MK1 Coaches

[BestWestern]

An observation about MK1 coaching stock, based mainly on looking heritage rakes stabled; it appears fairly common for corrosion to appear and open up a seam along the lower bodyside, about 10 inches or so up from the solebar. This is apparent on various vehicles to different degrees, I recall one particular coach in SR green looking as rotten as a peach. I presume this is a body/chassis mounting point hidden beneath the external bodypanelling?

It also appears that some vehicles have had the same area of the bodysides plated over, with a continuous raised plate running the full length of the coach, from the solebar up to about 5 or 6 inches up the body. I gather this is some for of repair/remedy to the above corrosion?

I'm intrigued by the maintenance of these old barges, considering their age and the fact that they remain mainline approved. Is there a certain criteria regarding thier structural condition, and a periodic testing process specifically for heritage coaches to retain their mainline exemption?

 

[fgwrich]

An observation about MK1 coaching stock, based mainly on looking at heritage rakes stabled; it appears fairly common for corrosion to appear and open up a seam along the lower bodyside, about 10 inches or so up from the solebar. This is apparent on various vehicles to different degrees, I recall one particular coach in SR green looking as rotten as a peach. I presume this is a body/chassis mounting point hidden beneath the external bodypanelling?

It also appears that some vehicles have had the same area of the bodysides plated over, with a continuous raised plate running the full length of the coach, from the solebar up to about 5 or 6 inches up the body. I gather this is some for of repair/remedy to the above corrosion?

I'm intrigued by the maintenance of these old barges, considering their age and the fact that they remain mainline approved. Is there a certain criteria regarding thier structural condition, and a periodic testing process specifically for heritage coaches to retain their mainline exemption?

Surley that has to include Rivera Trains Rolling stock too!

 

[theblackwatch]

Surley that has to include Rivera Trains Rolling stock too!

Riviera has a rolling programme of overhauls on it's coaches - the Torbay Express set has a couple of Mk. 1 vehicles in it which have had major attention and been outshopped recently, and Pathfinder's tour to Buxton last month included a newly outshopped TSO in chocolate/cream.

 

[AlexS]

I believe the reason for this plate/patch is it's a symptom that the coach has been treated for asbestos removal - it's a standard thing with Mk1s. Unfortunately it does create an extra hotspot for corrosion, yes.

 

[BestWestern]

I believe the reason for this plate/patch is it's a symptom that the coach has been treated for asbestos removal - it's a standard thing with Mk1s. Unfortunately it does create an extra hotspot for corrosion, yes.

Ah, that's quite interesting. The 'new' plated area doesn't appear to have caused any corrosion on the examples I've seen, although generally they have clearly been recently ex-works. The corroded area is higher up the bodyside on 'unplated' coaches, and I presume this is a body mounting point or somesuch.

Thanks for the info
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Riviera has a rolling programme of overhauls on it's coaches - the Torbay Express set has a couple of Mk. 1 vehicles in it which have had major attention and been outshopped recently, and Pathfinder's tour to Buxton last month included a newly outshopped TSO in chocolate/cream.

There are some very smart MK1's in the Torbay rake, which look very nice indeed. Although sadly there is one very shabby example in the middle of it all which rather lowers the tone! I get the impression that perhaps it was a last minute substitute?!

 

[fgwrich]

Riviera has a rolling programme of overhauls on it's coaches - the Torbay Express set has a couple of Mk. 1 vehicles in it which have had major attention and been outshopped recently, and Pathfinder's tour to Buxton last month included a newly outshopped TSO in chocolate/cream.

The Torbay Express Sets Rivera Trains? Crikey, throught it was from Tysely with those Choc & Cream Mk2s in...

Though as you say, rivera does seem to be slowly working on their Mk1s, one of their repainted Blood & Custard Mk1s came into the works last year and ill admit for rivera, it did look rather smart - unlike some of their rather ropey Mk2s and the slowly deteriorating 'Pride of the Nation' ex EWS Mk1 rake!