London & North Western Railway
No.806 - Family Saloon / Semi-Royal Saloon (built 1903)

London & North Western Railway Semi-Royal Saloon, with clerestory roof, on arrival at the Bluebell in October 2000
Richard Salmon

For Sale

Bluebell Railway based LNWR semi-Royal saloon No.806 of 1903, which ran for six years as part of the Bluebell's prestigious 'Golden Arrow' Pullman train, has been put up for sale by owner David Jones. The vehicle has not been used in traffic for the last three years following the re-introduction of Pullman car 'Christine', although it was open for 'Camilla Cream Teas' at Kingscote last year as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations. The wheelsets were removed for turning late last year and the steam heat and vacuum brakes checked over, so it is ready to run, but there is no requirement for it now on the Bluebell. Attention is needed to some of the exterior panelling and a repaint is now necessary as it has been stored in the open, but the interior is in good order. Several enquiries have already been received, but some from prospective purchasers wishing to re-locate it as a static holiday home which is not the best future for a running vehicle. However, one or two more positive offers for the £65,000 carriage are currently being considered by the owner. David Jones can be contacted by e-mail, or on 01323-760595.

Type: Family Saloon / Semi-Royal Saloon
Built: 1903 at Wolverton
Original No: 74
Other Nos: 5074 (1910) LMS: 10506 (1924), 806 (1933)
Length: 57'
Withdrawn: 1971
Preserved: c.1973
Restored: 1989
To Bluebell: 10/2000

Built at the same time, and with the same body style, as the LNWR's two Royal Saloons built for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, these Family Saloons (LNWR Diagram 1), with a day saloon and two small night saloons were frequently attached to the Royal Train for the use of royal staff, family or guests. The interior of the saloons is fitted out in the same "white naval" style as the two royal carriages which are preserved in the National Railway Museum. The corridors and vestibules are in polished timber, and the external doors are varnished mahogany, contrasting with the painted finish of the rest of the exterior.

The carriage is restored to its LMS condition. In LMS days it had remained, along with the other Royal Train vehicles, in LNWR livery but with LMS lettering. Privately owned, and restored at Tyseley in 1989 with the help of a MSC scheme, this exquisite vehicle was purchased privately by a Bluebell member in October 2000, and moved to the line to act as part of the Bluebell's dining train, entering service in mid-November 2000 following mechanical maintenance and refurbishment of the interior.

For much of the early part of 2001 the carriage received a major external overhaul, including new aluminium roof covering and a complete repaint, into wartime LMS lake livery.

Whilst out of service awaiting wheel turning (now completed) its owner started to repaint the vehicle into the early LMS period LNWR livery it carried on the Royal Train prior to WW2, but since the Bluebell now has no real use for the vehicle, he is offering it for sale.

There is a 360 degree view of the interior of the carriage on the Golden Arrow.

For more information about the LNWR, see the LNWR Society web site.