Blog updated June 4th 2024

It’s full speed ahead for LNERCA volunteers to return 1909-built Great Northern Railway observation saloon 3087 to operational order – a date of 2025 has been targeted. Work underway is the removal of all the old varnish in preparation for the application of up to a dozen coats of new. Meanwhile all the doors have been overhauled. The first of the 24 chairs manufactured by the Ffestiniog Railway have been delivered – they have been upholstered in Maple Leaf design. The observation are has been enlarged by removing the former guard’s brake compartment. One large job remaining is to replace the water tank above the kitchen – unfortunately, this will require the removal of much of the kitchen itself to access it.

The first of the 24 chairs manufactured by the Ffestiniog Railway are seen in the observation area of 3087. Collapsible tables are also being provided. Photo: Dave Cullingworth.

Left: Volunteer Chris Parr continues the long task of removing old and blown varnish from 3087. The teak panels will then be sanded and all dust removed by tack cloth prior to new varnish being applied. Photo: Murray Brown.