Clan Line in 2020

The first non-Pullman trip for Clan Line has just been announced by UK Railtours. It's a trip from Kings Cross to Norwich on Saturday 18th April. Outward & return via Cambridge and Ely.
Unfortunately, the publicising of the trip has been delayed by a couple of months because of John Farrow's serious illness (he's slowly making progress thankfully) but all the groundwork has been completed by the MNLPS team, including some detailed outline timings. Therefore, it is 'an act of faith' that there will be plenty of people who want to experience what will be only 35028's second appearance at 'The Cross' and very first visit to Norwich. There will be over 4 & half hours there so plenty of time to explore. Full details on UKR website :https://www.ukrailtours.com/product/the-merchant-of-norfolk/

The UKR/MNLPS 'Chiltern & Downs' with the pullmans on 15th Feb is now fully booked; proof indeed that if you get the product and price right even 'high-end' offerings will sell.

There will be another trip from Waterloo to Exeter (via an unusual route) on 20th June, again marketed through UKR. Details to follow.

 

Now that does look interesting!

 

...but sadly no sign of shorter excursions (apart from the "Surrey Hills" Pullmans) on SR territory like the UKRT- marketed runs of two years ago, such as the "King Alfred". Are there any in the pipeline or will I be facing a second year without a run behind my favourite main line registered loco?

 

The Merchant of Norfolk looks very interesting, so glad to see Clan Line around my neck of the woods, will be a treat.

When did Clan Line last grace the ECML?

 

If my memory is correct, 2013...

James

 

This is quite an ambitious programme for the year and must be woven in to the very important bread and butter business of the Belmond Pullman. The loco is prepared and maintained entirely by a small band of volunteers, Stewarts Lane is not Crewe or Carnforth and to turn it round between February 8th and 15th is quite a commitment. You could always join the Society and get down to the Lane yourself, you don't have to be insane but it is recommended.

 

Then they do an amazing job: she has an enviable reliability record.

 

Yes and always in top cosmetic condition. It takes a lot of Autoglym and Brasso but the results are worth it.

 

Yes she does. One of the 100 mph locos from 1966 and before that at Axminster on the ACE. Join the MNLPS and help support this superb engine

 

I did last year's Exeter trip, out via Honiton, back via Bristol and Salisbury, so I now eagerly await those details.

I'm in two minds about that one. On the one hand a Bulleid out of The Cross is a rare treat. On the other hand, I have had several trips behind Clan Line and one trip steam-hauled from Kings Cross to Norwich (8-3-2015 with Mayflower, going on to Lowestoft).

 

A Swiss watch of a loco, you can set the tea by Clan Line. Looking forward to seeing her go past the office in April.

 

Tickets booked for the Norwich trip. Even persuaded my other half to come as she likes the look of Norwich Cathedral. Always look forward to a Clan Line tour and this time there's some track I haven't done by steam (Ely to Norwich).
I'm rather intrigued by Waterloo to Exeter by an unusual route - will it go over Shap or the Settle and Carlisle?

 

GWML? Somerton cut off or Chippenham or Bristol Parkway?

 

You could get to Reading via Ascot I guess and then down the GWML? Or if you were really a fan of noodling around, Waterloo / Ascot /Reading / Basingstoke? Or start with the Portsmouth Direct Line to Havant then along to Southampton and Salisbury that way? An interesting route to Exeter has to mean at the London end; not many options west of Salisbury!

Tom

 

That's very true - I was also thinking that it's really got to arrive at Exeter from the Southern route, otherwise it means chugging up the bank to Exeter Central which presumably means getting a diesel to shove from behind.

 

Outbound I guess you could take the main to Southampton and then to Salisbury. Or GW either via Reading or Willesden to Castle Cary and then Yeovil Junction.
Return you could go via Melksham from Westbury or via BTM and Parkway and back to Waterloo (assuming you have to finish there) via Reading or Willesden.

 

Or hiring an engine from the Torbay railway to give it a shove. Well one can dream.