First Open

A First Open or FO, is a type of railway carriage used by British Rail and subsequent operators since privatisation. They were first produced as British Railways Mark 1, and subsequently Mark 2, Mark 3, and Mark 4 variants were produced. This type of carriage is an "open coach" because of the arrangement of the seats inside – other types of carriage may be corridor based variants (FK) or have a brake compartment (BFO or BFK).

British Rail First Open
Mark 3 First Open coach at Marylebone in September 2008
In service1951–
ManufacturerDerby Litchurch Lane Works
Doncaster Works
Swindon Works
Wolverton Works
York Carriage Works
Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company
Metro-Cammell
Family nameBritish Railways Mark 1, Mark 2, Mark 3 and Mark 4
ConstructedMk1 1951–1963
Mk2 1970-74
Mk3 1976-85
Mk4 1989-92
Fleet numbersMk1: 3000-3151
Mk2c: 3152-3169
Mk2d: 3170-3216
Mk2e: 3221-3275
Mk2f: 3276-3439
Mk3: 11000-11003/41003-41169
Mk3a: 11004-11063
Mk3b: 11064-11101
Mk4: 11200-11263
CapacityMk1: 42
Mk2c/d/e/f:
Mk3/a/b: 48
Mk4: 46
Operator(s)British Rail
InterCity
ScotRail
Abellio Greater Anglia
Anglia Railways
Arriva CrossCountry
Cargo-D
Chiltern Railways
Direct Rail Services
East Coast
East Midlands Railway
East Midlands Trains
East Midlands Railway
First Great Western
FM Rail
GNER
Midland Mainline
National Express East Anglia
National Express East Coast
London North Eastern Railway
Riviera Trains
Virgin CrossCountry
Virgin Trains East Coast
Virgin Trains West Coast
West Coast Railways
Specifications
Car lengthMk1: 64 ft 6 in (19.66 m)
Mk2/a: 65 ft 4 in (19.91 m)
Mk2b/c/d/e/f: 66 ft 0 in (20.12 m)
Mk3/a/b: 75 ft 0 in (22.86 m)
Mk4: 23.4 m (76 ft 9+14 in)
WidthMk1: 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Mk2/a:9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Mk2bb/c/d/e/f: 66 ft 0 in (20.12 m)
Mk3/a/b:75 ft 0 in (22.86 m)
Mk4: 2.74 m (8 ft 11+78 in)
HeightMk1 & Mk2: 12 ft 9+12 in (3.90 m)
DoorsMk1 Manual slam doors, two on each side
Mk2c/d/e/f Manual slam doors, two on each side
Mk3/a/b Manual slam doors, two on each side (some modified to automatic plug doors)
Mk4 Automatic plug doors, two on each side
Maximum speedBR1/Cw: 90 mph (145 km/h)
B4: 100 mph (161 km/h)
BT10: 125 mph (201 km/h)
SIG/BT41: 140 mph (225 km/h)
Weight32.5 to 36.5 long tons (33.0 to 37.1 t; 36.4 to 40.9 short tons)
HVACSteam or electric heat, or both
BogiesBR1, Commonwealth, B4, BT10 or SIG/BT41
Braking system(s)Vacuum, air, or both
Coupling systemDrop-head knuckle coupler on draw-hook (dual)
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

Mark 1

First Open carriages were introduced from 1951. The first three, for the London Midland Region, were the only Mk1 FO with no centre door, seating 42 in a 2+1 format. The second batch (3003–19), built from 1954, had a centre door in the centre seating bay, splitting the middle window into two thin panes. Carriages from 3020 had a separate centre vestibule with doors and reduced-width bays, still seating 42 in 2+1 format. BR1 type bogies were fitted as standard except on 3076–3080, a test batch built with Commonwealth bogies to improve ride quality. The ride quality of the BR1 bogie became poor after some use and, in 1961, changes were made. 3101–3151 were built with Commonwealth type bogies which became standard for a time, with the weight increasing by 5 tons. BR1 and Commonwealth bogies usually run at a maximum of 90 mph (140 km/h). Later, B4 bogies were fitted to further improve ride quality with a maximum of 100 mph (160 km/h). These carriages were fitted with Pullman gangways on standard 64 ft (20 m) frames and fitted with buck-eye couplers as standard. Buck-eye couplers can be dropped and buffers extended to allow use of screw coupling fitted locomotives. Vacuum brakes and steam heating were fitted as standard. A number of Mk1 FO were later fitted with air brakes in the late 1960s and 1970s, some retaining vacuum brakes and being dual braked.

