HORNBY BR Intercity, Mk3 Trailer First, Era 8 Railway-Rolling Stock Coach Packs, Grey

To allow running at 125 mph on Britain's Victorian era railways, British Railways required new rolling stock. Compared to the Mk2, the Mk3 coaches boasted significant improvements, including a new secondary air suspension system between the bogies and the coach body, as well as aerodynamic skirting on the underframe.

The Mk3 coaches measure 75ft (23m) in length, enabling significantly greater capacity than the older coaches. These coaches also incorporate disc brakes and wheel slip protection, allowing for faster deceleration. The first Mk3 coaches were delivered in 1972 and used as part of the HST prototype, along with the two Class 41 diesel power cars.

In 1975, Mk3 coaches entered service, forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset alongside the Class 43. After the introduction of the HST Mk3 coach variant, further Mk3 coaches were utilized on the West Coast Mainline as part of locomotive-hauled trains. While Mk3 stock is the standard for HST units, the standard locomotive-hauled stock is the Mk3a.

The Mk3a stock differs from the Mk3 in its inclusion of buffers and a different electrical system that uses motor generator units in each coach to power air conditioning and other ancillaries. Mk3a stock was built until 1984, before the 3B stock, with improved seating and lighting, was produced from 1985 to 1988.

Initially, the Mk3 coaches wore the BR Blue and Grey colour scheme, but a livery change was introduced in line with a corporate rebrand of high-speed services. The new InterCity livery featured a darker grey colour with a beige stripe along the top and bottom of the coaches, and a red stripe under the windows. This design was intended to emulate or copy the advanced yet ultimately fruitless APT project. This livery would largely remain unchanged even after a further rebrand to Intercity Swallow, before the coaches were transferred into private ownership at the end of BR.

The Mk3 coaches include the R7305 Maglight lighting unit, fully detailed interiors, and metal wheels throughout. For the first time, these coaches also feature Buckeye-style magnetic couplings.

As the UK's leading model railway designer, Hornby has been thrilling model making enthusiasts for over 100 years. Hornby has been the brand leader in 00 Gauge model railway design since 1920. Whether you're a seasoned model maker or just beginning your miniatures journey, Hornby's range of unique trains, track accessories, scenery kits, and more, offers something for everyone.

Manufactured by the trusted name in the model railway industry, Hornby ensures high standards of quality and craftsmanship. This accessory offers options for both beginners and experienced model train enthusiasts, allowing them to expand their model railway with Hornby's extensive collection of model wagons and wagon packs, ranging from container and brake vans to cranes and timber wagons.

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