Gents I wonder if someone could point me in the right direction please?
I am researching coach formations of traffic around the Bradford/ Leeds area, with a view to formulating sets to work via the S&C to a fictional terminus at Kendal (Yes the late David Jenkinson, has a lot to answer for!)
As my period is early 1950s say 52-54, I am assuming that the newer BR Mk1 stock is initially being used to up grade main line stock on the major routes, leaving the indigenous rolling stock to cover the more local workings. I am attempting to find a common formation for 4-5 coach rake using LMS Stanier stock. I am assuming that this rake would not be made up of just Stainer period 3 or just Port Hole stock, but more likely made up of a mixture of them both.
I suspect that these rakes would be mainly 3rd class with possibly a composite to cover any 1st class elements. Now AFAIK Hornby have only produced 1st and 3rd class Stainer coaches so far, alas no composite. However Bachmann has produced a later Stanier Port Hole stock Composite & Brake Fist Corridor. Would it be correct to pop one of these Port Hole composites/Brakes in a rake of earlier Staniers to give say a BTK + TK + CK + BTK or BTK + TK + TK + BFK formation?
Or would it be more likely to find the same rake made up of mainly Port Hole stock with a single earlier Stainer coach?
At what point would it be worth adding a FK to a rake, suspect these would be far larger formations?
I suspect that these sets would never be solely period 3 or Port Hole stock in their entirety, but happy to be corrected!
Many thanks in advance for any guidance
Bob C