Hi jhb, The scrapping of the MK 2 fleet was probably on the cards as I think they would have required heavy Maintenance/major investment, some had serious rust probs. The purchasing of the MK 4 coaches and the policy decision to switch to ICRs spelt the death knell for the MK3s. The 071 hauled MK3 rakes were arguably the Pinnacle of intercity rail travel here, in terms of speed, comfort and reliability. This fleet could have been utilised more productively in terms of life expectancy and you would wonder at a decision to axe them at that point? Speakig of value for money from train fleets, what about that coach purchased from BR, ex HST TRFK No. E40513, it was converted to cafe bar No 6402, cost around £1,000,000 and saw 7 or 8 years of service here!