BRITISH RAILWAYS MARK 1 AND MARK 2 COACHING STOCK, by Hugh Longworth, Crecy. PRICE: £35.00

I’ve made/modified over 100 Mk. 1 carriages (a few Mk. 2s as well) for the various layouts I’ve been involved with and all would probably have been more accurate had I been able to consult this ‘definitive’ work. It complements completely the two previously established works on Mk. 1s, by Keith Parkin (published by the HMRS), and should enjoy equal status on any BR modeller’s bookshelves. It’s a revised edition of the one first published in 2013, which includes ‘a complete review of all data with most of the missing data now located and errors corrected, updated information to July 2021, all diagrams redrawn and colour added to improve presentation’. Top stuff! Of course, the story is ongoing, because many of the types described are still in service for main line specials and on preserved lines. Every type is comprehensively described, including diagrams, lot numbers, running numbers, where built, dates built, weights, seats/berths, toilets, regional allocations and which types of bogies were fitted. Also listed are non-passenger carrying vehicles, including Kitchen Cars, PO Vans, BGs, Newspaper Vans, GUVs, SPVs (ex-Fish Vans), CCTs, High Security Vans, Car Carriers, Horse Boxes, Bullion Vans, as well as Pullman Cars and Departmental vehicles. Can it be more comprehensive? The text and data are supplemented by small drawings and numerous photographs. It’s impossible for me to check if the information is correct, but I accept it as near to complete accuracy as we’re ever going to get. A great book; essential for any model-maker, great value for money, beautifullypresented and thoroughly recommended.