was introduced to the British railway in 1964. Mk2 coaches were designed to be stringer and more resistant to corrosion than their predecessors whilst reducing maintenance costs. A revised painting method coincided with a switch from BR maroon and Southern Region dark green to a blue and grey livery. 1876 Mk2 coaches were produced by BREL at Derby Litchurch Lane Works between 1963 and 1975, with many remaining in service performing departmental work and charter services. Mk2 coaches were also widely exported and remain in mainline service in New Zealand as of 2020.
Coaches and multiple units based upon the Mk2 design have also operated in Ireland, Taiwan and Kenya. The Mk2d coach design was the fifth standard variation of the Mk2. The design incorporated electric heating, air conditioning and tinted windows. As a result of the pressure ventilation air-conditioning system the coaches did not feature opening windows. The Mk2d FK and BFK coaches were the last locomotive hauled non-sleeping coach designs to feature a side corridor and seating compartments. The design was used for coaches built in 1971 to 1972.
In the summer of 2020 Rail Charter Services ran regular trips between Skipton and Appleby on the Settle to Carlisle railway. The trains were formed of four first class ex-Greater Anglia Mk3 coaches along with a single Mk2d coach used by the crew.
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