Since the close of the 1974 operating season a new internal telephone system has been installed at Quainton station. This is controlled from a ten-extension cordless switchboard in the up station building which has provision for two outside lines. These 'Domestic' circuit telephones are capable of being switched through to the old signalling telephone system, which is operationally unchanged. All telephones work by the 'CB' (Central Battery) method, with magneto (turn-the-handle) calling.

At the Easter Open Days, Domestic telephones were installed at the Station Signal Box, Up Tickets. Up Platform, Down Tickets, Sales Shop, Refreshment Room, Brill Platform, and Down Gate. More locations are being installed and in order to cope with the number of telephones many subscribers have been forced to share lines. Although this means that only one phone of each pair can be used at a time, each can be called separately using 'earthed ringing'. The exchange can cope with up to five conversations at once, providing the operator can cope!

It is hoped that the new telephone system will speed up operations on Open Days and reduce the need for staff having to waste time crossing the footbridge between the yards.

Remember, the Telecom slogan for 1975 is 'Save your bones - use the phones'!

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1975 and so does not reflect events in the 40+ 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:
Telecommunications - By Charles Ellson and Steve Growcott - Quainton News No. 24 - Summer 1975