The Storage and Disposal of BR Mark 1-Mark 4 Loco Hauled Coaching Stock & NPCCS – Volume 2
By Roger Harris
Published by Roger Harris
63 Carol Avenue, Bromsgrove, B61 8RW
215mm x 300mm size, 150 pages, softback. £24.50 + £1.50 P&P
THIS latest volume from well respected researcher and compiler Roger Harris continues the detailed vehicle-byvehicle history of hauled coaching and non-passenger carrying stock started in Volume 1. Because what is eventually expected to be a five-volume series is categorised by vehicle number, this one, which covers the range of Nos. 640019560, includes not only the Mk.1-Mk.4 types promised on the cover, but all Mk.5 carriages.
For those unfamiliar with Roger’s work, his series (which includes The Allocation History of BR Diesels and Electrics, copyright of which has now passed to the RTCS) contains tables of meticulously sifted data. Apart from the front and back covers, there are no images or illustrations, so these reference works are for serious enthusiasts, researchers and modellers.
Starting with Mk.2 vehicles, moving through Mk.1s, Mk.3 sleepers and day coaches, as well as most Mk.4 and Mk.5 carriages, ending with more Mk.1 and Mk.2s, the tables note original number and current number (if different), date condemned (if not still in use) and a short one or two line history, including any renumbering, naming and departmental use. Lot numbers are also quoted.
As the author points out, in May 1983 a major renumbering exercise was carried out involving coaching stock then numbered in the 14xxx-16xxx and 25xxx-26xxx series. As a result, records for the latter (which became 18xxx-19xxx vehicles respectively) start in Volume 3 of the current series. Readers should also be aware that other vehicles which changed identity during the course of their careers will also have part of their records detailed in other volumes, so this book is not wholly stand-alone.
Also included in this volume are updates to a selection of vehicles in Volume 1, as well as complete details for Mk.1 catering vehicle conversions Nos. 301-342, partially covered in Volume 1.
Enquiries about other volumes in the series, and orders for this one, can be made direct to the author, details above.