Hornby R4974A BR Intercity Mk1 Catering (RBR) Coach
Smart British Rail Intercity restaurant coach from the 1980's to 1990's.
The first phase of building British Railways' Mark 1 catering vehicles followed the traditional pattern of dining that had been catered for since Edwardian times, with large Kitchen Cars preparing multiple course dining for consumption in both First and Third Class Dining Cars. However, during the early 1950s it became apparent that social patterns regarding rail travel catering were changing as a direct consequence of WWII attitudes towards dining.
The catering department of British Railways was experiencing a demand from travellers for cheaper and lighter meals as well as an increase in social drinking that was not related to dining. This change in dining patterns meant that the use of a Buffet vehicle, rather than a full Kitchen Car/Dining Car combination, was sometimes a better option and the third phase 1957-62 Mk.1 building program provided many of BR's vehicles with buffet facilities. Not just in addition to full meal provision, but also replacing it. Three prototype catering vehicles were built by Eastleigh to basic requirements set out by the Hotels and Catering Services Department of British Railways, with each stage of construction incorporating feedback from restaurant car staff- these being M1546 Kitchen-Buffet (RKB), W1900 Unclassed Restaurant (RU) and E1700 Buffet-Restaurant (RB).
The RB kept the same kitchen, staff area and seating type as the other two vehicles, but by sacrificing ten seats, the pantry was extended, and a new service counter was introduced for the serving of light refreshments. Propane gas units were introduced for gas cooking. This meant reducing the reliance on electric power which allowed for a smaller dynamo and battery. Access to the water tanks was also improved, along with door access for the catering staff; the single 24Ó doors being replaced with a 'door and a third' arrangement that offered a second 9Ó wide door alongside the main door.
The prototypes were a success and 128 vehicles were ordered, built in four lots between 1960 and 1962 by Pressed Steel and Birmingham RC&W. But in a change from the prototype, some of the window sizes were altered and the serving area was rotated through 90 degrees to become longitudinal.
Dimensions: L 31cm x H 4.5cm x W 9cm
