225 Preservation CIC has announced that it has reached an agreement with Beacon Rail to purchase two Mark 4 Pullman Open coaches for preservation.
As part of InterCity 225 electric train sets they worked long-distance services out of London King’s Cross until withdrawal in November 2025. They have benefited from continuous investment over their life and are in excellent condition.
The coaches are notable for their unique compartment with pressure ventilation, designed to accommodate patrons who wished to smoke on board.
Ben Denton-Cardew, managing director of 225 Preservation CIC, said: “Not only were these among the last British Rail standalone inter-operable ‘carriages’ built, but we also believe they are the last specially designed smoking coaches built in Europe.”
They now become the first Mark 4 coaches to enter preservation. Coming at the end of the historic ‘Railway 200’ year, they will serve as a tangible legacy to the celebrations of the past, present and future of rail in the UK.
Initially the preserved coaches will remain in warm storage and static use at a secure location adjacent to the East Coast Mainline on which they have run for over 35 years, however, 225 Preservation CIC has ambitious goals for the future to acquire further vehicles and restore them to operational condition.
Jacob Baldwin, marketing mirector of 225 Preservation CIC, added: “We would hope that by acquiring a pair of vehicles now, we can build resources, expertise and funds before the remainder of the fleet is retired in years to come.
“This project was turned around rapidly in just four months, and we are very grateful to the teams at Beacon Rail, Swietelsky UK, and RSS for their patience, kindness and support.”
225 Preservation CIC is a community interest organisation formed of rail industry professionals seeking to preserve the legacy of the InterCity 225 for future generations, and provide educational resources in the hopes of encouraging growth in the railway careers sector.
Image credit: 225 Preservation CIC
