Farish 'works test train'

[d-a-n]

This appears to be two weathered mk1 coaches for the going rate; what was the deal with these 'test train' coaches and does anyone know the area and date in which they ran and whether these two would constitute a complete rake?

http://test.ehattons.com/82825/Graham_Farish_374_990_Mk1_Coach_Pack_Works_Test_Train_in_BR_blue_grey_weathered/StockDetails

Thank you, Dan.

[alibuchan]

Not sure on the repast of the rake or what they ran with but I can see me getting 3 or 4 packs and selling of the extra brake coaches for a dirty preserved rake.
Alistair

[Mike W]

This is perhaps not the only area, but they certainly ran from Doncaster works up and down the east coast, being used to test locos which had been newly released from Donny works. I would date them from mid 70s to mid 80s.

Having seen quite a few pictures over the years, 2 coaches doesn't constitute a full rake by a long way - which makes sense, given that the whole point was to test the loco!

Examples:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/28178727@N08/8389584469
https://www.flickr.com/photos/blue-diesels/8171607304

[StufromEGDL]

 

Not sure on the repast of the rake or what they ran with but I can see me getting 3 or 4 packs and selling of the extra brake coaches for a dirty preserved rake.
Alistair

Hi Ali,

From the pictures on the website, it looks like a CK and an SK/TSO......no brake coaches as far as I can see......but I think that 3 or 4 rakes should mix and match quite nicely with the addition of a BSO.

Later,
Stu from EGDL.

[alibuchan]

Hi Ali,

From the pictures on the website, it looks like a CK and an SK/TSO......no brake coaches as far as I can see......but I think that 3 or 4 rakes should mix and match quite nicely with the addition of a BSO.

Later,
Stu from EGDL.

Oh yeah. That'll teach me to glance at small photos!

Would have to get a BSO or 2. Give me a chance to mix it round to have a few fresh repaints in the middle of some dirty ones!

Alistair

[Jerry Howlett]

This appears to be two weathered mk1 coaches for the going rate; what was the deal with these 'test train' coaches and does anyone know the area and date in which they ran and whether these two would constitute a complete rake?

Thank you, Dan.

There was a rake of these parked alongside Swindon works during the late 70's so must have run out on the WR as well.

Jerry

[Buzzard]

I would date them from mid 70s to mid 80s.

Crewe had a rake which by the 80s had a lot of windows painted or plated over.  Here's a link

http://www.penmorfa.com/Archive/thirteen.htm

that shows a good number of pictures, 37416 halfway down page 1 is a good example.

Nigel

[d-a-n]

Great responses and pictures everyone, thank you very much!