Branchline [OO] 39-007 BR Mk2 Coach Pack in ScotRail livery

The BR Mark 2 Coach was British Rail's second generation of Standard Coach design. Following on from the widespread and highly successful Mark 1s, the first Mk2 prototype was built in 1963. Designed to meet the passenger expectations of the period; safety and integrity in the event of a collision was also improved, thanks to the monocoque nature of their construction.

The basic Mk2 types included first and second class accommodation in open saloons, whilst some compartment coaches were also built, but with first class accommodation only. First and second class brake coaches were built, but specialist vehicles for catering, dining, sleeping and full brakes were not included as the relatively new Mark 1 fleet was deemed sufficient to meet the requirements for such vehicles.

Construction stretched across a twelve year period, during which the Mark 2 family underwent a number of tweaks and improvements. A letter suffix was given to each build type to denote its key characteristics and these Bachmann Branchline models portray vehicles from the early-builds which were simply designated Mk2.

Depicting a pair of Tourist Second Opens (TSOs), these Branchline models sport all the hallmarks of the early-Mk2s including the pressure ventilation system – denoted by the roof vents and opening passenger saloon windows, sliding gangway doors, vacuum brakes – so they could run with Mk1 stock, and dual heating which allowed the coaches to be heated by steam or electric systems. Inside, the elegant armchairs and tables are modelled faithfully and decorated in authentic colours whilst externally we see the separately-fitted, metal grad handles and lamp irons, and a full complement of underframe equipment. The coaches run on B4 bogies which are fitted with metal wheelsets and a close coupling mechanism is mounted to the chassis providing close coupling whilst still allowing the models to negotiate second radius curves.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 8
• Pristine BR ScotRail livery
• 2-Coach Set comprising Tourist Second Open Nos. 5152 & 5197
• Accessory Pack
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Close Coupling Mechanism
• Length 2 x 270mm