railcars). In spite of precautions taken by the SNCF to park them in safe locations, nine VH units were badly damaged and retired from 1944 to 1950. The remainder underwent extensive updating and modifications, adding sleepers, simplified couplers, multiple unit controls, more powerful Type 517 engines producing 300 hp, updated heating systems, new paint schemes and unified headlights, before being able to return to service. Interiors and Paint Schemes The updated VH interiors were quite different from as-delivered condition, owing to the different railroads from which they came and to the service in which they would be used. The renovations include updates to the various passenger compartments (individual third class, first and second class or second and third class), the number of seats (with the addition of folding seats), the addition of washrooms and a new postal compartment. The renovations also include a baggage compartment. The passenger areas were heated by circulating exhaust gases in pipes running along the compartments. Interior layouts of the VH units were redone after the formation of the SNCF; they were not consistent from one unit to the next. The exhaust gas heating system presented an asphyxiation risk to passengers or a fire hazard if it malfunctioned and was replaced in all VH units with radiators using cooling water from the engines. When delivered, the VH units were painted according to the wishes of their proprietor railroad; they were all repainted after being taken over by the SNCF. They were first painted red, then red and grey and finally red and cream. The 1968 decision by the railway to repaint all railcars a vermilion red for easier visibility didn't apply to the VH units, then near retirement. Numbering System When delivered, the VH units had specific numbers for each railroad, starting with ZZ then one or two letters specifying the railway, then a number with one to five digits. Starting January 1, 1939, the SNCF standardized the numbering of the units: ZZR (“R” for Renault) and a four digit number in the 2200, 2100, 2200 or 2300 series. In 1949 the “ZZR” was replaced by an “X”, the other digits and series numbers remaining the same. Preservation Two units have been preserved. X 2211, former ZZy 24056 of the State network then transferred to the P.O.-Midi, joined the Cité du train in Mulhouse in 1978. It is displayed in its original blue and gray livery.