14th July - 6024 on the VSOE

I thought I'd start the thread for this. The sight of a King on a full rake of Pullmans is a rare one indeed.

 

My guess,going via Ken Olympia onto Great Western line...not it's normal route with Clan-Line via Staines/Ascot/Reading.

 

Should be an interesting combination and (though I wasn't born at the time and can be corrected on this) the first time a King has been on Pullmans since 6000 in the early days of main line steams return.

 

6024 has hauled the VSOE stock on two previous occasions in preservation. One was a London - Bristol train and the other, double heading with Bradley Manor, was the Staite Pullman from Taunton to Paignton and return. D1015 handled the London to Taunton and return legs.

 

But has the King hauled the traditional VSOE stock single handed? The run that I think you may be refering to was the John Betjemin Centenary train on 9th September, 2006 and ran from Paddington to Bristol and return but was of the more modern Northern Belle coaching stock. I'm not aware of another VSOE hauled train. <BJ>

 

Midland Red is correct,6024 hauled the VSOE to Bristol from Paddington for the Newcommen Society,I think,it was something to do with a GWR/Brunel anniversary.I was on the support crew.
Colin

 

It hauled a train for Brunel 200 which used the VSOE stock as mentioned by Midland Red.

 

Thanks folks - July 5th 2006 to be precise.

 

Thanks for the confirmation. I've rechecked my notes and you're spot on. The train on the day was carrying an 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel' headboard.

Roll on Wednesday for the King (rain forecast for Tuesday). 6024 and the VSOEs will make quite a sight. Thanks again. <BJ>