First Corridor

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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 (now formerly part of) the National Collection.

British Rail Corridor First
A Mk1 FK in Blue and grey livery pictured at Bristol Temple Meads on 5 May 1984
In service1951–
ManufacturerBritish Railways
Built atAshford Works, Swindon Works, Derby Carriage and Wagon Works
Family nameMark 1 and Mark 2, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D
Constructed1951–1972
Number builtFK: 611,
BFK: 173
Fleet numbersFK: 13000–13610,
BFK: 14000–14172
CapacityFK: 42 (7 compartments of 6 seats);
BFK: 24 (4 compartments of 6 seats)
OperatorsBritish Rail
Specifications
Car length64 ft 6 in (19.66 m)
Width9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Height12 ft 9+12 in (3.90 m)
Maximum speed90–100 mph (145–161 km/h)
Weight31 to 36 long tons (31 to 37 t; 35 to 40 short tons)
BogiesBR1, Commonwealth or B4
Braking system(s)Vacuum, Air or both
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

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 (19452–19560).

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.

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Orders

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Lot No. Diagram Mark Built Builder Qty Fleet numbers Notes
30019 - 1 1951 Swindon 33 13000–13032 BR1 bogies
30052 - 1 1952 Eastleigh 3 13033–13035 BR1 bogies
30019 - 1 1952 Swindon 24 13036–13059 BR1 bogies
30027 - 1 1952 Swindon 5 13060-13064 BR1 bogies
30065 - 1 1953 Swindon 12 13065–13076 BR1 bogies
30089 - 1 1954 Swindon 22 13085–13107 BR1 bogies
30107 - 1 1954 Swindon 18 13108–13125 BR1 bogies
30147 - 1 1955 Swindon 59 13126–13184 BR1 bogies
30217 - 1 1957-9 Ashford / Swindon 35 13185–13219 BR1 bogies
30357 - 1 1957 GRCW 1 13221 BR1 bogies
30381 - 1 1959 Ashford / Swindon 16 13223-13238 B4 bogies
30432 - 1 1959 Ashford / Swindon 13 13239-13251 BR1 bogies
30550 - 2 1963 Swindon 1 13252 B4 bogies
30578 - 1 1960 Metro Cammell 50 13253-13302 B4 bogies
30667 - 1 1962 Swindon 58 13303-13360 CW bogies
30733 - 2 1964 Derby 18 13361-13378 B4 bogies
30734 - 2 1964 Derby 28 13379-13406 B4 bogies
30738 - XP64 1964 Derby 3 13407-13409 B4 bogies
30749 - 2 1964-65 Derby 22 13410-13431 B4 bogies
30750 - 2 1964 Derby 2 13432-13433 B4 bogies
30774 - 2a 1968 Derby 30 13434-13463 B4 bogies
30785 - 2a 1968 Derby 22 13464-13475 B4 bogies
30789 - 2b 1969 Derby 38 13476-13513 B4 bogies
30797 - 2c 1969-70 Derby 48 13514-13561 B4 bogies
30825 - 2d 1971-72 Derby 49 13562-13610 B4 bogies

See also

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