Photo:
Trevor Page - At Aylesbury - 7th June 1985 - 46229 is lit-up for the following day

Well, maybe we didn't manage to operate outside the confines of Quainton in 1985! But the magic of Quainton's attractions were seen by thousands of visitors and the name of the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre was drawn to the attention of many more people by the presence of the '9466' Group's superbly-restored large boilered Pannier tank at the Great Western Society's Didcot depot. Congratulations again Dennis and your team for showing the Quainton flag at such a prestigious event and welcome home again after your tiring but highly successful travels. Sorry you didn't manage to get to Swindon!

Above I have reproduced Trevor Page's splendid photograph of Duchess of Hamilton at Aylesbury station, showing that it nearly reached Quainton on its visit to the Buckinghamshire county town for the BR Rail Week. The diesel multiple unit, which ran the Chiltern Trains shuttle service through from Princes Risborough to Quainton, brought crowds to see our Centre. It was all excellent business, good publicity and a joy for all who took part to recall in months to come. Yes! 1985 was the Year of the Visitor and it was the year when Quainton became more widely publicised than ever before. I am sure I echo the wishes of the Executive Committee when I say to those devoted enthusiasts who 'slave' away at their hobby: "Well done, lads and lasses!" I am equally sure that these same lads and lasses will reply: "More help please from those who are not yet involved". It really is great fun and gives you a sense of achievement (plus aches and pains!).

1986 is poised to be another excellent year - but please, Mr Weatherman, more consideration and a better ration of sunshine for our Open Days. The Commercial Sub-Committee (how easily these administrative organisational names roll off the typewriter!) are coming forward with several attractive projects for 1986, so keep a look-out for the announcements. So, a New Year Resolution (oh, no!): tell anyone and everyone about Quainton, that it's a great day out for the family at £4.75 for Mum, Dad and all the kids and we hope you will all want to lend a hand at this worthwhile hobby of being a railway preservation enthusiast.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1986 and so does not reflect events in the 28+ 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:
Editorial - No. 58 - Autumn / Winter 1985 / 86