The British Rail Mark 4 coach was introduced between 1989 and 1992 as part of the InterCity 225 train sets for the East Coast Main Line (ECML) electrification project. Built by Metro-Cammell at Washwood Heath, the Mark 4 was designed to operate with the Class 91 electric locomotive and Driving Van Trailer (DVT) to provide a complete fixed-formation high-speed train.
The design of the Mark 4 coaches represented a major step forward from the earlier Mark 3 stock used on the High Speed Train sets. They featured improved aerodynamics, better sound insulation, power-operated plug doors, and an upgraded suspension system for smoother riding at up to 140 mph (225 km/h). Interiors were modern for their time, offering air conditioning, electronic seat reservations, and later upgrades such as Wi-Fi and power sockets.
Each InterCity 225 set typically consisted of a Class 91 at one end, a rake of Mark 4 coaches, and a DVT at the other. This allowed the train to be operated in push-pull mode without needing to turn around at termini such as London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley.
The Mark 4 fleet served under operators including InterCity, GNER, National Express East Coast, East Coast, Virgin Trains East Coast, and London North Eastern Railway (LNER). From 2019, they began to be phased out in favor of the Hitachi-built Azuma fleet, although some remain in use with Transport for Wales and Grand Central, and a few have been preserved.
The Mark 4 coaches remain notable for their comfort, speed, and reliability, representing the peak of British Rail’s traditional locomotive-hauled passenger design.
SNER stands for Spycakes North Eastern Railway, a fictional train operation company operating trains in and out of Terminal Spycakes, with their flagship route being Terminal Spycakes to North Harbour.
{SPECIFICATIONS}
LENGTH: 92 Blocks
WIDTH: 11 Blocks
HEIGHT: 15 Blocks
