2019 British Pullman steam

35028 at Virginia Water, Byfleet (just) and Blackhealth Lane.

 

I see that times are in RTT for tomorrow's run to Bath and Bristol:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53012/2019/05/15/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53017/2019/05/15/advanced

 

Clan Line has passed her FTR for tomorrow’s run to Bath and Bristol.
No surprises there!

 

Good news for linesiders. No diesel at the rear. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53013/2019/05/15/advanced

 

Just to ask, is there any chance other engines such as 6233 or 6201 will ever be used on this working? The reason is Clan Line is a nice engine but it would be nice to see some variety!

 

It would be nice I agree, but as I understand it the MNLPS have a contract with Belmond which is very lucrative and pays a lot of the bills to keep Clan Line on the main line. Alternative steam power is generally only used if Clan Line is unavailable for whatever reason. The only other locos I've seen on this working are 34046, 60163, 60009 and many years ago 34067.

 

I just would love to see a red duchess or red lizzie on the Pullman! It would be spectacular!

 

Ain't gonna happen and while it may be spectacular I can't many people chipping in to buy a ticket if it does happen. As is noted above, the 'BBP' - even when hauled by a box - sells out most of time. You're forgeting that the Belmond operation is aimed at those who'd like to have a nice meal and hear the chuff-chuff of a steam locomotive every now and again - and I speak from experience having 'done' the Surrey Hills trip last year as a treat to myself.

As @6026 King John mentioned above, the MNLPS has a contract in place with Belmond and besides, as it is a DB operation only locos on its safety case will be used. Anyyway, I'm amazed you haven't asked who the crews are yet...

 

Ah well, still might see 60163 occasionally! Wrong end of the country is why I haven't asked about the crews. As far as I'm aware both 6233 and 6201 are on the list to work the Torbay Express which is a DB Cargo operation later this year. I suspect 60009 which is operated by DB Cargo more often than 6233 and 6201 combined will be used the most out of the 3, especially as it will probably never run again after next year or even later this year.

 

My clip of todays outing, seen at Hounslow.

 

Mind you, I read an article (I think in Steam Railway) which interviewed someone from Belmond who mentioned a desire to use more steam and to run a few extra trips with Flying Scotsman and/or Tornado. From the point of view of Joe Public, these are two steam locos with a very high profile and their use may result in some extra patronage for Belmond purely on account of these locos being so well known. The Duchess has worked the pullmans on at least one trip I can think of but, fine engine though it is, it doesn't have the brand recognition of 60103 or 60163 outside the enthusiast "bubble", in spite of its haulage of the Royal Train. Ditto 6201.

 

I remember reading that too. Flying Scotsman potentially hauling the Pullman in 2020 at some point.

 

Torbay Express this year is a West Coast operation.

 

Is this due to DB Cargo not being able to provide crews?

 

On July 14 2010 King Edward II hauled the train.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/15285621647

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t10/t0714a.htm

 

It did happen once, and it was spectacular. 6233 hauled the VSOE Pullmans (as they were then) around the Surrey Hills circuit for a private charter. The occassion was Sir Bill McAlpine's 70th birthday, 12th Jan 2006. I also recall Flying Scotsman hauling the VSOE in the early 2000s, while still owned by Tony Marchington, painted LNER green and numbered 4472.

 

No it’s not

 

The Belmond’s market is the high net worth end not railway enthusiasts so I don’t think a change of motive power would make any difference. Clan Line has given near faultless service for many years and the normal Surrey circuit doesn’t take it much more than 30 miles from home which is the same place where Belmont are based so I don’t think there will be any motivation to change that arrangement

 

Belmond British Pullman Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No.35028 Clan Line London Victoria to Bristol Temple Meads, Keynsham Station, passed with some speed what joy.