Orders

Fleet numbersBuiltDiagramBuilderLot No.
3000-3002195171York30010
3003-3019195472BRCW30008
3020-3039195473/AD103Doncaster30042
3040-3057195473/AD103Doncaster30091
3058-3070195573/AD103Doncaster30169
3071-3080195673/AD103Doncaster30242
3081195777BRCW30359
3082195776Cravens30361
3083195774Doncaster30372
3084195775Doncaster30373
3085-3094195973/AD103BRCW30472
3095-3100195973/AD103BRCW30576
3101-3103196173/AD103Wolverton30648
3104-3129196373/AD103Swindon30697
3130-3151196373/AD103Swindon30717

Livery

The livery initially for Mk1 coaches for British Railways in 1951 was crimson lake and cream with black and gold lining, all new Mk1 FO coaches were delivered in this livery up until 1956. In 1956 the standard livery changed to maroon with black and gold lining except for the Southern Region stock which adopted an unlined dark malachite green. The Western Region on the other hand adopted chocolate and cream to sufficient stock to operate its named trains like the Cornish Riviera Express and Torbay Express being two examples. The Southern Region introduced the yellow UIC cantrail stripe denoting first class in 1960 for boat train coaches. Yellow UIC cantrail stripe was later introduced on other regions from 1963. In 1965 Rail Blue was introduced as trailed on XP64 stock the year before and lasted for another 20 years.

Mark 1 FO conversions

In 1976, 13 First Open were converted to Restaurant Second Open No Kitchen 1058-1070 RSO, 12 were later converted to Second Open 3600-3610 SO in 1981–82, 5 of the remaining SO in 1987 were converted back to First Open 31xx FO.

FORSOSOFOFORSOSOFO
312810583600 3143106536093143
3135105936013135 3144106636023144
313610603605 3145106736103145
313810613607 314610683606
31391062 3147106936043147
314110633608 314810703611
314210643603

Departmental use

FODepartmentalNotes
3009ADB975631CM&EE Test Car 9
3011ADB975630CM&EE Test Car 8
3012DB975862CCE Staff Coach, Carlisle Upperby
3013ADB975653HST Barrier Coach ER/ScR
3014ADB975658HST Barrier Coach ER/ScR
3015ADB975649HST Barrier Coach ER/ScR
3016ADB975650HST Barrier Coach ER/ScR
3049DB977389Barrier coach for DW139 RCE Track Recording Coach later Glasgow Works Test Train coach
3050TDB977435ECML Electrification driver training train coach
3052TDB977431ECML Electrification driver training train coach
3054ADB975999Barrier Coach for trial running with Mk3a Sleepers
3055TDB977433ECML Electrification driver training train coach
3058TDB975313HST Instruction Coach
3060TDB975314TOPS HR4 Mobile Training Classroom
3062TDB975312TOPS HR1 Mobile Training Classroom
3064ADB975607CM&EE Test Car 7
3068RDB975606Laboratory Coach 2 'Electra'
3071DB977388Barrier Coach for DB977144 RCE Track Recording coach later Glasgow Works Test Train coach
3072TDB977399ECML Electrification driver training train coach
3079TDB975315TOPS HR3 Mobile Training Classroom
3082ADB975278Laboratory Coach 15, APT Kitchen Mock up
3085ADB977491Test Train, Electric Locos SF
3086ADB977449Crewe Works Test Train coach, Electric Locos
3087ADB977450Crewe Works Test Train coach, Electric Locos
3088TDB977434ECML Electrification driver training train coach
3089ADB977351Barrier Coach WR later MTA Brake Force Runner
3091ADB977352Brake force coach for DW139 RCE Track Recording Coach later MTA Brake Force Runner
3093ADB977594Mobile office & stores then Springburn test train coach
3136DB977970Brake Force Runner
3145DB977192Use with Track Testing Vehicles

