We're blasting our way through the long forgotten (in model form!) Mark 2B and Mark 2C coach families, and our latest production batch of these well received coaches are now complete and are now tantalisingly close to delivery!
These coaches capture a fascinating transitional period in the evolution of the Mark 2. The most obvious visual difference is, of course, the larger square toilet window. These early Mark 2Cs formed the bridge between the outgoing Mark 2B and the later production Mark 2Cs, which standardised both the square toilet window and the universal fitment of Roe-Vac roof vents.
One of the more interesting aspects of this first "phase" of Mark 2C production is the variety of roof vents fitted by British Rail. To accurately reflect these differences, we've tooled all three roof vent variations found on these early coaches.
A handful of the earliest deliveries carried the distinctive large 'G' roof vent, while the majority were equipped with the more familiar 'GM' vent. Completing the line-up is a version fitted with the Roe-Vac roof vent, representing the small batch of Tourist Second Opens (TSOs) that uniquely combined the larger toilet window with the final style of roof ventilation.
It's these subtle production differences that make the early Mark 2Cs such an interesting prototype, and we're pleased to be able to faithfully recreate each variation rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. That is the Accurascale way after all!
With the full Mark 2B and Mark 2C range now available, we've also been able to introduce one of our favourite formations—the distinctive South Wales & West trains of the late 1990s.
These eye-catching rakes perfectly captured the colourful nature of Britain's privatisation era, mixing South Wales & West blue coaches with maroon vehicles from the early days of what would become West Coast Railways. The result was an unmistakable train that looked different almost every day.
Power for these services was equally varied, with EWS Class 37s handling the work. From freight-liveried Class 37/0s through to Class 37/4s wearing a variety of striking EWS schemes, these trains offered endless modelling possibilities and remain a favourite with enthusiasts of the period.
These coaches will begin dispatch to modellers and retailers in early September, and then it will be onto finishing the latest run in Northern Ireland Railways livery.
After that? Who knows, but watch this space....
