Engineer Who Helped Restore the Orient Express Wins Right to Asbestos Compensation

A former electrical engineer who worked on restoring the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in the 1980s is set to receive up to £495,000 in compensation after being diagnosed with incurable asbestos-related cancer.

Malcolm Gelsthorpe, 68, of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, brought a claim against his former employer after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. He worked for several years at the Steamtown Railway Museum in Carnforth, Lancashire, where he helped to restore 1920s rolling stock destined for use on the revived luxury sleeper train.

The carriages — now part of one of the most recognisable trains in the world — were said to contain extensive asbestos insulation, particularly inside heater units and lining panels. Gelsthorpe told the High Court that his work often involved disturbing asbestos-containing materials without the use of protective equipment.

“Significant quantities of asbestos dust and fibres were released when heaters were worked on,” his barrister, Peter Cowan, said. “No respiratory protective equipment was provided, nor were workers warned of the risks. Overalls became contaminated and exposure continued during rest breaks when workers gathered together.”

Despite the claims, St Hoggs Property Investments, which holds liabilities for the company that employed Gelsthorpe during the restoration work, initially denied responsibility, claiming asbestos removal contractors had been used and safety measures had been followed.

But Judge Roger Eastman ruled in favour of the claimant, finding that St Hoggs had failed in their duty of care. A final sum for damages will be determined at a later date if not agreed between the parties.

Sarah Kennerley-Fawcett, Gelsthorpe’s solicitor, described the conditions at the time as “a hidden health crisis in the making,” adding:

“Asbestos was found in almost every part of the carriage interiors — from beneath the seats to within the heater units and electrical compartments. Most concerning of all was the blue asbestos sprayed directly onto the train’s metal framework before the restoration work even began.”

The case shines a spotlight on the legacy of asbestos in Britain’s industrial and railway heritage. Although asbestos use was banned in the UK in 1999, its past presence in older buildings and rolling stock continues to pose risks.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, immortalised by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, has long captivated the public’s imagination with its vintage luxury and timeless glamour. But Gelsthorpe’s case is a stark reminder of the real risks faced by those who helped bring such iconic rolling stock back to life.