Mark 2

The first Mk2 First Open were built to Mk2c design in 1970, followed by Mk2d from 1971 complete with air conditioning, with the ETH supply becoming standard along with a motor-alternator to provide the lighting, heating and air conditioning. The Mk2e was introduced in 1972–73 with introduction of fluorescent tubes for lighting with the major change being the more compact toilet. The final development was the Mk2f being introduced in 1973-75 which the interior design from the prototype Mk3s with improved seating and air conditioning through body side heaters. All the Mk2 veterans are fitted with B4 bogies with a maximum of 100 mph (160 km/h).

Orders

Fleet numbersMarkBuiltDiagramBuilderLot No.
3152-31692c197080/AD104Derby30810
3170-32162d197281/AD105Derby30821
3221-32752e197382/AD106Derby30843
3276-33202f197383/AD107Derby30845
3321-34282f197483/AD107Derby30859
3429-34392f197583/AD107Derby30873

Mark 2 FO conversions

  • In 1982–84, 17 Mk2c coaches were converted to Second Open 6400-6416 SO.
  • In 1983–84, 10 Mk2f coaches were converted to Class 488 EMU trailers 72500-72509 TFOH
  • In 1985–86, 45 Mk2f coaches were converted to Second Open 6418-6465 SO later 6800-6829 TSO.
  • In 1988, 9 Mk2f coaches were converted to Restaurant Lounge First Buffet later Sleeper reception car 6700-6708 RLO with 3 converted from Second Open 64xx.
  • In 1988-89 / 1991, 33 Mk2f coaches were converted to Buffet Open First 1200-1221/1250-1260 RFB with 11 converted from Second Open 64xx.
  • In 1989, 36 Mk2d coaches were converted to Second Open 6200-6235 TSO
  • In 1990, 30 Mk2f coaches were converted to high-density Second Open 6800-6829 TSO with 72 seats were converted from Second Open 64xx.
  • In 1992, 6 Mk2e coaches were converted to First Open (Pantry) 3520-3525 FOT.
Mk2c
NumberType2nd NumberDepartmentalIrish Rail
3152SO6411DB977547 West Ruislip (LUL) Brake Force Runner
3153SO6404DB977551 Mobile Track Assessment Brake Force Runner Old Oak Common
3154SO6405IR 4104
3155SO6415
3156SO6406IR 4103
3157SO6413IR 4106
3158SO6403DB977597 Doncaster Works Test TrainIR 4107
3159SO6407DB977548 Brake Force Runner
3160SO6402DB977589 Brake Force Runner
3161SO6414
3162SO6408DB977549 Mobile track assessment Brake Force Runner Old Oak Common
3163SO6401IR 4105
3164SO6410DB977390 Barrier coach for DW139 Track Recording Coach later Crewe Works Test Train coach
3165SO6416DB977546 Springburn Works Test Train coach
3166NIR 903
3167SO6400
3168SO6412
3169SO6409DB977550 Mobile Track Assessment Brake Force Runner Old Oak Common
Mk2d
NumberType2nd NumberNotesNumberType2nd NumberNotes
3170TSO6215Exported to New Zealand 3197TSO6227Exported to New Zealand
3171TSO6222Exported to New Zealand 3198TSO6200
3173TSO6221 3199TSO6232Exported to New Zealand
3175TSO6220 3200TSO6225Exported to New Zealand
3176TSO6212 3201TSO6228Exported to New Zealand
3177TSO6209 3203TSO6226
3179TSO6216 3204TSO6207
3180TSO6203 3205TSO6208Exported to New Zealand
3183TSO6206 3206TSO6233
3184TSO6217Exported to New Zealand 3207TSO6234Exported to New Zealand
