{"id":942,"date":"2022-04-28T12:39:58","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T11:39:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lnerca.org\/home\/?page_id=942"},"modified":"2026-04-02T23:32:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T22:32:19","slug":"news-updates","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lnerca.org\/home\/news-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"News & Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"

News & Updates<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Latest News – updated March 31, 2026<\/h2><\/div>
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Good progress to report on Tourist Third Open 43654<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
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In recent weeks up to the end of March, major advances in the restoration of Tourist Third Open 43654 have been made.<\/p>\n

Owned by long-standing LNERCA member and supporter, Jim Kay, this carriage which is being returned to its original configuration as a 64-seat Third Open, will move to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway when completed where it will join LNER Gresley, former Third Corridor 23890. This was the erstwhile catering vehicle in the \u2018Royal Scotsman\u2019 luxury train. It will resume its catering role when that is also completed by E&BASR personnel.<\/p>\n

Internally, 43654 was stripped to a shell, with internal panels and ceilings removed. Work since then has seen the wooden ceiling formers (to which the ceiling panels are fixed) replaced where needed and all screws tightened. The metal carlines, sometimes called hoopsticks, which span the roof from one side to the other have had rusty screws replaced by zinc bolts and nuts, thus making the external roof boards more secure.<\/p>\n

Externally, a laborious and dirty task has been the remains of the bituminous roof covering removed by Archie Cullingworth and Ricky Blake.<\/p>\n

With the kitchen partition removed which formed the corridor along which passengers walked, this has meant re-instating a central doorway at one end in the saloon interior, just like it was when built in 1935.<\/p>\n

The external teak panels, expertly repaired where necessary by Mike Illingworth, are in the process of being fitted \u2013 by means of triangular wooden blocks which are glued to the inside of the teak panels and also to the frame members. There are no screws at all holding the teak panels onto the carriage body \u00a0\u2013 just glue blocks. The LNERCA uses a modern highly effective glue called \u2018West\u2019.<\/p>\n

All the internal ply panels have been cut to size and trial fitted \u2013 these can only be fixed in place once the glue blocks have set holding on the teak panels. \u00a0Meanwhile, it is the practice to paint the internal panels aluminium on the inside, ie the side facing the teak panels. A wall covering replicating the original, will be applied eventually.<\/p>\n

Finally, the LNERCA\u2019s electrical guru, Gordon Wells, has rewired the carriage replacing the life expired cabling. This is relatively easy as the wiring runs from one end to the other down the centre of the carriage ceiling, with branches off to serve the table lights.<\/p>\n

In the space of only a few weeks, a major transformation has taken place and 43654 moves ever nearer to the start of a new life, a far cry from its days as a secret mobile control carriage then, later, the Ryedale Restaurant Car.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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The interior of 43654 is really coming along well.\u00a0 The roof formers and carlines have been finished and the ceiling can start going up, now that the wiring is in place. With the teak panels fitted to one side of 43654, this then allows the internal plywood panels to be fitted, all of which have been cut and trial fitted. In this picture, evidence of new wood can be seen in the roof formers, the cantrail and the floor. Photo: Chris Parr.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Looking good: It\u2019s always a sign of progress when the fully repaired teak panels are refitted. Photo: Chris Parr.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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A vital and far from pleasant task was to remove what was remaining of the bituminous roof covering, the roof then being sanded. This arduous and dirty task was completed by Archie Cullingworth and Ricky Blake to whom credit is justly given. Once the roof boards have been painted, (now securely in place with the installation of zinc plated bolts and nuts through the carlines inside the coach interior) the roof can be prepared for eventual fitting of a new roof sheet. Photo: Marcus Woodcock.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

An appealing appeal!<\/strong><\/span>
\nThere has been nothing short of a remarkable response to members and well-wishers contributing to the Appeal to raise \u00a380,000 to put back Gresley Corridor Third (TK) 23896 into operational order. Over half the amount has been raised and there has been so much interest in sponsoring various components. The LNERCA is making this even more appetising and attractive by inviting smaller amounts which donors and sponsors can make which will continue the momentum of the restoration appeal. Want to help? Please email or ring the LNER Treasurer, Adrian Laming who will gladly provide you with examples where your monies can push the project forward: treasurer.lnerca@gmail.com<\/a>\u00a0 tel 07855 513526<\/p>\n<\/div>

