This model is a period 1 panelled coach. The panelled stock models originally consisted a 57ft brake end and a 57ft composite coach, and these had already been made in large numbers for the Mainline Railways range, produced by Palitoy in 1977. After the latent demand had been satisfied, the residue had hung around in model shops, often being sold quite cheaply in order to make space for new models.

Under the Mainline label they had been produced in LMS 1936 crimson lake livery, with a silver grey roof, and in 1949 BR carmine and cream and 1956 BR maroon. In the closing days of Mainline development, the company was experimenting with livery variations and examples exist of the LMS livery with a post-war mid-grey roof and BR maroon coaches with variations to the lining.