MK 1 rake configuration

[leadhead]

Please can anybody help. I've been trawling the net trying to find a definitive answer regarding coach configuration. I have a 4-6-2 north eastern BR loco and I want to decide on coaches.

I love the look of the MK1 coaches, the crimson and cream ones but how were they configured in the rake? I'm looking at about 5 coaches.

Could anybody help with articles or passing on some info, please.

Thank you.

[PLD]

There isn't  really a standard formation but you can follow a few general rules...

For your 5 coach train you probably want a brake vehicle at each end (brake compartment outwards in your era) and some provision for first class, either a full first class coach or possibly just a composite. Except for special cases there would be much greater provision for 3rd class than 1st. Some catering provision is possible, but in a 5 coach set more likely to be just a buffet than a full restaurant car. When included buffets were most commonly positioned either between the classes or near the centre of the train.

[EtchedPixels]

I don't have mark one data to hand but typical formations of the older suburban coaches in the north east were

Brake Third - Third - Brake Third

Brake Third - Third - Lavatory Composite - Brake Third

Brake Third - Third - Third - Lavatory Composite - Brake Third

The lavatory distinction not mattering as by the days of Mark 1 coaches toilets were no longer considered "optional" in corridor trains except in special cases - something that remained the case until privatisation.

The mix of first and third would vary depending upon the route and patronage, so trains patronised by senior civil servants on 1st class jollies or business executives would have carried much more first class than those of primarily working class routes.

Alan

[N Scale A4 4468]

I Usually run

BSK on each end

Buffet Car in the middle

So and Firsts inbetween

[Paddy]

Hi Leadhead,

My own train set HOLLERTON JUNCTION has a limit of 5 coaches (6 at a push).  Many years ago I wondered what a suitable consist would be until I came across the following Cyril Freezer book.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Model-Railway-Operation-Accordance-Prototype/dp/1852604212/ref=la_B001K85R8G_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1365003356&sr=1-12

There is lots of prototypical information in this publication and I can recommend it.  As for a train of coaches, Cyril recommends a brake at each end with either three composites in the middle or two plus buffet.  Cyril also talks about adding strengthening coaches such as Sleepers (which are supposed to be released by Farish in the future).

Also remember, for that prototypical 1960s feel mix the livery of your coaches up e.g. Maroon with Blue & Grey etc.  Also, you could have MK1 coaches with the odd Gresley or Collett thrown in.  Recently I came across some archive video footage from the late 50s which showed a Gresley buffet still in teak livery!

Hope this helps.

Paddy

[EtchedPixels]

Recently I came across some archive video footage from the late 50s which showed a Gresley buffet still in teak livery!

Some Gresley stock appears to have survived in teak or brown until 1962 or so from the photos I've seen - but certainly not a lot by then. 

For the North East Gresley and Thompson stock would certainly show up in BR liveries mixed into trains but Collett coaches being ex GWR (and with the wrong gangways as well I believe) are unlikely regular visitors.

Of course some of the Gresley buffets actually lasted in blue until the early 1970s although rebuilt from the version modelled by Dapol.


Alan

[painbrook]

Where is upnick when you need him, I remember his posts on the 'model rail' forum. Cheers john.

[edwin_m]

From the mention of a Pacific I assume this is intended to be an express rake, "selectively compressed" as the size of the layout as the real thing would probably load to ten or more. 

In an ideal world I'd suggest BFK-CK-RMB-SK-BSK.  However Farish don't make a BFK of any sort, and although the RMB is the most appropriate catering for a short train I don't think the prototype appeared until the maroon era and there certainly isn't a model in crimson/cream.  So if sticking with Farish Mk1s you will need to substitute a BSK or BCK and a RU.  EP's suggestion of a Gresley or two sounds good especially for the buffet. 

[Jerry Howlett]

Agree with EP re Collets being a rare visitor but the gangways are compatable with Mk1's as the GWS ran collett 1289 an excursion 3rd, on a few trips in the 70's attached to excursion trains made up of Mk1 stock.

[EtchedPixels]

Agree with EP re Collets being a rare visitor but the gangways are compatable with Mk1's as the GWS ran collett 1289 an excursion 3rd, on a few trips in the 70's attached to excursion trains made up of Mk1 stock.

I tihnk you'll find special gangway adapters were used for this.

[Paddy]

Sorry Folks, the "Easter 4-6-2" bit passed me by. 

Paddy

[Jerry Howlett]

I tihnk you'll find special gangway adapters were used for this.

It was a long time ago (and I was probably less than sober) more when it came to uncoupling the coach than connecting it!