{"product_id":"hornby-trains-br-dptmntl-ex-mk1-1st-open","title":"Hornby Trains - BR Dptmntl ex-Mk1 1st Open","description":"Introducing the Hornby Trains BR Departmental ex-Mk1 1st Open model (R40342), a must-have for railway enthusiasts and collectors alike. This exquisite model replicates the iconic Mk1 Coach, first introduced by British Railways in 1951. Renowned for its standardized design, the Mk1 Coach became a staple across Britain's railway network and was produced until 1963. The Hornby model captures the essence of the original with precision detailing, making it a perfect addition to any Hornby train collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe BR Departmental ex-Mk1 1st Open (3068\/975606) features a durable build, replicating the robust steel construction that made the Mk1 Coaches a significant advancement in railway safety. The coach’s design includes 63ft 5in long underframes and 64ft 6in long bodies, with some variations catering to specific track requirements.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis model is ideal for display or operation on your Hornby layout, providing a glimpse into the era where the Mk1 Coaches played a vital role in rail travel and freight operations. Authentic details like the brake equipment compartment add to the model's realism, celebrating the coach’s historical significance in the evolution of British railways.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether you're a seasoned collector or a beginner, the Hornby BR Departmental ex-Mk1 1st Open is an exceptional piece that enhances your railway experience. Explore the legacy of the Mk1 Coaches with this stunning model from Smartfox AU!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBR Dptmntl ex-Mk1 1st Open\u003cbr\u003eHOR R40342 Hornby BR Departmental, ex-Mk1 First Open, 3068\/975606 - Era 8 \u003cbr\u003eThe first standardised railway carriage design built by British Railways, the Mk 1 Coach introduced in 1951 could be found across Britain's railway network and continued to be produced until 1963, and even later in the form of multiple units and non-passenger stock. Along with being widely deployed, Mk1 Coaches were built in various places including Derby, Doncaster, Eastleigh, Swindon, Wolverton and York.\u003cbr\u003e  Most Mk1 Coaches had 63ft 5in long underframes with 64ft 6in long bodies, although some were built shorter to be used on tighter curves where large overhangs would otherwise have prohibited running. In 1977 a reduction in the number of fatalities on British railways since 1955 was attributed to the introduction of the Mk1 Coaches due to their steel build, strong underframe, and buckeye couplings making them far safer in the event of an accident.\u003cbr\u003e  Mk1 Coaches started to be withdrawn from widescale service in the 1990s, although in some regions, particularly in the south, Mk1 base multiple units continued to be used well into the 2000s. Network Rail continue to use modified Mk1 Coaches for various departmental duties and rail tour operators continue to use Mk1 Coaches on specially organised services.\u003cbr\u003e  The Mk1 BCK is a Mk1 Brake Composite Corridor coach meaning seating is split into compartments connected by a corridor on one side. The coach provided both first- and second-class compartments. Along with passenger seating this coach also houses a compartment containing equipment used to help brake the train.","brand":"TOY MOD","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":50949835522351,"sku":"PR769956","price":159.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0910\/9159\/9663\/files\/vortexHOR_R40342_0_T5PYO567JL0Z.jpg?v=1737623620","url":"https:\/\/smartfoxstore.com.au\/products\/hornby-trains-br-dptmntl-ex-mk1-1st-open","provider":"SmartfoxAU","version":"1.0","type":"link"}