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One of the first tasks being undertaken on the restoration of Third Corridor (TK) 23896 is the refurbishment of the doors. These are being stripped and parts replaced where deemed necessary. Here is Millie Laws removing beading. She is the LNERCA\u2019s youngest volunteer and attends with her Nan. Millie has raised considerable amounts of funds for the Gresley Buffet Car 641 which is also receiving attention from the Association\u2019s personnel. Photo: Linda Harris.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

Remember \u2013 become a member!<\/strong><\/span>
\nIf you are not a LNERCA member, but are reading our regular news, can we tempt you to join? The LNERCA is a thriving charity and is going places. Our operational carriages can be found on the Stainmore Railway (Kirkby Stephen), Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway (Embsay) and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Pickering). We have the use of two separate workshops. We offer a quarterly newsletter packed with developments and articles, and for those who fancy, we extend open arms to those who would like to come along and join in the fun of restoring these beautiful carriages. To join, it\u2019s so easy \u2013 just click on the heading \u2018Membership\u2019 then scroll down to \u2018On Line Membership Form\u2019. We endeavour to run a members\u2019 train (free) each year \u2013 another good reason to enlist for a rewarding pastime!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Previous News<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Latest News – updated January 23, 2026<\/h2><\/div>
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Contract work starts on Tourist Open Third 43654<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The LNERCA is again embarking on renovating a carriage which doesn\u2019t belong to the LNERCA, the first being the Tourist Third Open 13385 belonging to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway where the LNERCA undertook many remedial repairs in 2025. \u00a0Repairing third party-owned vehicles is a way of ensuring the LNERCA continues to have the use of the Unit 10 workshop at Kirby Misperton as well as helping to secure funding for its own carriage restorations.<\/p>\n

In fact, the Association has received several inquiries from external owners to see if the LNERCA could restore their vehicles. Several of these are wooden bodied freight wagons. This is a reflection of how the LNERCA is regarded with its standard of restorations.<\/p>\n

TTO 43654 is owned by long-term LNERCA member and active supporter Jim Kay. The carriage was formerly known as the \u2018Ryedale Restaurant\u2019 and ran for many years in the LNER set on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. In this guise which could be described as a RF (Restaurant First), it comprised First Class Seating, a bar and a kitchen. However, Jim Kay is having 43654 returned to its original incarnation, that of a 64-seat Open Third. The carriage will move to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway when completed.<\/p>\n

To return the carriage to an Open Third configuration, the first job has been to strip out the seating and to remove the kitchen area panelling, thus reducing 43564 to an empty shell. With the ceiling panels removed the opportunity to remedy any shortcomings with the carlines (the metal hoops which span from one side to the other which support the rood boards), together with the wooden curved \u2018packers\u2019 which are screwed to the roof and onto which the ceiling panels are fixed are underway. Another facet of the renovation has been the re-instatement of the end vestibule doorway. Previously, a corridor led alongside the kitchen area to the vestibule. With the plan to restore original layout seating, a new central doorway leading into the vestibule is required, in other words, as per the original design. This has entailed considerable attention in making good the end wall and new door opening.<\/p>\n

Of interest, the kitchen and bar will be used in what was until recently Jim Kay\u2019s other Gresley vehicle 23890. In January, ownership was transferred to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. This is already at Embsay and is being worked on by E&BASR personnel. 23890, like 43654, was another of the former mobile control carriages, set aside for use in controlling the railways in the event of hostilities but all such carriages sidelined in 1979 and made available for sale. 23890 has been known for years as the \u2018Royal Scotsman\u2019 carriage as for two years it ran in the luxury train in Scotland operated by the Great Scottish & Western Railway Company until, unfortunately, it was involved in a runaway incident at Millerhill depot, Edinburgh which led to it being offered for sale \u2013 and secured by Jim Kay. 23980 will be once again a kitchen car as it was with the \u2018Royal Scotsman\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Back to the future: This is the inside of Tourist Third Open 43654. It\u2019s hard to imagine that in the early 1990s, this carriage was in the consist of a luxury train, the \u2018Royal Scotsman\u2019 in which it served as a kitchen car. Latterly on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, it had evolved into the Ryedale Restaurant Car. Now, it is going back 66 years to when it was last a genuine TTO with 64 seats. Yes, it last carried passengers as a TTO in 1961. However to do this for the owner, Jim Kay, it has to be stripped to the frames by removing all internal panels, ceiling panels, seats and the former kitchen section and bar. This was the state on January 22. You could say it makes you feel gutted. At the far end, can be seen the newly formed central vestibule end door spacing \u2013 previously, there was a side corridor alongside the sectioned-off kitchen. The door, of course, is yet to be fitted. Photo: Jim Chittock.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

