79 Squadron ambulance train rotting away in Montzen sidings

Many thanks Steve!
Easy when you know how, hey?

Hi All,
Sorry it's been a bit quiet on this string, but have been waiting for developements.
I was informed by the General Manager of the Great Central Railway (Richard Patching) by e-mail yesterday that he has been in contact with Toby Jennings (Feature Writer for 'Steam Railway Magazine') who has informed him that he intends to run a feature shortly about our Ambulance Train in his publication.
Possibly the increased publicity will result in positive developements!

The article will be in Steam Railway Magazine which is out on December 7th (Friday!)

Well, the article appeared in Steam Railway magazine. The result has been complete silence! I have to confess to a certain level of disappointment as the article was just a column filler and I had to search for it. I now understand why Toby could only find room for one photo. Did anyone else see it?

Hi Tommoid,
Yes, I was also disappointed with the article, especially as I was instrumental in making Steam Railway Magazine aware of the situation.
I don't know what the answer is, it seems that a certain amount of apathy reigns.
Or is it that there are less of us now who were actively involved or were serving in the Forces in those days, so have more interest in things of that nature?
As I think I said once before, what is needed is someone who is sympathetic with our views (and with plenty of cash) to become involved.
But I fear that that will not happen (Sorry to sound so negatrive.)

Railway preservation seems to be fixated on locos (they're not so impressive when running light). Apart from that, societies seem to prefer to drag Mk1 stock around to generate revenue while rare gems like Stanier, Collett, and other timber framed coaches are falling apart with rot, hidden in sidings. A lot now can only be used as patterns to create brand new vintage coaches in effect because every part is beyond repair. This little article is symptomatic of the general disregard for rolling stock preservation and represents a lost opportunity! I don't expect we'll be able now to get Steam Railway mag to do a (heaven forbid) 1 page article!
Well anyway, thanks for trying!