The normal consist for the branchline train is 3 or 4 Mk1 vehicles. For special events, e.g. Days out with Thomas, the consist is strengthened to 7 vehicles which usually involves "borrowing" one or two Railtour carriages. RMB 1866 is seen here immediately behind the locomotive in this shot taken in 2002 (photo DGC). TSO 4422 has been modified at the west end for use by disabled passengers. The end bay of seats has been removed and the door into the gangway widened as well as a wider exterior door. A wheelchair ramp is kept on the Bo'ness station platform for this purpose.
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More recently the branch set has normally been 4 vehicles - 2 x TSO, 1 x RMB and 1 x BSK. The inclusion of the RMB has allowed development of a very successful "afternoon tea" service. During the winter of 2019/20 additional shelving was added to the storage areas of the buffet so that more afternoon teas could be worked. Demand is normally very high, so booking is essential.
A "slow" charger is fitted to 1866 as it is vital to keep the lights on in the buffet counter area. 1866 was the testbed for the development of the slow charger system - this is the vehicle which had its WC dynamo changed to a WA dynamo during the lunchtime break in the regular timetable (45 mins). Since the 2007 running season, the regular branchline brake 9237 has been sidelined (due to flange wear and bodywork corrosion problems?) and 21241, then 35405 used instead. All the Branchline vehicles are fitted with LED lighting to improve illumination levels and extend battery life.
Since 2007 all of the Branchline vehicles have been repainted from Green and Cream to Carmine and Cream (Blood & custard).
Mk1 vehicles which see branchline use are:
| 4529 | TSO | Blood & custard | BR 1 bogies |
| 35405 | BFK | Blood & custard | Commonwealth bogies |
| 9237 | BSO | Green & cream | Commonwealth |
| 4422 | Disabled TSO | Blood & custard | Commonwealth |
| 4844 | TSO | Blood & custard | Commonwealth |
| 1866 | RMB | Blood & custard | Commonwealth |
| 4215 | TSO | Blood & custard | BR 1 bogies |