Success breeds success<\/strong><\/span>
\nThere has been nothing short of a remarkable response to members and well-wishers contributing to the Appeal to raise \u00a380,000 to put back Gresley Corridor Third (TK) 23896 into operational order. Over half the amount has been raised and there has been so much interest in sponsoring various components. The LNERCA is making this even more appetising and attractive by inviting smaller amounts which donors and sponsors can make which will continue the momentum of the restoration appeal. Want to help? Please email or ring the LNER Treasurer, Adrian Laming who will gladly provide you with examples where your monies can push the project forward: treasurer.lnerca@gmail.com<\/a>\u00a0 tel 07855 513526<\/p>\n

Remember \u2013 become a member!<\/strong><\/span>
\nIf you are not a LNERCA member, but are reading our regular news, can we tempt you to join? The LNERCA is a thriving charity and is going places. Our operational carriages can be found on the Stainmore Railway (Kirkby Stephen), Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway (Embsay) and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Pickering). We have the use of two separate workshops. We offer a quarterly newsletter packed with developments and articles, and for those who fancy, we extend open arms to those who would like to come along and join in the fun of restoring these beautiful carriages. To join, it\u2019s so easy \u2013 just click on the heading \u2018Membership\u2019 then scroll down to \u2018On Line Membership Form\u2019. We endeavour to run a members\u2019 train (free) each year \u2013 another good reason to enlist for a rewarding pastime!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Latest News – updated December 19, 2025<\/h2><\/div>
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Unique North Eastern Railway Open Third to move to Stainmore Railway, Kirkby Stephen East<\/h1>\n

By Dave Cullingworth<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The LNER Coach Association (LNERCA) and the Stainmore Railway Company (SRC) are pleased to announce that they have agreed on a collaboration to complete the restoration of 945 and rehome it at Kirkby Stephen East. 945 is a North Eastern Railway designed Open Third built at York Works in 1924. At Kirkby Stephen East it will join an impressive collection of North Eastern Railway carriages and rolling stock.<\/p>\n

945 is currently at Rampart Engineering at Barrow Hill where it was shortly be having a mechanical overhaul including bogies, brake system, gangways and steam heat. It will also have work on the panelling. Once that work is complete it will be available for traffic although there are further internal works that will be carried out in due course.<\/p>\n

Ownership of 945 will remain with the LNERCA who also own NER Luggage Composite 1111 built in 1890 and Gresley Corridor Brake Third (BTO) 3669 of 1930, both located at Kirkby Stephen.<\/p>\n

945 was completed by the LNER to NER Diagram 155. The carriage was built with standard LNER features; no end windows, Gresley bogies and Pullman gangways. It was lined in NER fashion, (to match the style of mouldings), but lettered LNER and carrying large \u20183\u2019 numbers on the doors rather than \u2018Third\u2019. It was given the \u2018y\u2019 suffix to the number to specify that it was York built. Later the LNER adopted a \u20182\u2019 prefix for ex NER carriages and it became 2945.<\/p>\n

Evidence is compelling that it was finished in varnished teak when built. A number of original panels on the carriage removed in the 1970s were teak and it is unlikely that York Carriage Works would have painted those.<\/p>\n

The carriage was originally rescued by the North Eastern Carriage Group in 1973 from departmental use at Leeds (then numbered DE 320716) and was slowly restored at Goathland and later at Levisham on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Ownership transferred to the LNERCA in January 2023 when the NERCG was wound up.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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NER TO 945 is pictured outside the Atkins Restoration shed, Pickering, in 2022 following the application of new roofing material and a repaint into NER Crimson. Photo: Marcus Woodcock.<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>