3185TSO6230Exported to New Zealand 3208TSO6213
3189TSO6231Exported to New Zealand 3209TSO6218
3190TSO6235Exported to New Zealand 3210TSO6201
3191TSO6202 3211TSO6214Exported to New Zealand
3193TSO6205Exported to New Zealand 3212TSO6229Exported to New Zealand
3194TSO6223 3213TSO6219
3195TSO6224Exported to New Zealand 3215TSO6211
3196TSO6210 3216TSO6204
Mk2e
NumberType2nd NumberNotes
3236FOT3522
3238FOT3523
3253FOT3520
3254FOT3524
3255FOT3525
3271FOT3521
Mk2f
NumberType2nd NumberType3rd NumberNotesNumberType2nd NumberType3rd NumberNotes
3276SO6418RLO6707 3349SO6442TSO6801
3279SO6419FO3279Conversion to SO 6419 not carried out 3355SO6443TSO6803
3280RFO1252 3357SO6444RFO1217
3281SO6458TSO6821 3361SO6445RFO1201
3282SO6420TSO6815 3365SO6446TSO6819
3283SO6421RLO6706 3367NIR 904
3284RFO1255 3370RLO6708
3287SO6459RFO1200 3371RFO1221
3288SO6423TSO6829 3372RFO1250
3289SO6424TSO6823 3376SO6447TSO6822
3291RFO1203 3377RFO1215
3294SO6425TSO6826 3378RFO1260
3296RFO1256 3380SO6464TSO6828
3297SO6426 3382TFH72501
3298SO6427TSO6827 3383RFO1251
3301SO6460TSO6825 3391RFO1254
3302RFO1216 3393RFO1208
3305RFO1211 3394SO6448TSO6812
3306SO6428TSO6827 3396SO6449TSO6804
3307SO6429TSO6824 3398TFH72509
3308RLO6703 3401RFO1204
3310SO6430RLO6705 3403SO6450FO3403
3311SO6431TSO6817 3404SO6451TSO6810
3315SO6432RFO1220 3405SO6462RFO1210
3316SO6461TSO6816 3406TFH72504
3317SO6433RFO1214 3407TFH72503977983
3319RFO1206 3409TFH72508
3320SO6434TSO6820 3410SO6463TSO6813
3321TFH72502 3412TFH72507
3322RFO1258 3413TFH72500
3323SO6435TSO6800 3415TFH72505
3324SO6436TSO6805 3418RFO1219
3327SO6437TSO6811 3419RFO1213
3328SO6422RFO1207 3421RLO6702
3329SO6438RFO1205 3422SO6465TSO6814
3332RFO1218 3423SO6452TSO6807
3335TFH72506 3427SO6453RFO1212
3339SO6439TSO6802 3430SO6454TSO6808
3341RLO6704 3432RFO1253
3342SO6440TSO6806 3435SO6455TSO6809
3343SO6441 3436SO6456RFO1202
3346RLO6701 3437SO6457RFO1209
3347RLO6700 3439RFO1259

Departmental use

FODepartmentalNotes
3152Mk2cDB977547Brake Force Runner
3153Mk2cDB977551Mobile Track Assessment Brake Force Runner
3160Mk2cDB977589Brake Force Runner
3162Mk2cDB977549Mobile Track Assessment Brake Force Runner
3164Mk2cDB977390REC Barrier coach later Crewe Works Test Train coach
3165Mk2cDB977546Brake Force Runner
3169Mk2cDB977550Mobile Track Assessment Brake Force Runner
3189Mk2dDB977986Track Recording Train Coach later Structure Gauging train coach
3250Mk2e99666Ultrasonic Test Coach
3407Mk2fDB977983Hot Box Detction Coach later Electrification Measurement Coach

Mark 3

First Mk3 prototypes were built at Derby Litchurch Lane Works in 1972 for the new Class 252 and were built to 75 ft 0 in (22.86 m) with BT5 bogies with a maximum of 125 mph (201 km/h). Production built Mark 3 stock for class 253 and 254 InterCity 125 were built at Derby Litchurch Lane in 1975–82 with BT10 bogies with a maximum of 125 mph (201 km/h) seat 48 and referred to as a trailer First. Mark 3a is the production built loco-hauled Mk3 built by BR at Derby Litchurch Lane introduced on the West Coast Main Line from 1975.

