CATHEDRALS EXPRESS LONDON - YEOVIL - WEYMOUTH 9 JULY

Hear hear to that. I'm sure there will be some very special memories. Right down to the last sight of 35028's tail light as she plus stock are dragged out of Waterloo accompanied hopefully by some final blasts from that wonderful Bulleid whistle.

 

I notice on the letter sent out with tickets by Steam Dreams that arrival back into Waterloo in the evening is into Platform 19. Does this mean a box on the back?

 

Well we know the train is due to be diesel assisted out of Weymouth, and I thought I'd read somewhere that there is a stop at Poole for which I assumed was to detach the diesel. Without seeing the full timings we can't be sure but I'd be surprised if the diesel remained attached right through to Waterloo.

 

In the past an EWS 67 would appear from Stewart's lane.
wcrc used to stable their diesel in the centre road between plats 2-3 at clapham, however now that through road has just become a new platform.

 

My understaning is that the box does come off at Poole. And another is due onto the back of the train not long after we get to Waterloo.

Only those with proper access to the detailed timings will know for sure of course.

 

That sounds a likely scenario. Hopefully the detailed timings will appear on UK Steam before the end of Friday.

 

I don't think you are quite right there. Don't forget the infamous open day at Eastleigh works (1974 I believe)when there were shuttles running from Eastleigh to Salisbury hauled by a 9F. I always understood that it was the mass trespass all over the 3rd rail at Eastleigh that sealed the fate of steam in 3rd rail territory for the next 18 years,but I am happy to be corrected if I have got this wrong....it was a long time ago!

 

You are probably right. I was only 9 in 1974 so can't remember. I only know that the 11/09/92 run was hailed as a trailblazer at the time. Eastleigh to Salisbury isn't a lot of 3rd rail by comparison with Waterloo to Bournemouth after all.

 

Absolutely. There's no need for a DL to be attached on this working. Have to say though if it was any other loco than 35028 at the business end I suspect NR would be somewhat more twitchy about doing the decent thing.

 

It has been discussed on this forum previously that the signalling into Platform 19 at Waterloo does not allow the diesel required to draw the ecs out to be attached after the train has arrived in the platform. It has to be already attached when the train enters the platform and the timings show nowhere to attach it. It may well use another platform as I believe platforms other than 19 are ok. Things may have changed of course, it was just the letter accompanying the tickets specified an arrival at Platform 19 and that got me wondering.

 

Looks like Clan Line may possibly have to drag a diesel up Parkstone Bank again then ! Timings I have seen to date suggest a water stop at Poole but it could be to drop off an assisting DL. Would DBS pay for another path from Poole to wherever? possibly Eastleigh. Anyway look forward to seeing Clan Line working hard at top of Parkstone Bank whatever the circumstances - enjoy the day those who are on the train ! DH

 

Interesting that this train has been pathed via Surbiton. I didn't think you could do that with steam on a weekday. If this is a new development, I hope it sets a precedent. I have been on several main line steam trips on the Salisbury or Bournemouth lines, and the crawl along the Windsor lines is one of the most frustrating parts of the day. Of course, if the train starts at Victoria and not Waterloo, there isn't much choice, but if you have to get to London in the first place, the extra hour each way compared with going via Surbiton does make for a rather long day.

Anyway, best wishes to all who are booked on this excursion. If 35028 is up to its usual form, you should have a fine day out. Wish I was joining you!

 

Just as little taster, here's Clan Line on 16th July last year, with the return Blackmore Vale Express.

Forecast doesn't look too promising for Monday, I have to say...

 

MNLPS have the full timings and have just tweeted back to me that the diesel is coming off at Wareham, 1814 to 1820 with departure from Poole at 1834 so no dead weight up Parkstone thankfully or the highlight section from Southampton to Waterloo. The Twitter username is ClanLine28 for anyone interested.

 

Times are on UK Steam Info if you click on the punctuation at the end of the line.

 

Thanks for that. Link to timing page doesn't work on my iPad but is fine on PC / Android smartphone interestingly. Timings still don't show removal of diesel at Wareham mind but @ClanLine28 say this will occur at Wareham and hopefully they will know.

 

thank you eco082007 for this information.

 

No problem. Glad it's useful.

 

The Diesel is off at Poole... Misunderstanding of the timings, confirmed on Twitter.