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A photograph just over 100 years old. NER TO 945 is seen in ex-Works condition at York Works; (this image has been colourised). Photo: NRM.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Latest News - updated November 9, 2025<\/h2><\/div>

Great Northern Railway Observation Saloon moves to Embsay \u2013 the LNERCA\u2019s \u2018Carriage Chess\u2019 game has begun with 8 planned coach moves!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

Looking absolutely resplendent, GNR Observation Saloon 3087 left the Kirby Misperton workshop on November 6 bound for the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, previously called The Yorkshire Dales Railway.<\/p>\n

A huge effort was made to have 3087 ready for the move, one of the last requirements for which was the fitting of the carpet which had been held in the LNERCA\u2019s store for some time. The laying of the carpet transformed the interior saloon, after which the 24 chairs, also held in store, were lifted in.<\/p>\n

Part of the Agreement with the E&BASR is that 3087 will be kept under cover. It will be used next season for charter parties and for afternoon teas on this scenic Dales line.<\/p>\n

The LNERCA trustees in association with the E&BASR officials will be having a launch day at which a commemorative plaque will be unveiled to mark the enormous contribution made by the late Nick Stringer, former chairman of the LNERCA, to not only this saloon (he was instrumental in enlarging the observation end to permit 24 passengers to view the scenery) but also to the LNERCA in general.<\/p>\n

Worth the wait! The staggering number of work hours expended on 3087 runs into thousands. Heading to a new home on November 6, the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, a new chapter begins for this unique carriage which has, since entering preservation, been based at Market Overton (Rutland), Carnforth, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and latterly, the LNERCA\u2019s workshop at Kirby Misperton, three miles out of Pickering.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Winched aboard Railway Support Services' transporter outside of the Unit 10 workshop at Kirby Misperton, GNR 3087, gleaming in its 12 coats of varnish, is pictured about to depart for Priors Lane unloading site on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway<\/strong>. Photo: Rodney Towers.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

Two carriages arrive at LNERCA's Kirby Misperton storage field<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

The first of eight scheduled carriage movements took place on November 5 when Thompson designed Composite Lavatory (CL) 88339 was brought back from Barrow Hill to the Paddock storage field. 88339 had received remedial attention by Rampart Engineering some months ago but could not be accommodated at Kirby Misperton pending the various carriage movements, dubbed \u2018carriage chess\u2019. The Deltic Preservation Society had stabled 88339 on its curtilage which helped the LNERCA considerably.<\/p>\n

This was move No. 1<\/strong> of the eight scheduled carriage transits.<\/p>\n

Move No. 2<\/strong> was the aforementioned GNR 3087 to Embsay and because 3087 will be in covered accommodation, it is taking the place of East Coast Joint Stock TK 377. This carriage then formed the back load to 3087, and 377 is now in the Paddock storage area \u2013 move \u00a0No. 3.<\/strong>
\n(ECJS 377 was built in 1907 and is one of the earliest extant carriages designed by the GNR Carriage supremo, Nigel Gresley. It became a civil engineer\u2019s departmental carriage in the 1950s, being numbered DE 320444. It entered preservation in 1993. Currently devoid of original compartments, it is used for spares storage.)<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Thompson Composite Lavatory (CL) 88339 safely back at the Kirby Misperton storage facility after work completed by Rampart Engineering, Barrow Hill, and a period stored outside the DPS shed. It will shortly be moved back inside the Unit 10 workshop at Kirby Misperton (middle position in the shed) where LNERCA personnel will continue to complete its restoration, the most comprehensive 88339 has received since being built in 1947. This work will include fitting safety glass, wiring, seat fitting (already re-upholstered), hanging the refurbished doors and, of course, scumbling. Photo: Dave Cullingworth.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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There are only eight extant East Coast Joint Stock carriages and this is one of them \u2013 the 118-year old Third Corridor 377. The LNERCA also owns ECJS Restaurant Third 189. However, inside 377, there\u2019s no sign of the corridor as it was gutted when it became a departmental carriage (Staff and Dormitory) for BR\u2019s Civil Engineer in East Anglia, becoming number DE 320444. This carriage last carried passengers (apart from BR staff) in 1954. It then spent another 40 years in Departmental service, usually kept at Lowestoft, but also at Norwich and March. Externally, it is quite presentable. 377 will be sheeted over for its sojourn in the Paddock storage area. Photo: Dave Cullingworth.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

