SLAM-DOOR trains briefly returned to long distance ScotRail services when redundant GWR/FGW Mk.3 trailers were used to create 12 four-car HST trains to cover for the late delivery of ScotRail Inter7City train sets. Poor performance levels prompted the leasing of three additional sets in March 2019, one of which included the only Mk.3 Trailer Composite (No. 46010) to be used in the classic HSTs.
Slam-doors had been eliminated from ScotRail trains many years ago, apart from the Fife Circle peak hour loco-hauled trains prompting the need to produce a video to help passengers understand the concept of a door handle and central door locking.
The temporary HST sets became a welcome diversion from the solid diet of Class 158s and Class 170s. It is an interesting time slot to model when including the Fife Circle locomotive hauled trains. Some power cars held out in FGW blue livery until the last one left in August 2019 (No. 43144)
