The British Rail Mark 1 coaches were not suitable for higher speed rail services, with the Mark 1 coaches being a perfect complement for steam locomotives that were replaced by diesel and electric locomotives in the 1960s. The Mark 2 coach was introduced in 1964 and was all steel. While the Mark 2 was a progression of the Mark 1, the two shared almost no common parts, and only a passing resemblance.

In service, the Mark 2 coaches were commonly seen in the BR Blue and Grey livery and Network South East colours. The coaches were mainly hauled by larger express diesel and electric locomotives such as the Class 40, 47, and 86. As of 2022, the only Mark 2 coaches still in service are part of the Network Rail fleet.

The Mark 2 E coaches were fitted with luggage racks opposite the toilets at the end of each coach. The toilets themselves were reduced in size from the preceding variants. The gangway doors on Mark 2 E coaches were cream folding doors of a plastic construction. 

We've faithfully replicated these coaches in OO gauge model form, making them perfect for your era 8 layout.