35028 + British Pullman 2026

Load 14 and no diesel again today. Looks like this may be the new normal for the British Pullman!

 

That is the same as The Worcester Pullman last month.

 

Same formation as that and the 3rd October Kent lunch trip.

 

35028 Clan Line charges over Foord Valley Vaiduct in Folkstone returning to London Victoria from Dover Priory with today’s Belmond British Pullman

 

Another stunning performance from Clan Line. Leaf fall season, 14 on, no diesel on the rear, but looking at RTT, the obvious trouble spots (the climb to Shepherd's Well and Hildenborough bank) didn't seem to cause any problems. Close to even time between Ashford and Tonbridge.

I went to see it at Aylesham, where I was completely on my own, much to my surprise. Glorious lighting conditions and plenty of steam. I hadn't had much joy photographing steam on the LC&DR main line, so this was most satisfying On to the Warren for the return leg. I stood on the bridge where @Johnb's picture was taken (see #55). This was a somewhat more popular spot - about 10 of us all rewarded with more sunshine and plenty of steam. (On my journey down, I feared that the White Cliffs section might be covered in sea mist, but if it was, it had cleared by 2PM).

What a brilliant end to October!

 

There's probably not many steam locomotives out there that can take 14 coaches out in leaf fall season! 35028 providing an excellent soundtrack on the climbs through Ravensbourne and Dover, with a final passing shot at Knockholt:

 

I was privileged to be on the footplate from Victoria to Dover today watching top class enginemen doing a top class job with a top class engine. She lost her feet a couple of times on the leaves but quickly checked and sanders on, certainly no question of it not being on top of the job. The crew were drivers/firemen Paul Major and Jim Clarke swapping roles halfway with TI Don Clarke. This is the way mainline steam should be, if you want to see another one doing it there is a link on the MNLPS website to make a donation to Brocklebank Line’s return

 

You lucky man!

 

I bet you wouldn't have even swapped your footplate trip for a sumptuous meal in one of the Pullman cars!

 

I’m not so sure about that, it’s not every trip but we all get a turn on the footplate quite regularly and I’ve seen what they get for their money on the Belmond.

 

Not me John! I'd always go for the footplate ride - even more so as sumptuous meals have never been my style.

But it must have been great footplating a Merchant Navy on a really heavy load. Much deserved by you and all those who work so hard keeping 35028 in such superb condition.

Bryan

 

Clan Line on her penultimate Pullman duty of the year, seen at Bromley, Bekesbourne, Sandling and Crofton Park:

 

Thank you as always to @TheModster for his assistance in today’s chase, a similar upload but from slightly different angles as 35028 Clan Line takes its usual outing on the Pullmans on the Kent circular