Coaching stock recognition

[Newportnobby]

At some point in the (hopefully) not too distant future I will be populating my layout with all manner of Mk1's and similar coaches based on a late 50's/early 60's layout. This will mean digging everything out of their nice warm boxes where they have been hibernating. At some point they will have to go back in their nests though (not least because I have too many )
So, being a complete numpty  regarding coach recognition, what would be the easiest way for me to ensure they go back in the right boxes? Some folks on the forum seem to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of each and every coach, but is there a fairly simple reference book I can purchase to ensure I don't mix everything up
Thanks in advance

[scotsoft]

Would it be possible to take a photograph of the box with the coach in place?

Either that or get some sticky labels, cut into small squares and write on a number to stick on the underside of the coaches (to be peeled off later) then place a piece of paper (non sticky) with the same number in the box.  Bit of a clarty job but I feel it would work 

cheers John.

[painbrook]

Why not just number the coach underneath and the corresponding number on the box.  You could use Hatton's etc as a guide, search the site for the number on the box and up pops a nice picture you can compare. Cheers john.

[red_death]

Farish haven't done that many Mk 1 variants so you should be able to identify them from liveries and windows.

If you can find a copy (IIRC HMRS are out of stock) then the Mk 1 coach bible is Keith Parkin's superb book (plus supplement): http://www.hmrs.org.uk/books/bookdetails.php?bookid=1028

Cheers, Mike

[Ollie3440]

Personally I keep a stock database which lists each part number with the matching running number. But a simple solution is to put a label inside the box with the running number of the coach

Oh btw, yay Mk1s

Ollie

[Newportnobby]

Thanks for the suggestions, folks

Sounds like the slip of paper in the box with the running number would be best, as I have loads of Mk1's that aren't even listed by the shops now , though this doesn't exactly help with my educashun

Ollie's not the only collector of Mk1's as I have around 80 or so at the last count, some bought from shows in clear plastic cases and nothing else