The Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust, operators of the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, are delighted to announce the forthcoming return to service of the Great Northern Railway Observation Saloon No. 3087.
Designed by H.N.Gresley and built at the Doncaster Works of the Great Northern Railway in 1909, this carriage was originally constructed as an Invalid Saloon.
It was furnished with an invalid bed, fitted with a bed-rest which could be removed when not in use; a couch, three easy chairs, one portable table and two flap-tables.
In later years it was converted into an Observation Saloon for use by various engineering departments.
The carriage went on to serve with both the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and later British Railways (Eastern Region) before its withdrawal from service in 1973. By this time, the carriage was numbered DE 320042 and painted in BR blue and grey livery.
Following initial restoration under a period of private ownership, initially at Steam Town, Carnforth, the saloon was used on the teak set at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) from 2005 until 2019 by which time it was in need of refurbishment.
It was transferred to the LNER Coach Association (LNERCA) by the late Nick Stringer, a former chairman of the association. Mr. Stringer’s dedication to the preservation of historic rolling stock was instrumental in funding the enlargement of the saloon’s seating area, work which was completed by Rampart Engineering.
A Nick Stringer Memorial Fund was later established to continue his legacy, with GNR Observation Saloon No. 3087 being one of the principal vehicles to benefit.
A commemorative brass plaque will be unveiled on the completed carriage, recognising Mr. Stringer’s significant contributions to both the LNERCA and the saloon’s preservation.
The LNER Coach Association has led the extensive restoration project, which is now nearing completion.
The carriage will be stored under cover at Embsay Station, within a carriage shelter extension partly funded by the late Nick Stringer, ensuring long-term protection from the elements.
An agreement has been reached for the saloon’s long-term hire to the Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust, marking a new chapter in its 110-year history.
The saloon is scheduled to enter passenger service in 2026 on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, where it will be used for weddings, special occasions, and cream teas.
Previously, the saloon featured in the 2019 Downton Abbey film.
Rob Shaw, Business & Finance Manager at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, said:
“We are delighted to reach agreement with the LNER Coach Association for the use of the wonderful 110-year-old Great Northern Railway Saloon. The quality of the restoration is a wonderful credit to the late Nick Stringer and the work of the LNER Coach Association. It will join the 1948-built Thompson Buffet coach as part of our exclusive special events rake of carriages.”
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