Since the last report our small group has continued itself appointed work of choosing the next wagon and doing it up though we did divert to our own vehicles for a while last summer.

The conversion, in paint, of the cattle truck to an ale wagon, whilst disappointing a few members, has been, generally, well received and, from an educational point of view, has highlighted to our visitors the once diverse nature of the goods once carried on our rail system. Some obviously don't believe it but Janice Uphill has kindly done one of her plaques, setting out the historical precedence and the technical points, which now adorns the wagon. The initial summer paint job was followed up in the shed with a more complete one, including full paint details and a number chosen from the correct 1939 sequence.

Our next project but one was begun during the ale wagon paint job when we dismantled and rescued the Met & GC match truck. During the winter the remains, for that is all they are, have been slowly stripped and are being cleaned and numbered in preparation for reassembly later this year. Two years ago Peter Clarke took a series of finely detailed photographs and Roy Miller manufactured a very fine set of engineers drawings of the vehicle that will enable an easy reassembly. Indeed, should anyone wish to build a model of the vehicle then just ask for a copy of the plans.

Following the ale wagon we were asked by Peter Hoskings to do the BR standard Fruit van acquired in 1994 so that it could be used for a display of luggage on the platform. Following tracing and photography of all remaining painting details the necessary surface preparations were begun whilst a pair of replacement doors were manufactured by Lewis Yates and the roof was partially replaced. We discovered that the roof boards were in fact one complete sheet of 3/8th inch ply from end to end and across the full width. This work has taken a little longer than anticipated and at the end of April the vehicle is awaiting a return to the shed for final lettering and the replacement of a few fittings.

Our next project will be, hopefully, underway as you read this. We have all the timber for the match truck but will require some new steelwork as the project progresses. Based in the third road of the restoration shed we will construct a brand new wagon chassis frame using traditional methods. This is an exciting project and will create a lot of interest, I am sure. Come along and have a look, there will be plenty of things to do. Depending on progress, and the labour supply, I think it is possible that we may do another restoration project at the same time. Do come and join us - it is quite near the kettle!

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1995 and so does not reflect events in the 20+ 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:
Wagon Bashers Report - Tony Lyster - Quainton News No. 76 - June 1995