The Portsmouth Pullman: 15/11/25

I think the combination of all aspects is impossible to achieve, by definition. Old rolling stock tends to have poorer heating and double-glazing (leading to condensation) and cracking a top-light will let in sound, but also air. That will cause draughts, and then some will moan. It seems that (non-enthusiast) people want the heritage and atmospheric experience, but without the atmosphere! Those paying Pullman premium prices want it all together, which can't really be achieved. Nevertheless I imagine that most enjoyed the trip yesterday (especially as the weather was so much better than forecast at the coast!).

 

Looks like a rural station from that angle (although I suspect that new fence is an indication of development to come)! The footbridge has traditional lattice metal work so I fixed my 8k video phone to it with a plastic DIY spring clamp and got a rock steady mount (while using my Canon R5 for stills)!

 

But I should have said that I detected no signs of a pushing diesel, and having just spent some time watching YouTube clips of the trip, I can't see any pushing on any of them either. But I did notice something else interesting.
In this video, the train comes around Cliftonville Curve heading for the water stop at Preston Park but stops at a green signal, showing M on the route indicator.

On this video, a little later, the signal is showing L, and Clan Line struggles a bit to get the train restarted and on to the loop where the watering point has been set up.

My friends and I commented on the stop at the time. Our initial assumption was that we were waiting for something out of Brighton, until I looked at Traksy and said I couldn't see anything that would prevent us reaching the loop.
I wonder what chaos would have ensued had our driver not seen the wrongly set route in time?

 

No, I don't think that at all, quite the opposite. You always think the worst of some people and interpret comments in the worst possible light to suit your prejudices. My comment is actually a tribute to the professionalism of DB steam drivers, whose competence was demonstrated throughout the day, as I mentioned earlier.

 

From UK Railtours;

''A big thank you to everyone from the MNLPS Clan Line - The Golden Arrow Engine for their hard work and dedication to give us a fantastic tour with the Belmond British Pullman yesterday.
It's easy to forget the hours of effort and meticulous preparation that goes into running steam on the mainline when you're onboard the train enjoying absolute luxury and sipping Champagne!
So hats off to Peter and the team. You set the standard to which all others should aspire to. And yes, we do agree that our beloved red headboard also looks pretty good in green''.

 

I'm curious as to how those videos were taken, being so close to the live rails - by a P. Way worker, perhaps? Regarding the wrong route setting, I'm a little less forgiving of this than some, as it not only delayed the train but made for a sticky re-start (although the 67 was presumably able to assist if needed). How many steam specials did the signaller have to be aware of that evening such that it was messed up?!

 

A very high ISO still from Redhill showing a fine plume of steam as '28 works hard away from the signal check. I've said it before, but I remain (happily) amazed that the relatively candle-like headlight is still permitted on its own, when compared with the retina-burning ones on all other stock (and most other steam). Long may it continue.

 

Those videos are from the back of the site which was the old Pullman works which are now sidings so must of been taken by someone working. The view has probably been lost to tree growth now but there used to be a good view looking down onto that site from Highcroft Villas
https://flic.kr/p/btsSwb

 

Latest upload on the channel with Clan Line on the Portsmouth Pullman, returning via the Brighton Mainline if anyone is interested!

 

It would appear that the generator car was in the consist so the diesel would have only been there for two reasons, to assist if necessary as it’s leaf fall season and for shunting at Portsmouth. When I’m on it with a diesel present I ask the steam crew if they called for assistance and the answer has always been no so it’s just an extra 70 odd tons of dead weight to pull.
There has been a lot of criticism about the way some TOCs operate but something that cannot be denied is the expertise of the footplate crews.

 

Indeed. At Preston Park, the crew managed to re-start eventually, but I imagine they would have asked for a push if it had gone on much longer (and that was with only eight Pullmans). It was perhaps a demonstration of the often-overlooked issue of binding on sharp curves.

 

Nice work.

 

The full consist for the Kent round trip with diesel on the back I think is over 600 tons. As Romsey said earlier, if you want to get to hear a MN on Hildenborough Bank with that sort of load, join MNLPS, go on the PTS course and volunteer to be part of the support crew!

 

Well I certainly read it that somehow this would have probably not been noticed by crews from other TOC's. Your points about signallers getting things wrong is valid but we all know it happens from time to time and not just with steam tours.
Maybe you should read what you posted again.

 

To this once hard core gricer my family day on the British Pullman was a day of pure enjoyment chatting with family stewards and engine crews at Victoria and Dover. Plus partaking of a superb long luncheon. A never to be forgotten day on which Clan Line performed perfectly . All thanks to my daughter who treated us all and to

Don

 

I am on the case and will get back to you