Accurascale Mark 2 Coaches Return – Phase 1 Mark 2c 'Missing Link' Leads the Range

[Warbonnet]

Following our announcement earlier this week about our Accurascale Exclusives RTC Mark 2b twin pack, it's time we revealed our main range production run of BR era (and beyond!) Mark 2b and 2c coaches!

This release features a range of new liveries and introduces a long-missing link in the Mark 2 story: the Phase 1 Mark 2c coach.

This launch marks the exciting return of our beautifully detailed Mark 2 coaches to the ready-to-run OO gauge market— and allows us to introduce another variant that has never been produced before in ready-to-run format. They serve as ideal companions to our new Class 50, as well as established favourites like the Class 31 and 37.

The Prototypes

The Phase I Mk.2c retains the basic window layout of the Mk.2b, featuring the large toilet window, but appears with various roof vent configurations: large 'G' style vents, smaller 'GM' vents, or in some cases, the later Mk.2c’s 'Roe-Vac' vents. Our previous Mk.2c release focused on Phase II variants, which were exclusively fitted with 'Roe-Vac' vents and smaller 'air-con' style toilet windows.

Unlike the Mk.2b coaches, which were shared between the Western and Eastern Regions, early Mk.2c coaches were initially allocated solely to the London Midland Region. By the 1980s, however, they could be found on every region except the Southern, making them an incredibly versatile option for modellers.

As you would expect, our offering is a comprehensive selection in a variety of authentic liveries. Alongside the ever-popular BR Blue/Grey, this run expands coverage of Network SouthEast, InterCity, and TransPennine stock. A standout addition is the striking South Wales & West stock, featuring distinctive dark blue and maroon liveries.

South Wales & West Mk.2b/c Coaches

Between 1989 and 1993, the introduction of ‘Sprinter’ DMUs across secondary services dramatically reduced the active fleet of Mk.2b and Mk.2c coaches. By 1994, most cross-country, TransPennine, internal Scottish, and Network SouthEast loco-hauled services had transitioned to DMUs, leaving only Mk.2c BSO 9458 in regular BR service—mainly running with Mk.2a stock in North Wales and the North West.

In 1996, a reprieve came when the newly formed South Wales & West franchise hired a small fleet of Mk.1 and Mk.2 coaches from Carnforth Railway Restoration Services (CRRES), a West Coast Railways subsidiary. This fleet replaced Regional Railways Mk.2a stock that had been reassigned elsewhere. The leased stock included:

• Mk.2b TSO 5453/78/91 and Mk.2c BSO 9440 in Regional Railways blue with a thin white pinstripe
• Mk.2b TSO 5463/87, Mk.2c TSO 5569, and Mk.2c BSO 9448 in West Coast Railways maroon
• Mk.1 TSO 99318/27/28 were used temporarily during refurbishment

Returning to mainline service in summer 1996, based at Rail Express Systems’ Bristol Barton Hill depot, these coaches ran services linking Manchester Piccadilly/Oxford Road, Birmingham New Street–Cardiff Central, Cardiff–Bristol Temple Meads, and Bristol/Westbury–Weymouth. They were primarily hauled by Class 37/4s, with frequent substitutions by Class 37/0s.

Following the takeover by Prism Rail's Wales & West franchise in October 1996, the Mk.2b and 2c coaches remained in service until September 1999. They returned again in 2001 under National Express-operated Wales & Borders, serving the Rhymney–Cardiff–Fishguard route until their replacement in 2004 by ex-Virgin air-conditioned stock. Afterward, the coaches returned to Carnforth, with many used in rail tours into the early 2010s.

The Model

The Phase 1 Mark 2c has never before been offered in ready-to-run form, making this a significant addition to the BR coaching fleet. We once again aim to deliver exceptional fidelity, matching previous Mark 2 runs in terms of detail and build quality. Highlights include:

• Fully detailed interiors decorated to prototype specifications
• Working interior lighting powered by track pickup and powerpack capacitors for flicker-free operation
• Close-coupling mechanisms with NEM pockets
• Free-rolling metal wheelsets
• Museum-quality decoration and assembly

With over 20 coaches available across a broad selection of formats, liveries, and eras, this release offers excellent opportunities for modellers to expand existing rakes or build new formations behind their favourite diesel and electric locomotives. 

Models are available for pre-order now via our website and authorised stockists. Prices start from £71.95 with the 10% discount bundle applied when purchasing two or more coaches directly from our website or through participating bundle deal stockists. 

For you Irish railway fans, particularly those of you fond of NIR operations, keep an eye out for a further Mark 2 announcement later this year. We'd hardly leave you MAROON'ed and give you the BLUEs now, would we?! 

Delivery is scheduled for Q3 2026. Pre-order yours below today!

Pre-Order Your Mark 2 Coaches Here!

 

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[Mol_PMB]

:-)

(Photo by Jonathan Allen on Flickr, NIR's second batch 825-828 were early Mk2c and are first and third in this train, with a Mk2b between)

[DJ Dangerous]

1 hour ago, Warbonnet said:

For you Irish railway fans, particularly those of you fond of NIR operations, keep an eye out for a further Mark 2 announcement later this year. We'd hardly leave you MAROON'ed and give you the BLUEs now, would we?!

That is some @BosKonay level trolling right there…

Now who needs a scold’s bridle???