Eventually work began with a dedicated project team led by Fergie McGhie.  Team members came from a variety of backgrounds including Professional Engineers, a retired Tax Inspector, , a retired architect and boat builder and a retired Cardiac Surgeon, among others. Initially the coach was worked on at the RDRPS’s sidings at Crathes but later it was transferred to John McLeod & Son’s yard at Whitehouse, Alford.  Both these locations proved to be unsatisfactory as there was no proper weather protection.  The saloon was stored for 12 years at Crathes. Following a change in management and new priorities at the Deeside Railway, enter Bert McIntosh, a great supporter of the RDRPS.  Bert kindly stepped in and offered the use of a shed and facilities at his Birchmoss premises where work on the coach began in earnest in October 2016.  Work has progressed to the stage where the body is now almost ready for painting, the chassis has been altered (by McIntosh’s black smith) to accept the body and plans have been made for the internal restoration back to the luxurious standards of 1894.

It is intended that when the restoration is complete, the picnic saloon will be named ‘Hannah’, after the original home owner, and will be hired out for weddings, celebrations and corporate events not much different from its original use in the Victorian era.

The Team now aiming to complete the restoration of the Picnic Saloon. Accommodation has been offered under cover at Ferryhill. It is hoped to use the well-equipped woodworking workshop facilities available at the Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust under the leadership of the Chairman, Dr Jon Tyler.