Remarkable Mk.2fs

THE Mk.2f coaches were the last build of the successful Mk.2 coach family developed by BR. Evolution of the Mk.2 commenced with the building of the prototype at Swindon in 1963, together with the XP64 trials and building of the first production Mk.2 stock in 1964.

By 1973, when Mk.2f construction began, the design had come a long way and now featured air-conditioning and the development of improved seating, together with revisions to the interior layout compared with the early examples. Easy-to-clean plastic interior panels replaced wood, and new InterCity 70 seating was fitted except to around 40 vehicles. Air-conditioning had become more reliable at this time, which saw pressure ventilation equipment made redundant.

Only three basic types of Mk.2f were built: Brake Second Open (BSO), Tourist Second Open (TSO), and First Open (FO). The success of the Mk.2f is demonstrated by their long operating life, enhanced