Initially I was puzzled why some stores appear to be discounting the Farish BR Mk1 RFO. 

But then got to thinking (a dangerous thing for me to try) and wondered if this is because in practise they needed to be attached to a Kitchen Car in order to function and a suitable model is not available?

Have tried Google but haven't come up with any train formation that help, so any info or advice is welcome.

Ray

Good question, I acquired a blue/grey one without really thinking about it and have been a bit stumped as to what to pair it with; I should have gone for a buffet for what I want to run.

Anyway a bit of Googling brings up these threads on other forums:

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/21495-mk1-dinnning-cars-in-coach-formations/
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=19651

Not sure if they help.

I wonder if the RFOs were paired with pre-nationalisation kitchen cars?

Thanks Squidy

That Forum link seems to confirm the need for a Kitchen Car even its from one of the big 4.

Ray

I think you pretty much have it. There is a distinct lack of suitable catering vehicles for front line restaurant services, and not just Mk1 stock; the Stanier Open Composite which Farish produce was a diner too and most usually paired with a 68 foot Restaurant though the 50ft chassis could be used to make a kitchen car. The Mk1 RU at a pinch could supply the demand for a single RFO, but really a kitchen car is needed.

The best bet is to get some etched sides and convert a suitable donor. Worsley Works or Etched Pixels are a good bet for conversion parts, I know WW will do the sides as I've had obscure coach sides etched by Alan before, I'm not so sure if EP will do sides but certainly does the roof and underframe detail.

Hi,
Gents my short time at Travellers fear  on charters reminds me that the RU and subsequent family of RB and RBr were slated for 120 one sitting capacity for crockery so an RU and RFO would be fine. and RB or RBr would also work.

The RKB which had no seating but a small bar area - over the bogie for self stirring/spilling maxpax had a bigger kitchen but had pantry and food store and was around 200 crockery capacity - all washing up done by hand fairy liquid banned as to rough on hands -despite advert claims !!  I would think the RKB was such a specalised vehicle the chance of a ready to run is slim unless Bachmann are reading this !  Adam does vinyl, Taylor models did an inlay and Worsley works does an etch side I am sure.  Memo to self RKB on BT10 bogies on HST prototype test train in matching livery required for Dapol/ miller group model!

RKB was a long distance West coast or East coast animal. Not sure if Western or Great Eastern/Anglia operations operated them - I recall them being used vice a Pullman Kitchen at times.     

hope that adds to the thread!
Robert