Aviation Specials Magazine Modelling BR Coaching Stock Back Issue

Welcome to this latest in-depth examination of the rolling stock of British Rail and on into privatisation. Previous volumes in the series looked at the BR engineers’ wagon fleet in all its diverse forms. This volume is something of a companion piece as it considers the equally complex world of departmental coaching stock, involving both passenger and non-passenger coaches such as parcels vans that found a second career after withdrawal from revenue-earning work.

These new roles were exceptionally diverse, ranging from use as lowly stores vans with no modifications beyond a change of number, to vehicles that were almost completely rebuilt, such as to carry re-railing equipment or serve as work platforms from which maintenance to overhead electrification could be conducted.

Privatisation saw many departmental coaches fall victim to changing working practices or increased health and safety legislation and were withdrawn. However, some lingered on into private ownership for a short time and these feature in the appropriate sections.