35028 Clan Line

The 105 mph on 28th June 1967 was with 35003 but still very appropriate . 35028 'only' managed 95 mph (yes Al some say 96) in 27th

 

Footage of 35028 on its loaded test run this evening flying past a dull Beeston.

 

Thanks to those who have posted videos and photos of Clan Line's loaded test run last night (See also 'What's Going On' page). I'm pleased to report that it went very successfully. A few minor tweaks are being undertaken today, and the loco will set off for Stewarts Lane as planned tonight. By dawn 35028 will be at GWS Dicot, and they will be opening earlier (at 10.00) to enable visitors to view/photograph our loco before it leaves on the final leg back to London at 11.19.

 

Just out of interest, has 35028 had a little modification to front end, namely its electric lights, the videos and photos I've seen of it on test it doesn't seem to be carrying a high intensity headlamp over them, so I wonder if somethings been done to them same as a certain high speed Pacific?

 

i suppose its possible to retro fit hi energy led bulbs into the marker lights and charge the lenses so you have a smaller light, but it is as effective as the headlight? might it be some requirement by DBS, that where an engine has a steam generator the marker lights are uprated?

 

I understand high density lamps have been fitted into the original lamps some years ago. I think the same was done with TawValley.

 

Thanks for clearing that one up, I was beginning to get ideas!

 

I guess this thread can now be concluded - here's "Clan Line" back at Stewarts Lane this afternoon, two years to the day since she left.

 

Then again, it could remain open for the return to service, as did the Flying Scotsman thread.

 

Maybe the thread could be renamed to "This is what a Merchant Navy looks like".

Tom

 

"Merchant Navy, pinnacle of engineering"

 

From recollection the lads at Tyseley have similarly fitted a GWR/BR(W) pattern lamp to have the necessary gubbins negating the need for their locos to carry a high intensity headlight separately.

 

should be black,

 

Wind noises, tumbleweed, a distant bell.....

 

Maybe the thread can also be 'unstickied'
It's quite unfair to other groups working hard on their projects that their news does not get pinned to the top of the forum, however because 35028 is a favourite of a moderator, it gets special treatment.


Keith

 

My footage from yesterday's superb run, captured at Worting Junction, Shawford, Foxhills (near Ashurst), Beaulieu Road, Test Lane, Nursling, Walworth and Winchfield.

It's good to have the ol' girl back!

James

 

Just out of interest, what was the loadings like, compared to a normal Belmont operation? i know this was in essence a one off, but i would think the odd Bournmouth run, along the same route, back via lavistock, with a visit via vintage bus, and the chain ferry to Swanage whilst the train is serviced, evening lunchion prepared etc, may be an wothwhile addition to the belmont porfolio .

 

On the "Bournemouth Belle" thread relating to yesterday's run. Mr Derby 2, who is obviously a leading light in the Clan Line organisation, said the following:-

Which suggests that even if Belmond wanted to add this to its portfolio, you wouldn't be likely to be seeing regular repeats of yesterday's run. It was a real one-off requiring the goodwill of a considerable number of people to mark a special occasion.

The September 13th Golden Arrow is a different matter, however. Thanks to the infrastructure investment in Kent's railways prior to the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994 and then the construction of HS1, finding paths around Kent isn't as bad as some other lines in the south of England. It would be good to see this becoming a regular. Still, that's just wishful thinking on my part. Belmond and/or UKRT have to be confident that there is a robust business case and of course, the MNLPS will not want to overstretch themselves. Part of Clan Line's reputation as one of preservation's star performers is due to its owning group knowing how many runs it can commit to and not over doing it.