First Corridor

The First Corridor type of railway coach was one of the standard mid-20th century designs; coded 'FK' by the LNER and BR, and 'CL' by the LMS. The layout of the coach was a number of compartments, all of which were first class, linked by a side corridor.

A Mk1 FK in Blue and grey livery pictured at Bristol Temple Meads on 5th May 1984

The British Railways produced versions (of Mark 1 and Mark 2 variations up to Mark 2D inclusive) were numbered in the 13xxx series. The prototype Mark 2 carriage, number 13252, was of FK design. It is now preserved at the National Railway Museum in York.

A number of the Mark 2A/2B/2C carriages were declassified in 1985 to become Standard Corridors (coded SK). They were renumbered from 13xxx to 19xxx, putting them after the end of the 'Mark 1' range (19452-19557).

A Mk2 FK in green livery at Minehead (West Somerset Railway)

No carriages of this type are still in daily use on the main line network, since open saloon carriages are now preferred by operating companies. However, some electric multiple units based on British Rail coaches have first class compartments. As of 2006, there are only 26 remaining in service, but these will remain so for the foreseeable future. They are two Mark 1-based class 421 3CIG units, and 24 Mark 3-based class 442 Wessex Electric intercity units (currently withdrawn but to return to traffic in December 2007). Hastings Diesels Limited has some such coaches and occasionally stand in for Southern Services. Many FKs still operate in charter trains, and they remain popular on preserved railway lines.