The LNER Encyclopedia

Good morning all
When steam hauled trains were in use where I grew up the coaches were combined to form sets (usually three coaches) and if additional capacity was needed another set was marshalled to the train.
Looking at pics of LNER branch lines, it seems the trains are often a mixture of coaches, with pre-groupling stock marshalled next to even older pre-grouping stock etc.
Did the LNER keep the coaches in fixed formations on branch lines, or merely add the odd coach, if and when needed?

Compliments of the season to everyone

Earlswood nob

Carriages were usually made up into sets (which were often numbered and identified as to the location/working) and strengtheners added to increase capacity as necessary - some according to the carriage workings for a particular section between stations (such as a two lane dual carriageway becomes three lanes along more heavily-used sections) or as required by a sudden increase in demand or in Special Traffic Notices for specific reasons such as football matches or other events. Several sets or individual carriages could be combined and separated along a route to service different locations, and catering facilities also added or removed as required.

Your most useful and accurate source of information is the various carriage workings published by the LNER and BR Regions, but beware of misinterpretations sometimes found in printed works!