Why no Corridors?

[AJP62]

Mark 1 standard open's and corridors had the same number of seats. 64 according to wikipedia.


lol

Most Standard corridors were officially 6 per compartment but the WR didn't have the folding armrest in all of theirs so they got 8 per compartment. I think a lot of WR ones were used on commuter services most of the time so this was fine but a little cramped on their weekend jaunt to the West Country! You could get 8 in the others if need be when you folded the arms up but reservations were always for 6.

I also remember the odd table for 4 in a compartment - couldn't be for 6 as it would have restricted access. From memory all compartments had the metal slots for tables but you didn't see them often.

 

[150222]

Couldn't they fit compartments in first class? On 444's/HST's/MK4's/WAG express/Chiltern loco sets ETC?

 

[scotsman]

I've heard stories from ex-BR crew of 10 in a compo - 8 on the seats, 2 on the racks!

The problem is that they clearly weren't designed with meal service in mind - it's a pain going in to lay the tables, serve the food or even clear them. Mind you, there's few things better when you're all done, than to grab an empty one with your mates

 

[Flamingo]

Safety - it's hard for fellow passengers/crew to see or hear anything going on in a compartment. There was a murder in the 1980's on a 4-EPB in the south-east which pretty much ended the use of compartment stock

I remember being on one in the 90's and someone was raped in the next compartment, none of us heard anything.

 

[Old Timer]

Most Standard corridors were officially 6 per compartment but the WR didn't have the folding armrest in all of theirs so they got 8 per compartment. I think a lot of WR ones were used on commuter services most of the time so this was fine but a little cramped on their weekend jaunt to the West Country! You could get 8 in the others if need be when you folded the arms up but reservations were always for 6.

I also remember the odd table for 4 in a compartment - couldn't be for 6 as it would have restricted access. From memory all compartments had the metal slots for tables but you didn't see them often.

MK 1 corridor stock was constructed with 8 compartments each holding 6 people, thus a designed seating capacity of 48.

Crush loading could be achieved with the armrests raised to achieve 8 per compartment equalling 64 persons.

The corridor did allow a much higher standing passenger crush loading, the normal calculation being 3 per compartment plus 8 at each end and 4 in the centre doorway, a total of 64 + 44 = 108. By comparison an open would accommodate about 2 1/2 per bay plus 6 at each end and 6 in the centre doorway when fitted, a total of 64 + 38 = 102

With regards to tables, in the late 60s and early 70s most compartments had folding tables which were located into hinge brackets at the bottom of the window. They lifted up with a leg which then dropped down onto the floor. In later years the tables were replaced with a small semi-circular shelf positioned under the window.
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I remember being on one in the 90's and someone was raped in the next compartment, none of us heard anything.

I remember in the 70s that the Southend Vic compartment stock used to become rolling passion wagons on the late night services.

Ahhh, memories of lovely blonde Essex girls in summer dresses, the smell of diesel, and the roar of 31s and 37s starting up on the blocks of the main line platforms, and the announcers...Straaatford, Illllford, Rommmmford, and all stations to Sarf End
.

Happy days and memories of times much better.

 

[route:oxford]

Well, in a way, "corridor" stock runs every night on the WCML and to the SW. Isn't there a pod or compartment in the Eurostars too?

Could a sleeper coach be converted into a super-luxury corridor coach with, say 3 seats to each "room"?

 

[yorksrob]

if people aren't in airline seats, I reckon that most like to have a table- even if just the mini-table found in the "bays" on many commuter units. It's handy for putting down hotdrinks etc, whilst proper tables are obviously useful for laptops etc. I've never seen a picture or film of a seating compartment with any sort of table whatsoever.

Well, speaking for the Southern, the CEP compartments did all have mini tables for drinks etc. CIG's had them in the 1st class compartments, but the standards had a door instead. VEPs, HAP's & DEMU's had doors.

 

[LE Greys]

Well, while I like compos and tended to make straight for the ends of any CIG or middle of any CEP, I agree about the safety/security problems. It also might be cost, plus the fact that you can't have airline-type seats (so FGW would not like them). However, you can add a couple of other advantages. It's far better for luggage storage with capacious overhead racks and space under seats (or between them if you want a footrest) and it makes it easier to get trolleys through. One awkward thing is that it takes ages to get to the doors, which is not good if you are caught unawares by your destination.