Work is still ongoing to make this happen, but attempts to secure funding from grant giving bodies etc. has not succeeded. Therefore funding is still insufficient to place any orders.

There are four main elements:

1. Installation of crossover. The money for this has been promised by members. Many thanks to those who have offered support.
2. Installation of "S & T" - We have been quoted £99k for this, but do not have the funds. If it is not done within 6 months of 1 above, Network Rail will remove the crossover at our cost. Therefore we cannot start without funds for both.
3. Network Rail's cost for 'managing' the installations. We guess around £20k.
4. Rolling stock. The cost of hiring in stock is prohibitive due to the scarcity of suitable stock and the cost of empty stock movements. Approval will be sought to upgrade our MKl's for restricted use at slow speeds on the network. (As North York Moors Railway to Whitby.)

The crossover and S & T works are ineligible for grant aiding by HLF or WREN as we do not own all the land. An application has been lodged with WREN for a grant to install our turntable (currently behind the South African loco, acquired from Hitchin in 1978) so that visiting locomotives can be turned.

THIS IS LIKELY TO BE OUR LAST CHANCE TO PUT BRC ON THE RAILWAY MAP, ATTRACT LARGE VISITING LOCOMOTIVES AND ENABLE OCCASIONAL SHUTTLES TO AYLESBURY AND / OR CLAYDON.

IT WOULD BE THE MAKING OF THE CENTRE IN OUR 40th YEAR!

We need to find about another £120,000. It does not need to be in a single lump sum, smaller amounts all add up. If 47 of us gave a gift aided £2,000 we would reach the target. Can you help us, please?

PLEASE HELP US IF YOU ARE ABLE AND PLEDGE YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO OUR PROJECT MANAGER - Andrew Bratton
Thank you.

In case you didn't know ...
"S & T" - Signals and Telegraphs
MK 1's - the type of coach we use in the Up Yard
HLF - Heritage Lottery Fund
WREN - Waste Recycling Environmental Limited. Grants come from the Landfill Community Fund which is administered by WREN

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 2008 and so does not reflect events in the 6+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
Final Appeal for funds for connection to the network - Quainton News No. 100 - October 2008