Great Northern Directors' Saloon

GNR Directors' Saloon No. 43909 - Available on public services on the Bluebell Railway usually from Easter to October, generally on the third weekend each month, and some special events. It remained in the use of the GNR/LNER directors, then British Railways Eastern Region General Manager until 1969, when it was sold complete from Hornsey Carriage Sheds for the princely sum of £500. One of the few

privately owned coaches on the Bluebell, the Saloon's dedicated team of owners and friends, called the Howlden Group after the Saloon's designer, E.F. Howlden, have now become the E. F Howlden Charitable Trust (Registered Charity Number 1096851). They have lavished large amounts of time and effort over the years restoring the saloon to its GNR/LNER appearance. Maintenance work in recent years has involved refurbishing the Edwardian hot-water boiler in the kitchen, as well as re-covering and painting the exterior of the fine clerestory roof, complete electrical re-wiring, and refurbishment of the inner ceilings and fittings. All work is tackled when funds and time allow, without removing the saloon from special traffic use for long periods. In 2000 it became famous around the world as the "Old Gentleman's Coach" in the TV film of "The Railway Children"

The Saloon's owners permit its running in public a few times a year, usually the 3rd weekend of each month (March to October), and selected gala dates when homemade cream teas, cake and coffee are usually available. The Saloon is occasionally available for private hire.