13th May 2021 · The Old Gentleman’s Saloon from “The Railway Children“

Presenter: Chris Lawson

Chris Lawson concluded Newcastle’s season of talks in fine style when he presented, The Old Gentleman’s Saloon from “The Railway Children” on Thursday 13th May to an audience of 28. Built for the Stainmore Line in 1871 after the 1868 Act of Parliament required separate smoking compartments, coach 221 became the Locomotive Superintendent’s inspection saloon and was rebuilt from having 4 to 6 wheels c.1884. Fletcher, McDonnell and both Worsdells used the vehicle to tour the N.E.R., typically hauled by Aerolite, and, as the C.M.E.’s saloon, it was the first vehicle in the train that carried the Prince of Wales from York to Newcastle to lay the RVI’s foundation stone on 20th June 1900. With Aerolite, it was retired from the C.M.E. Department’s service on 31st December 1933, to be refurbished and converted once more for use as an inspection saloon, continuing as such into B.R. days as E902179E, though on more humble duties at times, e.g. as a parcels vehicle during December 1961. It entered retirement with new owner, John Dawson, when declared surplus to requirements in 1969. Its second zenith came as the Old Gentleman’s Saloon, after which Chris, eventually as sole owner, has looked after it through more than one vicissitude so it can earn its keep by bringing enjoyment to those who see and use it. How many 150 year old locos can match that achievement?