Graham Farish 374-762 BR Mk2F FO First Open BR InterCity (Executive)

British Rail's second generation of Standard Coach design is known as the Mark 2. Design and construction followed on from the universal and ubiquitous Mk1 family of coaching stock, with the prototype example built in 1963. Series production continued until 1975 at Derby Carriage Works. They were of steel construction, and of a more monocoque design than the Mk1, which added to their safety and integrity in event of collision or mishap. 

As passenger expectations and railway operations had moved on since the vast Mk1 range was conceived, and because there was still much life left in the Mk1s by the mid-sixties, a much reduced number of vehicle types were built.  The basic Mk2 types included First and Second class accommodation, with corridors and compartments only available to First Class passengers, all Second Class coaches were conceived as open saloons.  First and Second class Brake coaches were built, but no full brakes, catering cars, restaurants, buffets or sleeping cars were included, Mark 1 coaches fulfilling these needs until Mark 3s came along in the late seventies.

The Mark 2 family underwent a number of tweaks and improvements during the 12 years construction period.  The principal visual differences included air braking from Mk2A, removal of the central bodyside doors and vestibule (Mk2B), introduction of wrap-around corner doors and provision of one WC at each end in lieu of two at one end (Mk2B), air conditioning - so no opening windows in the saloon area (Mk2D), no side corridor First Class compartment vehicles (from Mk2E onwards), varying style and colours of end gangway doors.