Towards the end of 2007, Gordon Maslin of Railway Vehicle Preservations (RVP) put out on the internet a request for help in finding various parts for their next restoration project.

As some members may recall, RVP brought the LSWR Milk Van to Quainton in the early 1970's and later it passed to Quainton's ownership. Sometimes it features in our Vintage Train sporting its distinctive salmon pink and brown livery and, I believe, is the only one in preservation to do so. Originating from north London, hence the interest in Quainton, RVP has built up a sizeable collection of LNER teak bogie carriages. Originally basing them at the Chappel & Wakes Colne station of the East Anglian Railway Museum they moved out 20 years ago to join the embryonic Great Central Railway with its greater space and running opportunities. The latest additions to their stock have been TPO coaches.

RVP were planning to start the restoration of a Gresley design Tourist Third Open, but were short of a number of parts. As it happened, we were pleased and able to help in two ways. One of the features of these coaches is the chromed brass sliding vents above the large window. These are very similar to those seen on a Mark One coach, but not as high and lack the rounded corners. We just happened to have two in our stores that were surplus and a very nice cheque duly arrived.

In the museum is a small red board with two tatty looking small signs that claimed to have come from an MSLR and a GER coach. The former is a warning to passengers about the dangers of sticking heads out of windows and, it transpires, appears to be the last remaining one in the country of its type and design! When Gordon came to collect the sliding vents he inunediately confirmed that this is a LNER design. If any others still exist the owners are keeping quiet!

With the prior agreement of our Curator, Roy Miller, Gordon borrowed the whole panel and had it professionally copied and improved and now carries a stock of transfers for RVP's and the restoration projects of other groups.

In return for the loan of the original, which we were very pleased to help with; Gordon has given us a stock of transfers for use in our LNER coaches when they are restored. It's a small, insignificant sign, but if restoration to original condition is your aim, then small details are important.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 2009 and so does not reflect events in the 10+ 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:
The Museum helps another restoration group - Tony Lyster - Quainton News No. 101 - April 2009