Gresley TK 23896 Restoration Appeal reaches half-way mark!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

There has been a quite remarkable response to the appeal launched in July to fund the completion of the restoration of Gresley-designed Third Corridor 23896. The target is \u00a380,000 and half this amount has already been reached. This is quite extraordinary, indicating the huge interest in seeing this 1935-built carriage returned to as-built condition. It seems the public has much empathy and encouragement for LNER varnished teak carriages from the golden era of railways.<\/p>\n

Much of the framing has already been repaired where necessary, and master joiner Andrew Daniel had previously re-instated the missing compartment partitions. When 23896 came to Pickering it was an empty shell.<\/p>\n

One of the good omens for 23896\u2019s restoration programme is that many of the spares required are already held in stock \u2013 this will make its completion so much easier.<\/p>\n

To make a welcome donation or consider sponsoring some of the components and become a member of the 23896 Supporters\u2019 Club, <\/strong>please visit www.lnerca.org or email secretary@lnerca.org.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Latest News - updated October 14 2025<\/h2><\/div>

Victorian Restaurant Car makes a move!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

Emerging like a butterfly from a chrysalis, a beautiful carriage from the later days of Queen Victoria has seen daylight for the first time in many years.<\/p>\n

The LNER Coach Association\u2019s flagship project, East Coast Joint Stock Restaurant Third (RT) 189, built in 1894, was shunted out of the Atkins restoration shed, Pickering station yard, and turned round on the turntable before being pushed back inside the shed. The purpose of this was to enable the second gangway end to be lifted into place, this job being completed on the same day.<\/p>\n

This eagerly-awaited move, albeit 100 yards, had been dependent upon the NYMR\u2019s turntable being made operational again, repairs to the centre casting being required. With this work completed, the RT 189 could be extracted and turned. The opportunity was also taken to remove the NYMR-owned Gresley TTO 13385, converted to take wheelchair users. This carriage has had remedial repairs undertaken by LNERCA personnel. It now carries its post-war number 13385 and unlined livery instead of original 43632.<\/p>\n

The movement of No. 189 and its gangway lifting was undertaken by the NYMR\u2019s C&W manager, Sam Cumbor and his staff to whom the LNERCA gladly thank and acknowledge their assistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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ECJS 189 stands in the sunshine for the first time in nearly a decade - about to be turned, then put back into the Atkins restoration shed where the second gangway end would be fitted immediately. Photo: Sam Cumbor.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

Astonishing response for \u2018Cold War\u2019 carriage restoration project<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

There has been a remarkable response to the restoration appeal in respect of Gresley designed, 1935-built Corridor Third 23896. The appeal, launched only a few weeks ago, has already raised nearly half of the target figure of \u00a380,000.<\/p>\n

This carriage has a remarkable history, spending 19 years of its life painted black with windows whited-out and converted as a generator carriage for one of the secret mobile control trains for use in a future wartime scenario during which operation of the railway system could be controlled if the headquarters was put out of action. 23896 has not carried revenue-earning passengers for 64 years!<\/p>\n

Bill Monks, chairman of the LNER Coach Association, commented:
\n\u201cWe are genuinely delighted with the progress so far of our fundraising campaign to restore Gresley Third Corridor 23896 to operational condition. The generosity of our supporters has been exceptional since the appeal launched in July 2025.
\nWe are asking supporters to get on board by sponsoring a compartment or a bogie to help us finish the job and get 23896 into traffic on a UK heritage railway.
\nOur Association is entirely managed and operated by volunteers, relying on fundraising activities to undertake the long, complex, and intricate work of carriage restoration. With your help, we can complete the overhaul of 23896 in 2027.\u201d<\/p>\n

To make a welcome donation or consider sponsoring some of the components and become a member of the 23896 Supporters\u2019 Club, <\/strong>please visit www.lnerca.org or email secretary@lnerca.org.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Latest News - updated July 28 2025<\/h2><\/div>

