Opening windows in air-conditioned stock?

RIVIERA TRAINS is considering fitting some of its air-conditioned Mk.2fs with hopper windows. Riviera has more than 40 Mk.2 air-cons, but less than half are in regular use. The idea comes from the fact that many of its carriages are used by the enthusiast sector who would prefer to be able to hear the traction up front. In fact, it is an oft-heard complaint that riding in air-conditioned ‘coffins’ is a somewhat pointless exercise if the passenger has come to enjoy the diesel up front. So far, Riviera has no definite details of which vehicles and quantities. It does recognise that this is what customers want, and is aware of past criticism.

Hopper windows have advantages over quarterlight/sliding ones in that passengers cannot stick heads/ arms/equipment out – a safety risk which the ORR is keen to eradicate, as are operators.

There is another facet and that concerns the future of Mk.1 stock on Network Rail. The present derogation allows Mk.1s to operate until March 31, 2023 but it is expected Mk.1s will be allowed to continue running on NR provided controlled emission toilets and central door locking are fitted, together with documented proof that the carriage in question has been maintained/overhauled to the necessary standard, bearing in mind they are 60 years old.

It is known that West Coast Railways is optimistic of continuing after March 31 next year – it uses Mk.1 carriages on its ‘Jacobite’ service, between Fort William and Mallaig. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs Mk.1s over Network

Rail’s metals the six miles from Grosmont to Whitby and that railway’s management is in talks with the ORR. In its favour is the fact that Network Rail has paid for the fitting of controlled emission toilet equipment on several of its Mk.1s.

The other benefit would be that in the event of the air-conditioning equipment not working – a frequent occurrence in days of yore – then the fact hopper windows could be opened if necessary is another advantage.

For those with a sense of humour, if fitted with hopper windows, the

Mk. 2fs could then be classified

‘open coffins’!