British Rail Mark 5 (InterCity 250)

The British Rail Mark 5, better known as the InterCity 250 (IC250), was a class of high-speed tilting train used on the British Rail network. Built by a consortium led by BREL (British Rail Engineering Limited), the trains entered service in 1987 and were designed for use on the newly upgraded East Coast Main Line, enabling faster journey times on routes with tighter curves. The tilting mechanism allowed them to negotiate bends at higher speeds than conventional trains, minimizing the effects of centrifugal force on passengers.

The fleet consisted of two distinct variants: a longer, 5-carriage version (typically used on longer distance services) and a shorter, 4-carriage version (often used for shorter routes). Both variants shared the characteristic tilting mechanism and a distinctive livery, though this varied slightly throughout their operational life. They were designed for speed and comfort, offering improved passenger amenities compared to earlier rolling stock.

These trains played a significant role in improving intercity travel across the UK throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, before gradually being phased out of service and replaced by newer high-speed trains. The tilting technology, though innovative for its time, presented maintenance challenges and contributed to the eventual withdrawal of the fleet. A number of the trains were exported following their retirement from UK service. Many factors contributed to their eventual replacement, including advancements in train technology and a shift in operational priorities for the rail network. While renowned for their speed and passenger comfort during their operational life, the complexities of their tilting mechanism and subsequent maintenance costs led to them eventually becoming less economically viable to operate.