British Pullman 2024

Clan Line in steam outside it's shed at the Lane just now. Hopefully it passes FTR.

Regards,

Dan

 

From Clan Line - The Golden Arrow Engine:

"We're pleased to announce that Clan Line has passed its fitness to run exam for tomorrow's British Pullman tour around Kent".

 

So nice to have such a wonderful loco running round my home territory now. Looked superbly turned out as usual.

I was too late realising the train was coming down the main line Victoria to Bomley South, with the Catford Loop shut for engineering works, to photo it on the stretch. But plan A worked out ok: Gillingham level crossing and then coming past the location of the old steam loco shed at Tonbridge.

Usual very low res images attached below.

Bryan B.

 

My video from today's run, at Redhill.

 

Two shots from the 8k video.

 

British Pullman, 35028 Clan Line, 11th May 2024.
Filmed at Nutfield:

 

I'm putting this here as it seems the most likely of the operator options, but I could be wrong. On 23 May there is apparently a Dover to Victoria working which then retires to Stewarts Lane. RH has the traction as "tbc". As a one-way run, I wonder if it is even steam at all. Does anyone know more?

Main run:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U09719/2024-05-23/detailed
ECS:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U09717/2024-05-23/detailed

 

Time to do some guessing - this is Nat Pres after all! - With no inside knowledge at all.

An ecs to Dover, an express on the return with time for a water stop at Dover Priory, and a stop that may be a splash and dash at the 'Rochester Up Layby Sidings' if that is accessible by road. Maybe steam hauled.

As for the train, a Belmond Pullman working to pick up VIPs off an inbound posh cruise ship at Dover?

I reckon I could just be correct re the train reason, but probably most likely diesel hauled.

And, from the Port of Dover website, arrivals for 23 May show there is a Saga cruise arrving at 06.00. That of course may just be a total coincidence!



Bryan B

 

My guess would be top and tailed Class 67s, given the train departs Dover via the same way it arrives - to the North. The steam trips are usually circular. The MNLPS website shows Clan Line's next outing as 30th May. Thanks for posting though.

 

Doooohhooo. . .

I'm just not keeping up at the back.

It's more than a few years that the Kearsney Loop that big brother Don and I once knew, gave the chance of a steam loco reversal at Dover!

I'm spending far too much time typing up my 1960s SR steam timing logs . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

That makes sense - thanks.

 

Probably being used to bring all those folks that have come across in a dingy in the past few days to their hotel

 

It would be amusing for them to be presented with a steam train - they would wonder what they have come to!

 

These look to be the timings for Clan Line's trip round Kent on Thursday this coming week.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U13308/2024-05-30/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U13310/2024-05-30/detailed

Bryan B

 

Does anyone have any information as to whether this train is due to run tomorow, and with Clan Line please?

 

A gloomy day brightened up by Clan Line hurrying through Rainham, while an early running sharp pointy thing waited at platform after arriving 2 minutes before 35028.

I did try and get over to Tonbridge to see the Merchant Navy on the return. But with all sort of local road works/closures, including the failure of a 4 way temporary traffic control, I felt I was very unlikely to complete my 11 mile after lunch drive in the 65 minutes I had allowed. An Owl could certainly fly it a lot quicker.

Usual very low-res image.

Bryan B.

 

Climbing away from a 20mph TSR towards Edenbridge: