MK 3s: PROS AND AIR CONS

I’m surprised by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s proposal to acquire a complete rake of Mk 3 coaches (SR459). For steam enthusiast excursions, surely they would have severe disadvantages: No opening windows, so no sound and no smell; A need for electrical power to operate the air conditioning, making it inevitable that the train consist must include a diesel, or a van with a big (and noisy) generator; Modern design and decor (inside and out); with any new ‘retro’ paint schemes likely to please few enthusiasts (the result would always be fake); Retention tank toilets, which will need emptying when the train is turned round at destinations; Extra costs, which would have to be passed on in fares. Changing the windows for ones that open might remove some of the disadvantages, but cause other issues. They would also cost a lot of money to replace. Given the A1 Trust’s undoubted professional expertise, it would be interesting to hear more about their reasoning. Maybe this is an opportunity to stream real-time audio and video from the footplate to all passengers, via Wi-Fi. Nigel Watson, by email