Hornby TT4027 Gauge TT BR Intercity, Mk3 Tourist Standard Open, 42199 - Era 8

Mk3 coaches are 75 feet (23 m) long, offering a much greater capacity than older coaches. Mk3 coaches also feature disc brakes and wheel slip protection, allowing faster braking. The first Mk3 coaches delivered were used as part of the HST prototype in 1972, along with the two Class 41 diesel multiple units. Mk3 coaches entered service with the Class 43 in 1975, forming the iconic InterCity 125 trainset. Following the introduction of the Mk3 HST coach variant, further Mk3 coaches were used on the West Coast Mainline as part of locomotive-hauled trains. While Mk3 coaches are standard on HST trains, locomotive-hauled trains are Mk3a coaches. Mk3a coaches differ from Mk3 coaches by the inclusion of buffers and a different electrical system, using a motor generator in each coach to power air conditioning and other auxiliary equipment. Mk3a coaches were built until 1984, before 3B coaches with improved seating and lighting were built from 1985 to 1988.