Rail-Blue Charters will be adding three more MkIIIs to it's current fleet of 16 MkIIIs. After this initial purchase of MkIIIs last year, RBC had already informed Porterbrook Leasing that it wished to acquire more carriages. However, with demands from new franchisees, such as National Express East Coast and Arriva Cross Country, Porterbrook was obliged to service the needs of these franchisees before considering further sales. However Porterbrook acknowledged RBC's requirement for 2 more 1st class MkIIIs and another restaurant vehicle, if these could be made available.
Porterbrook has identified FOs 11064 and 11097 (the last two available MkIII 'b' variants) to be sold to RBC and RFM 10215. These are considered the very last MkIIIs available as even the Virgin West Coast set currently operating is earmarked to go into the NatEx float! The only MkIIIs available then are technically HST catering vehicles.
The more astute of you might be aware that RBC has tried to standardise on MkII 'b' first class vehicles where possible. This latest deal will give us 8 of these vehicles with 11031 completing the first class fleet. For the record, MkIII 'b's were built around 1985.
This will give RBC a fleet strength of 19 vehicles; 5 TSOs, 4 RFMs, 9 FOs and 1 SLEP.
Rail-Blue Charters wish to sincerely thank Porterbrook for all it's assistance and help in making all of the vehicles available to us.
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