Bournemouth Belle - 05/07/17

Wednesday morning at Shawford is going to be very emotional. Saw the last up service Belle with both steam and diesel there. Saw the last proper steam working I remember on the SR with my late father fly through there (sadly he passed on in 1972) which was Clan Line belting through with the BB Pullman set on an end of steam run and was she flying, not arf'. It's got to be done, can't miss it, but 50 years seems so long ago in some ways but only like yesterday in others. Did Clan Line really go through there at 105 back then or is my memory of the published log in one of the magazines a false memory?

Can't sit and replicate the view from 1967 up on the downs by the war memorial as there are just too many trees these days but I will be there. On the station to feel the energy of a flying Bullied once again - like to think Dad's spirit will come along too.

 

Thank you and much appreciated.

 

The 105 mph was near Winchester Jct on the 920 pm down on 15th May 1965

 

Crikey. That weather forecast doesn't look too promising. Very hot and sunny. A few thundery downpours might help!!

 

Thank you

 

Really looking forward to this tomorrow for my three score years and ten present to myself from a couple of weeks ago! First time I've been in the Pullmans or behind Clan Line. Please no steam ban!!

I have visited Bournemouth regularly so with five hours to kill had thought to go on to Wareham and the Swanage Railway but repeated emails to Swanage to ask if they would contemplate holding the 1315 Wareham shuttle for ten minutes so we and possibly others could connect went without reply.

So thinking about an afternoon cruise from Poole or backtracking to Lymington.

 

Most of the SE had a good soaking last Thursday, so the New Forest shouldn't be tinder dry. Max for the outward journey is likely to be in the low 20s. A bit too warm to be guaranteed a good exhaust for those of us hoping to photograph the train, but if Clan Line is burning coal from the same batch as that used by Royal Scot on last Saturday's run with the Pullmans, we might be in with a chance of some decent clag. I still want to go and see it regardless. This is the ultimate commemoration of the end of Southern steam and will be an amazing sight.

Highly unlikely in view of the prestigious nature of this train. I've been on the Pullmans behind Clan Line and take if from me, you'll be in for a treat! If you get a chance in between enjoying the marvellous food and drink to make a note of any performance details, I'm sure many of us on here will be interested to hear how 35028 behaves on its first revenue-earning train since overhaul.

 

If you decide to take a cruise from Poole Quay I would recommend the harbour cruise which takes about 90 minutes.
If time permits, some of the boat operators, but not all, drop off at Brownsea Island.
I have travelled many times with Brownsea Island Ferries; they are the fleet of bright Yellow boats. Incidentally, the owner of the company is a steam enthusiast and owns a traction engine of some significance.
I did the trip from Poole along the River Frome to Wareham last year and to be honest I was disappointed.
Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a great day.
Stef.

 

Obviously we have a quite a demanding schedule to adhere to (which MNLPS wanted of course) but at the same time remember the engine is only just back from overhaul so not 100% 'run in' yet. Therefore the crews won't be trying to set any records - and the Pullmans, like Clan Line, are limited to 75 mph anyway.
That said, we are all sure the spectacle will be wonderful, and MNLPS/UKR are grateful that so many people wanted to travel on it.

 

Will have the GPS with me so let me know of any interesting timing points, report will not be before the following day as my phone is nearly as old as me!

Booked on the bus & boat entertainment now. We're in 'Gwen' if any other members are on board, I'll have a real ale 'beer pump' tie on until things get too warm!

Thanks for the good wishes.

 

Was a special allowance therefore made for 46115 on 14/7/2016?

 

After what happened last Saturday, do we know that 35028 passed it's FTR??

 

Oh yes.

 

What happened last Saturday?

 

A memory from 50 years ago. 35028 on one of the BR sponsored farewell to Southern steam trains at MP31. I would like to do this shot tomorrow but as a mega trespass location I think it's not on in the 21st century

 

Tornado failed it's Fitness to Run exam and was unable to haul the Torbay Express on Sunday

 

I guess you are referring to when the supporting diesel failed and 46115 hauled the train bunker first across the New Forest?

 

Correct. I would assume that the lack of alternative caused an exception to be made, but am curious to know more given the information about run rounds in Southampton UGL.

 

I feel both NR and SWT deserve a pat on the back for embracing the 50 year anniversary 3 steam hauled trains from Waterloo in 5 days 2 on the direct route through Surbiton and RTC'S steam hauled through out from Weymouth to Waterloo via Winchester let's hope the weather isn't a party pooper

 

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