Clan Line in 2021

Sun gods very much not in my favour yesterday. I hope you enjoy this little record of the events, though, filmed at Brynard's Hill and on Dauntsey Bank

 

What was the top speed?

 

Blowing the cobwebs out in style...



James

 

Pathfinder have updated their website to give more details about the route Clan Line will be taking on the Margate trip. This should be an excellent trip I think.

Battersea Loop 1025, Via Factory Junction / Nunhead / Bellingham / Bromley South 1055 / Via Swanley / Sole Street / Rochester / Sittingbourne / Faversham / Herne Bay / Margate 1233 –

Return 1533 Via Ramsgate / Deal / Dover Priory/ Folkestone West 1640 / Via Ashford International / Headcom / Paddock Wood 1733 / Via Tonbridge / Sevenoaks / Otford / Swanley / Bromley South 1837 / Via Bellingham / Nunhead / Factory Junction / Longhedge Junction / Kensington Olympia 1905 / Willesdon South West Sidings 1918.

 

I understand it’s not booking that well so anyone wanting to travel get cracking now or there is presumably a possibility of it being pulled

 

UKR have announced a another tour with 35028 - The Hampshire Pullman

https://www.ukrailtours.com/product/the-hampshire-pullman/

Clan Line does a circuit around Hamphire by way of Woking, Basingstoke, Laverstock, Romsey, Redbridge, Southampton, Eastleigh and Winchester back to London

 

Looking at the mileage and route, that's good value compared with a Surrey Hills Pullman

 

Including "we make our way via an unusual route to gain the South Western Main Line at Wimbledon."

 

I think that means the usual route via Staines although the Belmond now goes via the West London Line and Willesden to gain the Hounslow loop at Kew

 

If you just want the steam bit it’s expensive

 

No, it means joining the SWML at Wimbledon (via Tooting) rather than at Byfleet and New Haw.

 

Which means, I hope, Its fast through Esher, Hersham, Walton, Weybridge & B&NH

 

It will be a bit of a gamble booking standard class on this as you may be at the back of the train all day. I asked Pathfinder and unfortunately they can't say whether standard or Premier Dining will be leading.
Nick M.

 

That would be good, but much more likely on the slow, I think.

 

It's all part of the risk. There are precious few opportunities outside of the Belmond British Pullman to travel with Clan Line so I booked on this Pathfinder one the day it was announced. It's Mk 1 coaching stock so with toplight open you'll still hear Clan Line from time to time, plus an advantage of being at the back is you can get a great view of the engine whenever you go around a curve.

 

But with a good schedule time it can be fast on the slow, IYKWIM

 

Nearing the summit of the climb of Gomshall Bank on today's Belmond run, complete contrast in the weather in the Surrey Hills compared to when I was last there 3 days ago!

 

That as after passing through Shalford at walking pace so no real run at the bank