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British Rail APT DX

British Rail's Advanced Passenger Train (APT) ran on the West Coast mainline (London-Birmingham-Crewe-Liverpool-Manchester-Carlisle-Glasgow) during the early 1980's. It incorporated a revolutionary tilting mechanism to allow the train to negotoiate the curves on the line at speeds in excess of 125mph without the pasengers spilling their coffee. Although technically successful, it suffered from lack of investment and was withdrawn after only a few year's service. The tilting technology was sold on and was incorporated in the Italian Railway's successful 'Pendolino' service. It emerged again on the British scene recently in the form of Virgin Trains West Coast service.

The trains consisted of two 4 or 6 car units, one 1st, the other 2nd class, each with a motor unit at the rear and joined back to back. Here, the DX masquerades as the front driving car of each unit (until Franks gives us a multiple unit front end!). Externally, the 1st and 2nd class passenger trailers are virtually indestinguishable, the main variant being the inclusion of a Buffet car in the 2nd class unit.

Enjoy!