The British Railways Mk3 represents the third generation of BR’s main line coaching stock. While it's appearance may seem like an evolution of the later Mk2 series, the Mk3 boasts modern features such as disc brakes and secondary air suspension between the body and bogies, along with an increased length of almost 10 feet, which distinctly set it apart. Introduced in 1972, the first prototype vehicles were part of the Prototype High-Speed Train (HSDT). Production of these vehicles, which included slight modifications from the prototypes, began in 1975 and continued until 1988, resulting in the construction of 848 vehicles. These coaches were built for use with

Both HSTs (Mk3) and loco-hauled services (Mk3A and Mk3B), with the primary difference being the absence of buffers on HST coaches.

Standard open coaches were the most numerous, but there were also hundreds of first-class coaches and over two hundred sleeping cars built. For loco-hauled services, brake facilities were typically provided by Mk1 or Mk2 vehicles since very few Mk3 brake coaches were produced. Catering vehicles fared slightly better, with several variants constructed. The Mk3 coach has enjoyed a long and successful career, especially within HST formations. However, their numbers are gradually decreasing as new trains replace HSTs and loco-hauled services, making the Mk3s redundant. Fortunately, there is increasing interest in preserving these vehicles, with many already secured for preservation or private operation.

Among the Mk3 coaches still in service today, several are part of the GWR ‘Night Riviera’ sleeping train, which operates overnight between London Paddington and Penzance. This coach pack focuses on the ‘Night Riviera,’ which can be combined with our other ‘Night Riviera’ coach packs to create an authentic sleeping train experience.

The Graham Farish Mk3 Coaches feature a clear bodyshell with the entire livery printed on it. Using authentic colours, logos, and fonts, this technique accurately scales the smooth, flush profile of the real vehicles to 1:148 scale models. Each coach runs on BT10 bogies equipped with metal wheelsets and standard N scale couplings.