First Corridor

British Rail Corridor First

A Mk1 FK in Blue and grey livery pictured at Bristol Temple Meads on 5 May 1984
In service 1959–
Manufacturer British Railways
Built at Ashford Works, Swindon Works, Derby Carriage and Wagon Works
Family name Mark 1 and Mark 2, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D
Constructed 1951–1972
Number built FK: 611,
BFK: 173
Fleet numbers FK: 13000–13610,
BFK: 14000–14172
Capacity FK: 42 (7 compartments of 6 seats);
BFK: 24 (4 compartments of 6 seats)
Operator(s) British Rail
Specifications
Car length 64 ft 6 in (19.66 m)
Width 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Height 12 ft 9 1⁄2 in (3.90 m)
Maximum speed 90–100 mph (145–161 km/h)
Weight 31 to 36 long tons (31 to 37 t; 35 to 40 short tons)
Bogies BR1, Commonwealth or B4
Braking system(s) Vacuum, Air or both
Track gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

The Corridor First type of railway coach was one of the standard mid-20th century designs; coded 'FK' by the LNER and BR, and 'CL' by the LMS. The layout of the coach was a number of compartments, all of which were first class, linked by a side corridor. The British Railways produced versions (of Mark 1 and Mark 2 variations up to Mark 2D inclusive) were numbered in the 13xxx series. The prototype Mark 2 carriage, number 13252, was of FK design. It is now preserved at the Mid-Norfolk Railway, having been preserved by the National Collection.

A number of the Mark 2A/2B/2C carriages were declassified in 1985 to become Standard Corridors (coded SK). They were renumbered from 13xxx to 19xxx, putting them after the end of the 'Mark 1' range (19452–19557).

No carriages of this type are still in daily use on the main line network, since open saloon carriages are now preferred by operating companies. However, some electric multiple units based on British Rail coaches have first class compartments. As of 22 May 2010 there are no more Mark 1-based class units in use (the last journey was on the train which left Lymington Pier on Saturday 22 May 2010 at 22:14 BST). Hastings Diesels Limited has some such coaches forming part of their preserved main line Class 201/202 and many FKs still operate in charter trains, and they remain popular on preserved railway lines.

Gallery

See also

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