First Corridor

British Rail First Corridor
A Mk1 FK in Blue and grey livery pictured at Bristol Temple Meads on 5th May 1984
In service	1959–
Manufacturer	British Railways
Built at	Ashford Works, Swindon Works, Derby Carriage and Wagon Works
Family name	Mark 1 and Mark 2, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D
Constructed	1951–1972
Number built	FK: 611, BFK: 173
Fleet numbers	FK: 13000–13610, BFK: 14000–14172
Capacity	FK: 42 (7 compartments of 6 seats); BFK: 24 (4 compartments of 6 seats)
Operator	British Rail
Specifications
Car length	64 ft 6 in (19.66 m)
Width	9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Height	12 ft 9 1⁄2 in (3.90 m)
Maximum speed	90–100 mph (145–161 km/h)
Weight	31 to 36 long tons
Bogies	BR1, Commonwealth or B4
Braking system(s)	Vacuum, Air or both
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)

The First Corridor 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 the National Collection.

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 (19452–19557).

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 May 22nd 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.

Gallery

• 

  Interior of a Mark 1 FK compartment

• 

  Interior detail of a Mark 2A FK compartment

See also

• Corridor coach