From 1979, seven First Open were used on the Glasgow to Edinburgh push pull service 11004–11010 with 11022 added later as 11004 was involved in the Polmont rail accident in 1984. ScotRail later down graded its First Open in 1986 to Open Composite were renumbered 119xx. Two First Open 11021 and 11032 were fitted with BT15 bogies along with 11058 fitted with BTS bogies in the mid-1980s.

With a further order for 38 Mk3b built at Derby Litchurch Lane in 1985 and were delivered new in InterCity livery with a number receiving names and being used on services on the West Coast Main Line offering a first class Pullman service.

Number Name Number Name
11073 William Ewart Gladstone 11084 William Roscoe
11074 Thomas Brassey 11085 Sir John Barbirolli
11076 John Lennon 11086 Henry Dalton
11077 Sir Richard Arkwright 11087 Sir William Fairbairn
11078 John Owens 11088 Sir John Brunner
11079 Francis Egerton 11089 George Stubbs
11080 Emmeline Pankhurst 11091 Sir Stanley Matthews
11081 Elizabeth Gaskell 11092 Ernest Rutherford
11082 James Joule 11093 LS Lowry
11083 Kitty Wilkinson 11094 Arnold Bennett

Orders

Fleet numbersMarkBuiltDiagramBuilderLot No.
11000-1100231972665Derby30848
1100331972665Derby30833
11004-110633a197569/AD108Derby30878
11064-111013b1985AD110Derby30982

Mark 3 FO conversions

  • In 1975, 3 Mk3 First Open coaches were reclassified as Trailer First 41000-002 TF.
  • In 1977, Mk3 First Open 11001 coach converted to The Queens Saloon and consists of a lounge, bedroom & bathroom, along with a bedroom & bathroom for the Queens dresser.
  • In 1981, Mk3 Trailer First 41000 TF converted to M&EE Test Car 10 ADB975814 QXA.
  • In 1982, 2 Mk3 Trailer First 41001-41002 TF coaches were converted to production HST Trailer First 4117x TF specification.
  • In 1986, 7 Mk3a coaches were converted to Open Composite 119xx CO.
  • In 1986–87, 18 Mk3a coaches were converted to Restaurant First Modular 10212-10229 RFM.
  • In 1990, 4 Mk3a Open Composite coaches were converted to Standard Open 12169-12170 TSO.
  • In 1990, 3 Mk3a Open Composite coaches were converted back to First Open regaining their former numbers.
  • In 1992, Mk3 Trailer First 41174 TF were converted to Trailer Standard 42357 TS.
  • In 2007–08, 6 Mk3a coaches were converted to Trailer First 41201-41206 TF
  • In 2008, 3 Mk3a coaches were converted to Trailer First 41193-41195 TF.
  • In 2011–13, 5 Mk3a First Open coaches were converted to Standard Open 126xx TSO
  • In 2012, 6 Mk3a coaches First Open were converted to Standard Open 12176-12181 TSO.
  • In 2015, 4 Mk3a coaches, First Open 11034 FO and 3 Restaurant First Modular 102xx RFM were converted to Standard Open Miniature Buffet 10413-416 TSOB
Mk3
1st NumberConverted to2nd NumberConverted to3rd NumberConverted to4th Number
11000TF41000Test Car 10975814New Measurement Train recording coach
11001Queens Saloon2903
11002TF41001TF41170
11003TF41002TF41174TS42357
Mk3a
1st NumberConverted to2nd NumberConverted to3rd NumberConverted to4th Number
11005CO11905FO11005
11006CO11906FO11006
11007CO11907FO11007
11008CO11908TSO12169TSO12618
11009CO11909TSO12170
11010CO11910TSO12171
11012RFM10221
11013TSO12182
11014RFM10225
11015RFM10226
11016TF41194
11017TF41202
11019TSOL12623
11020TFD41195
11022CO11922TSO12172TS42383
11023TF41204
11027TSO12183
11030TSO12625
11032RFM10215
11034RFM10214TSOB10413
11035RFM10228
11036TF41205
11038TF41203
11040TSO12605
11041RFM10216TSOB10414
11042TSO12173TSOL12613
11043RFM10223TSOB10415
11044TSO12184
11045TF41201
11046TSO12621
11047RFM10219
11049RFM10212
11050RFM10213
11051RFM10217
11052TSO12174TSO12617
11053RFM10218
11054TSO12627
11055TF41206
11056RFM10220
11057RFM10227
11058TSO12175TSO12619
11059RFM10229
11060TF41193
11062RFM10224
11063RFM10222
Mk3b
1st NumberConverted to2nd NumberConverted to3rd NumberConverted to4th Number
11064TSO12176
11065TSO12177
11071TSO12178
11083TSO12179
11084TSO12180
11086TSO12181
11089TSO12185

