Photo:
T Lyster - PMV 1108 alias an ice cream van

The PMV as it is known was used on passenger trains to carry luggage, later they were used as newspaper and parcel vans, also used to transport racing pigeons and many other things.

1108 was purchased from Micheldever storage sidings by the preservation group restoring Bodmin when it was at Quainton but sold it when they moved to Alresford to the 6024 Preservation Society who in turn sold it to me, Lewis Yates in August, 1989.

My first interest in wagons and railways was as a young boy, I used to stay with relations who lived in London overlooking a goods yard, the clinking and clanging of loose coupled wagons together really fascinated me, I would stand for hours watching tank engines pulling or pushing boxes on wheels around. I came to like the larger vans most - siphons, minks, bloaters, GUVS, brake vans, etc. I also spent many happy hours watching the main GWR line out of Paddington Station, it was really something to see those magnificent engines hauling fully loaded passenger trains, a sight once seen never forgotten.

However, time has rewarded me with a real wagon, as opposed to a 0 or 00 gauge. As regards the PMV my intention is to restore this sadly neglected wagon to its former glory as part of the collection at BRC and, as you may have seen, it has already taken on the appearance of an ice cream van, actually it is camouflage for the winter!

Eventually I intend to fit the PMV out as a workshop using it for joinery work which is much needed on the Sentinel Railcar, Dennis Howell's coach, Roger the Dodger's coach, QRS or any other person who would like me to work timber for restoration work at the Centre.

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:
Southern Railway Passenger Van 1108 by Lewis Yates - Quainton News No. 66 - Winter 1989 / 90