Clan Line 2022

Great photos John! Thanks for posting them.

 

Thanks for the explanation. Glad it was sorted out relatively easily

 

Thanks Dave, I know it's not the proper engine and obviously not cleaned to normal high standard but it does look nice. A worthy substitute.

 

Good video,and nice to see a proper engine on the Pullmans!

 

Agree totally with that so here's a proper engine. The Duchess was a worthy substitute though.

 

I was only kidding, I love all British steam locos, but we all have our favourites don't we? My only critisism of Clan Line is that it is sometimes too bulled up! I saw dozens of Bulleid pacifics at Waterloo and Clapham jct. and have to say none of them looked like 28 does now. Nothing wrong with that, its just not how I remember them.

 

I know you were. The Belmond is a prestige working and requires an engine in immaculate condition so as the first choice for motive power it’s become a bit of a tradition never to let Clan Line out in any other condition. Unique among mainline locos the support crew have to replace overalls with collar and tie to meet any passengers who are interested in taking any closer look at the engine at the start and end of the day. Although the clientele are not generally railway enthusiasts a surprising number do come up to take pictures and talk to us.
I too remember how things were towards the end of steam, I don’t think you will ever see 28 looking like this again

 

There is news on the repairs to Clan Line's thermic syphons on the news page of their website. Have a look at https://www.clan-line.org.uk/news/boiler-repairs-are-progressing-well/ .

This is all being done with the boiler still on the frames, something that has very rarely, if ever, been done before.

 

https://www.clan-line.org.uk/news/not-so-good-news-on-the-boiler-repairs/

 

Does anyone know what is working Saturdays Pullman?

 

Timing's have just appeared on RTT, but there's no sign of the movements to / from Stew Lane, or anything moving to Stew Lane from Southall etc. It was a wonder why the timings weren't coming out as soon as they normally do given its now a 'regular' path, that was until the announcement of Clan Line's withdrawal came in of course.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64080/2022-10-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64081/2022-10-29/detailed

 

That's what I was thinking Al. But its strange that there's no sign of the ECS moves to bring the stock into / out of Victoria before and after the tour.

 

Is this repair work/overhaul-ish likely to mean it's mainline ticket can be extended?

 

Mainline certification is for seven years, it can be extended to ten years if an intermediate overhaul is done after five. This normally involves at least a partial retube so that part of the work was scheduled anyway. The problem with the syphons is just one of those unforeseen things that can bite when you are dealing with 70 year old machinery.

 

I'm on Saturdays trip. I've had an email from Belmond it's diesel hauled as they've been unable to source an alternative loco

67 tastic

 

Which explains the lack of ECS moves from the lane, and why it's going to Dollands Moor afterwards. Ahhhh, it all makes sense now...

 

Timings have appeared for the Golden Arrow anniversary trip:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66296/2022-11-12/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66300/2022-11-12/detailed

There is a move from Carnforth to Southall the day before, followed by a move to the lane on the morning of the trip, which suggests that 34067 is covering Clan Line for this trip as well. Have heard a rumour that 34067 will do the rest of 35028's duties for the year.