Mark 4

GNER Mark 4 First Open at Leeds in 2006

Built in 1991 and 1992 by Metro-Cammell as the main coaching stock for InterCity 225 sets, Mark 4 coaches were provided from-new with controlled-emission toilets and power-operated plug doors. They are fitted with Swiss-made SIG BT41A bogies and have a design maximum speed of 140 mph (225 km/h), though for operational reasons their normal maximum speed in service is 125 mph (201 km/h).

Orders

Fleet numbersBuiltDiagramBuilderLot No.
11200-112631991AD111Metro-Cammell Washwood Heath31046
11272-112761992AD111Metro-Cammell Washwood Heath31046

Mark 4 FO conversions

  • From 2003 to 2005, 30 FO coaches were converted to First Open Disabled (FOD) and renumbered 11301 to 11330.
  • From 2003 to 2005, 30 FO coaches were converted to First Open Smoking (FOS) and renumbered 11401 to 11430. After smoking became illegal on all train services in Britain the coaches switched back to the FO designation, but kept their new numbers.
Original NumberNew DesignationNew NumberOriginal NumberNew DesignationNew Number
11200FO11427 11235FOD11323
11202FO11404 11236FOD11327
11203FOD11302 11238FOD11315
11204FO11405 11239FO11424
11205FO11406 11240FO11411
11206FOD11326 11242FO11420
11207FOD11314 11243FOD11329
11208FO11415 11245FOD11321
11209FO11412 11246FO11414
11210FOD11313 11247FOD11319
11211FOD11303 11248FO11430
11212FO11413 11249FOD11330
11214FO11401 11250FO11419
11215FOD11301 11251FOD11318
11216FO11402 11252FO11426
11217FOD11307 11253FOD11324
11218FO11408 11254FO11416
11220FO11421 11255FOD11320
11221FOD11311 11256FO11407
11222FO11418 11257FOD11304
11223FOD11317 11258FO11403
11225FOD11312 11259FOD11309
11226FO11417 11260FO11410
11227FOD11316 11261FOD11305
11228FOD11322 11262FO11409
11230FO11423 11263FOD11308
11231FOD11325 11272FOD11310
11232FO11422 11274FOD11328
11233FO11428 11275FO11429
11234FO11425 11276FOD11306

Notes

Coach Type Conversions Abbreviations
CO Open Composite
FO First Open
FOD First Open Disabled
RFM Restaurant First Modular
SO Second Open 2+1
TF Trailer First
TFD Trailer First Disabled
TS Trailer Second
TSO Open Second 2+2
TSOB Standard Open with Buffet

References

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