This vehicle has similar origins to GNR Brake 3rd No. 1470, although its precise early history is not known. It was taken into LNER stock at the grouping in 1923. After withdrawal from revenue service in 1940, it was used as a mess and tool van for British Rail's North Eastern division. It was renumbered DE900178 and sent to York, initally reserved by the National Railway Museum for possible retention for the York Museum. It was stored in the carriage sidings at Leeman Road opposite the museum. The NRM eventually decided not to accession this carriage into the national collection and released it for sale.

July 1976 saw the coach purchased by the Society and brought to Quainton. Unfortunately it had been vandalised while standing at York and all the good droplight end fittings had been removed by smashing the doors. It really did look a sad sight, some inital work was carried out shortly after arrival to tidy it up externally. Inside the dividing partitions were gutted when the carriage was converted to a mess and tool van, at one end there are shelves divided into small sections for pipe fittings when used by British Railway's plumbers. One of the roof lights retains its original blue glass engraved smoking. The figure 3 has been disclosed on the doors, as well as the number X459, though the X is not yet clear. Major work is required to this vehicle and it is now in store pending restoration.

References:
Vintage Carriage News - Quainton News No. 28 Spring 1976
Good News from the C&W - Quainton News No. 29 Autumn 1976