LNERCA launches appeal to kickstart full restoration of Gresley Corridor Third 23896<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Do please consider contributing to this worthy cause. You can print off the response form below or please click on the link which will open up the form to enable you to donate electronically. <\/span>Many thanks for your support<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.lnerca.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LNERCA-Appeal-Response-1.pdf<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

** STOP PRESS - over \u00a325,000 raised already! **<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

https:\/\/www.lnerca.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/TK-Animation.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>
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Latest News - updated July 3 2025<\/h2><\/div>

Transformation for Great Northern saloon with signwriting, varnishing, lining and scumbling all underway<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

Great Northern Railway Observation Saloon 3087, built in 1909, is looking magnificent as coats of varnish, lining, scumble paint and signwriting are being applied.<\/p>\n

Much internal work has been accomplished which included the removal of the small brake compartment and associated brake handle, re-instating of double doors for each side and new water tank above the kitchen. The observation end is now considerably extended from previous, and now can accommodate 24 passengers. Chairs have been specially made (currently stored until the carpet is laid) and covered in Maple leaf moquette. A new carpet is awaited.<\/p>\n

The LNERCA has welcomed to its Kirby Misperton workshop artisan Sarah Jarman who has considerable expertise in signwriting, having undertaken similar specialist tasks at the Beamish Museum, County Durham, and the Tanfield Railway on Tyneside.<\/p>\n

After carefully outlining in chalk where the letters will be adorned, she has initially applied gold leaf \u2013 on top of a coat of tacky paint to which the gold leaf sticks. This is followed by the other GNR colours. It is a painstaking process and a pleasure to watch such craftswomanship in action. Long-haired brushes are her tools of trade and a steady hand is mandatory.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Sarah has just applied the gold leaf to the tacky undercoat and is dabbing off superfluous unwanted pieces. Photo: Murray Brown.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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A few days later and rapid progress has been made. The Great really is being put back into Great Northern Railway 3087. Photo: Dave Cullingworth.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

Externally, Mark Templeman has applied four coats of varnish. This is followed by the lettering after which another eight coats are applied. He is also undertaking the lining. An initial coat of blue is followed by a centre line in cream. Again, patience and steady hand are vital. In later LNER era carriages, the blue was replaced by red.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Mark Templeman applies more varnish - just think of the square footage to be covered with a carriage of this length - times 12 coats. Photo: Murray Brown.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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This photograph shows the progression when lining - the blue strip is applied first, as on the right, followed by a narrower cream strip, seen left. Photo: Murray Brown.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Illustrating why all these individual panels required re-scumbling is evident. A real mis-match of varying degrees of staining meant the whole internal partition needed attention.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

All the individual panels were heavily sanded to produce a uniform finish and standard, after which the base coat of mustard-coloured scumble paint was applied.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Transformation begins - and the grain starts to appear. This will be enhanced as successive coats are carefully applied. All photos: Russ Whitwam.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Above: Inside 3087, LNERCA trustee Russ Whitwam has been directing his expertise as an decorator to preparing and scumbling the internal panelling. There was previously wide discrepancy between the shades of internal panels and much time has been spent in testing and matching to obtain a vastly improved uniform appearance. Scumbling (paint which can resemble wood grain) is a dying art \u2013 not only is the actual paint hard to procure, but the application is in itself a specialist process.<\/p>\n

Thus GNR 3087 is rapidly being transformed.
\nSoon, attention will be turned to finishing the kitchen. Besides the refitting of the ceiling following the installation of the replacement water tank in the roof area above the kitchen) a massive clean will be undertaken.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Latest News - updated March 6, 2025<\/h2><\/div>
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LNERCA Teak Set will be stored out of use for the second consecutive season<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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With the advent of a new financial year for the NYMR, our Chairman, Bill Monks, met Laura Strangeway, NYMR CEO, to discuss remediation of the \u2018below-the-solebar\u2019 issues which prevented the Teak set from running last season. However, the CEO outlined no change to the availability of funds, and as a consequence, the set will remain in the carriage stable this season.<\/p>\n

It is apparent, once again, that increases in operating costs across the board continue, and the NYMR remains in a difficult position. We wish them well in navigating what will undoubtedly be another challenging year.<\/p>\n

In keeping with our volunteer \u2018can-do\u2019 ethos, we have been proactive in offers of assistance in a number of ways:<\/p>\n