Clan Line Farewell 30th June

I would agree when you put it like that. I'm just surprised none of the other loco owners have done the "sensible" thing. I realise it wouldn't work with some, but presumably the Bulleid Pacifics that have been adapted could have followed the tender mounted option ?

 

Braunton is the only other contender. Regardless of air brakes, 35018 will not be in the frame because it's owned by WCRC and the British Pullman is a DBS job. Also, I seem to recall that the loco to fill in for 35028 must be something with a proven track record on the main line. I hope 35018 will get such a record, but when 35028 bows out, it won't have had much of a chance to prove itself.

It would be good if whatver steps in during Clan Line's overhaul, more steam runs could be added. When Flying Scotsman was handling these runs,there was talk of upping the steam-hauled pullman trips to about 50. That was a while ago, mind you, but I can't believe that only the British Pullman customers who would like to see a steam loco at the front are those on the lunchtime dining trains and a few that like going to Bath. The itineraries fo the BP seem to have become less exciting than they were a few years ago, although I've no doubt that the food and the pullman experience is as good as ever.

Pity Jeremy Hosking can't buy Belmond out and re-vamp the product to make use of his steam locos.

 

and rename it the Brighton Belle?

 

Southern Belle would be better for a loco hauled train.

 

Talk of 35018 deputising for 35028 on the British Pullman is fanciful nonsense, as you should realise, John. 35018 is part of the Carnforth home fleet, for want of a better name, and therefore, except in exceptional circumstances, would not be operated by DBS. The British Pullman is a DBS operation.

Edit: Sorry John, I mis-read your post. In fact we agree. (oops!)

 

Who says he can't ?

I think Tornado has to be the most obvious, and suitable contender, but when is she due back ?

46233 would be another good one, but no doubt falls foul of the gauging issue on the BBP routes. I guess 70000 could be good as well, but is she powerful enough ?

Lots of questions,

 

Platform Presence? If you mean does it look imposing, gleam a lot, and have shiny bits then Tornado fits the bill. Meets the reliability requirement as well.
If it fits, the Duchess would of course be a contender on all counts.
Britannia would have no problems with the load, iffy on the status, platform presence is of the tramp sleeping on the station bench level - reliability an issue.
Oliver Cromwell is Ditto, slightly better platform presence tho.
If you want hissy fits, edge of your seat drama in abundance, then you would go for Tangmere.

 

70000 has hauled the VSOE / BP before. I was very annoyed I couldn't get time off to see her on this duty as I understand she put in a superb performance.
Video of her on the Pullman courtesy of Speed to the West channel:

 

60163 has to be favourite, I'd suggest 60009 or 6201 might be good for occasional backup.

70000 in green with its early emblem and flags (which exist for a Brit) would be nice as would 34046.

 

It strikes me as you are more likely to see Braunton & Britannia on the front of the VSOE than Tornado....... purely from a business point of view LSL can provide spare locomotives if one was to fail a FTR etc

 

Like they did with Nunney Castle you mean?

 

So who provided the backup for 35028 if it failed an FTR exam? DBS with a 67, that's who. Same would happen with 60163. There is so little time between an FTR exam and the actual tour that it's difficult to roster a replacement no matter how big your fleet.

 

Many thanks for that confirmation, no problem then, but as others have said, maybe a question mark over 70000's reliability.

Another point that increases the likelyhood it will go to Tornado however is the fact only DBS will operate her. From the A1 Trust point of view, it would be a good earner for them, as presumably, there wouldn't be much prospect of work elsewhere now WCRC are operating Steam Dreams trains as well. This could encourage the A1 Trust to do the job at a better price than LSL might want for one of their locomotives.

In my ideal world, 34092 would do it, but I know that's never going to happen,

 

I would think that if 70000 were to be given any of the pulmans she might just turn up as 70004, with full golden arrow regailia re creating the Stewarts lane brits of old if it were on the Surrey Hills

 

especially if they had 2 tours lined up one VSOE,the other wasnt, and both locos were air braked, i think, that no one loco should get all the work, if say others were in the stable , for instance, whats to say that an A4 might handle one run, or even a Duchess, dependant on where the tour was going to, ok if you were goung into kent and Sussex,, your limited to what will fit so either 70000 or 34046 would be ok, if it was going up north, then who wouldnt love to see a duchess at the head, with a suitable headboard,

 

One things for sure, the VSOE is going to become more interesting to watch in 2015....