35028 Clan Line

An overhaul is scheduled and plans can be made for an another suitable engine to deputise, in 2015/17 it was Tornado. The current problems with the Syphons was unforeseen and it’s unfortunate that no other DB registered loco is available. The intermediate overhaul taking place at the same time was scheduled for this time of year when the loco is normally stopped for winter maintenance. It would probably take just as long to change a boiler than do the work currently being undertaken. The intermediate overhaul extends the mainline certification to 10 years.
If you want to know more of what’s involved, join the society and join us at Stewart’s Lane, I’m sure you will be made very welcome.

 

Just to echo John's excellent point - we are always looking for new members who are enthusiastic about the cause. You will find a very good bunch of people in Stewart's Lane during the week and on a Saturday.

The amount of work that goes into '28 behind the scenes is exceptional and isn't just at the coal face either, we have committee members working all over the country and in different roles in order to bring together all the necessary aspects of our operation.

 

I'll just point out that the owners of 7802 have acquired a third loco recently (5164), whilst both 7812 and 7802 were out of service! The argument put forward was that once both manors were back in service they would have a third loco to work on. This would keep volunteers motivated and to try and time 5164's return to service when both manors would now be withdrawn in fairly quick succession. This would maintain an income stream into the mid 2030s when both manors would require overhaul.
Granted in this case day to day maintenance is undertaken by the SVR, so quite a different set up to 35028, but shows some owning groups see logic in running multiple locomotives.
Southern Locomotives Ltd also have a similar model.

 

Owning locos that only run on heritage lines where others are responsible for their day to day maintenance and running is a world away from the demands of keeping a large mainline engine and support coach match fit for running on NR.

 

Watching again, Clan Line is actually in 2 episodes
https://uktvplay.co.uk/shows/hornby-a-model-world/series-2/episode-2/6318638038112
20 mins in

 

Been another update from the MNLPS. With so much work taking place on the boiler they've chosen to bring forward 28's next overhaul. Does mean the loco won't be out and about this year, however: https://www.clan-line.org.uk/news/more-progress-and-problems-with-the-boiler/

 

Great shame. No steam hauled pullmans presumably as a result. They seem to have mostly disappeared from the website as well.

 

Just have to be patient!

 

Indeed. Though I doubt the very few that are there will see steam haulage given there isn't another loco on DB's books that's available or could do the runs. The MNLPS have a close relationship with Belmond and I'm sure have been keeping in tabs with them about the situation. Best of luck to them for the work ahead.

I'm sure she'll be in tip top condition when she returns, more than worth the wait!

 

Hope Tornado returns so that DB get to operate some steam runs this year. I’m in no doubt Clan Line will be in top condition when it returns.

 

There's an opportunity there for the owners of 6233. Can't think of any other groups who have a suitable loco and are not in a golden handcuff deal with another operator. 6233 certainly used to be on DB books and could be reinstated if it isn't still.
At the end of the day it is guaranteed income for this year.

 

Problem is that the new route for the Pullmans is Victoria-Dover and back, outward via Chatham back via Tonbridge - not the easiest of routes in terms of gauging. Mind you, no one thought Scotsman would fit anywhere in Kent (apart from Berne-gauge HS1!) but last year proved us all wrong. Perhaps 6233 is more gauge-friendly than we might think, but then again perhaps not.

34046 and 34067 would be ideal stop-gaps but the complex relationship between the various TOCs - as demonstrated by 34067's visit down south last Autumn - suggest that it is highly unlikely that the necessary agreements can be put in place for either loco to fill in for Clan Line.

For anyone interested in reading the latest report in full on the Clan Line website, the link is here.

 

Let's not forget that Victoria-Dover is not the only route for the Belmond. The Duchess looked superb in September when it hauled the Belmond Pullman to Bristol. <BJ>

 

From MNLPS Facebook Page. With all the dismantling necessary for an intermediate overhaul going for the full 7 year job was the only sensible thing to do.

 

Where do I send my cash to John?

 

That’s very good of you Matt. You can donate via the website; clan-line.org.uk Just go to fund raising.
It all started with the syphons, there can be no corner cutting there, I wouldn’t want to be on the footplate if one failed. An intermediate overhaul was planned but in view of the amount of dismantling involved to get at the suspect stays it makes sense to go for the full job while it’s at Leaky’s. Repainted and polished up its going to look stunning when it gets back.

 

This is an unofficial update after an 'interesting' weekend down in Devon as part of a small MNLPS team working to help get the engine up and running, the more of the mundane stuff we do the less the final bill! Having said that a loco overhaul is not a cheap exercise so all donations, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.
The job was needle gunning the inside of the boiler to remove the scale, noisy and dirty but the only qualification necessary is for the body mass to be within gauge to get in through the dome opening. Two or three of us working in relays, half an hour on and half an hour off got a lot done so we are getting there. The picture was taken from the smokebox end of the engine.

 

Great stuff John.