The Executive has given permission for their Society to bring their three steam locomotives from South Africa to the Centre plus a Mark I support coach. The locos are 3' 6" gauge and from Classes 11, l5F and 25NC.

Negotiations have taken many months to try and ensure that we do not repeat any errors made in the past. The group seem to have their feet well on the ground. They are forming an Industrial and Provident Society similar to QRS and will seek registration as a charity.

Conditions imposed will include an understanding that the working members must truly join us and help run the Centre and each locomotive must remain presentable to the public until funds are available to restore it to working order. The exhibits will be kept as separate as possible from our collection to avoid 'disfiguring' our country station setting or creating an incongruous scene.

The first arrival is likely to be a 25NC in working order (but without a valid boiler certificate for the UK) which could be in the first half of 1990 if all goes to plan. Others may be mothballed in South Africa until funds are available. Initial siting will probably be behind the weighbridge hut.

The Executive feel that these will be a valuable additional attraction which will swell the crowds. The sheer size of the 25NC and its magnificent footplate will impress everyone.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1989 and so does not reflect events in the 25+ 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:
North British Locomotive Society by Andrew Bratton - Quainton News No. 66 - Winter 1989 / 90