Carriage painter required in the Cheshire area

At Crewe Heritage Centre the Exeter West Group have a preserved BR Mark 1 GUV which houses our workshop, stores and some of the simulation equipment. This is now in need of a body/roof repaint but, unfortunately, the chap who used to do it for us no longer feels able to cope with such a project owing to advancing age.


We are, therefore, looking for someone who might be able to take this project on. The Group will organise and supply the materials and you will be paid for your work. While our own Group members could undertake the task, the problem is that the vehicle will need to be painted out in the open just where it stands. This means that if we organise, say, a week for members to be on-site to do the job and it rains most of the week, the job isn't going to get completed. By contrast, someone who lives more locally could work on days when the weather is fine and leave the job when the weather is inclement.

Previously the van has been kept in BR maroon but this time, by way of a change, we are considering painting it in BR(S) green as one of the GUV's used on the 1960's summer car-carrier train service between Surbiton and Okehampton. This has the advantage that no lining is required, only simple lettering/numbering. Also, as the van is easily visible from only one side, it is only this side that needs to be fully-finished. The other side will simply receive a coat of paint as protection.

If anyone is interested in taking this project on, or knows someone who might, please contact me by email to: peterjordan@dsl.pipex.com

Peter Jordan

Chairman, Exeter West Group