Vintage Train Engineer Exposed To Asbestos Has Won His Claim

Family Describes The Case As A ‘Wake-Up’ Call

A vintage train engineer exposed to asbestos has won his claim for compensation, which is expected to have a substantial award. A court has ruled in favour of the former railway electrician who worked on restoration of luxury, vintage trains, including the Orient Express.

Malcolm Gelsthorpe from Nottinghamshire was employed by vintage restoration companies to work on restoration of Pullman train carriages for the iconic Orient Express. He worked for the restoration companies between 1979 and 2023.

Mr Gelsthorpe was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a type of cancer. However, the former electrician had also been diagnosed with left sided pleural thickening related to asbestos. He suffered from chest pain and increasing breathlessness. He passed away at the beginning of March 2025 aged 68.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, Jefferies Claims partners with highly experienced lawyers who can assess your case on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis

Restoration Work Poses Asbestos Risk

According to media reports, Mr Gelsthorpe was exposed to asbestos while working on fittings during his restoration work early in his career. He had reported being exposed to asbestos while performing his duties.  Solicitors acting for Mr Gelsthorpe said that ‘the family of a former railway electrician has secured justice after he was exposed to deadly asbestos dust while working on several vintage trains, including the Orient Express’.

He pursued a claim for compensation after his mesothelioma diagnosis. Mr Gelsthorpe’s family said this case should ‘serve as a wake-up call’, calling for stronger protections for workers. The court ruling also highlights the need for proper preventative measures for restoration projects where asbestos may be involved.

When Asbestos Is Disturbed

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recently launched a new campaign to increase awareness of the risks of asbestos. The HSE said although asbestos was banned in1999, 5,000 people a year die from asbestos related diseases. Furthermore, that asbestos can be present in buildings constructed before 2000. Restoration or repair projects, such as the vintage trains, pose the risk of asbestos being disturbed.

This releases the deadly particles into the air. However, there may be many decades delay between the exposure and symptoms of asbestos-related diseases appearing.

Symptoms For Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos-related diseases are serious health conditions that develop due to inhalation of asbestos fibres, often after long-term exposure. Early identification is critical, here are some key symptoms you can check:

Mesothelioma

An aggressive cancer of the pleura (lungs) or peritoneum (abdomen) almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

• • Chest pain (often severe and persistent)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Pleural effusion (often recurrent)
  • Abdominal swelling or pain (if peritoneal)

Asbestosis

A chronic lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of asbestos fibres leading to lung scarring (fibrosis).

• • Progressive shortness of breath (especially with exertion)
  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips)
  • Crackling sound in lungs

Pleural Disease

Includes:

• • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Reduced lung function
  • Recurrent fluid buildup on imaging

Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure increases risk of cancer of lung tissue developing

• • Chronic cough or changes in a long-standing cough
  • Coughing up blood
  • Persistent chest pain
  • Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Recurrent respiratory infections

How To File A Claim For Compensation

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness after exposure at work, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. Generally you have a three year time limit from date of diagnosis, or the date you first became aware your illness was linked to asbestos.

If you have a loved one who has passed away following an asbestos-related disease, the family as three years from date of death to file a claim.

It is advisable that you contact a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos-related personal injury claims. They will help you gather the relevant evidence, such as medical records, work history and exposure, witness statements and proof of financial expenses.

Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process and advise you in confidence regarding a potential claim. We work with experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Take the next step, contact our team on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.