Cathedrals Express to Exeter on 3rd May

That'll be interesting then!, most steam flies up Whiteball as it's usually load limited having come from Plymouth or Kingswear.

 

Looks like it might be a full train now as it has quickly filled up since the weekend..........

 

35028 reported at Winchfield 10:27. <BJ>

 

In this morning's west London drizzle. About to travel over Barnes Bridge to Chiswick:

Clan Line May 3a

Clan Line May 3b

 

Report just arrived of Clan Line on a heavy load putting up a superb performance from Basingstoke to Salisbury start to stop.

Should have been on this one but been fighting the drought leaking into my roof and another water leak since Sunday. And otherwise working flat out on observations/photography and sorting the structure for the book on Owls I am writing.

I am booked on the 9th July trip but it looks like I've missed a super performance today.

More details no doubt from brother Don later on.

 

455 tons according to Clan Line Twitter post. Handy this Twitter thing!

 

More of that West London drizzle, as 35028 passes through Chiswick Grove Park. 35028 Clan Line, Passing through Chiswick Grove Park in the rain. 03/05/2012. - YouTube

 

Another couple of shots from Barnes Bridge - saw ian14 on the other side, by the river bridge. Horrid weather but Clan Line didn't slip on the 1 in 144 climb with 13 coaches in the heavy drizzle.
35028 at Barnes Bridge 1 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
35028 at Barnes Bridge 2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

35028 reported through Axminster at 13:23. <BJ>

 

Stopped at exmouth junction signal on red.

 

We only set up the Clan Line Twitter feed a couple of weeks ago, we're all "chuffed" (sorry) that people are liking it. If you've got any thought / comments, please email the twitter team at clanline28@gmail.com
Thanks,
James Scott

 

Left Exeter pretty much to time diesel was not assisting

 

66.001 (35028 at rear) dep Castle Cary 9 late at 17:49. <BJ>

 

Here’s my video from today, taken near Seaton Junction and near Silverton.....

The Cathedrals Express to Exeter - 35028 Clan Line - 3rd May 2012 - YouTube

 

What a cracker of a day out. Weather forecast looked atrocious, but once we broke out of the Home Counties, the rain faded away. Thoroughly enjoyed the climb over Honiton, don't know the performance details but '28 certainly made a chatter climbing it. Unfortunately after 2 1/2 years with no steam, that speed restriction at the foot is still in force .

Whiteball was steady, and with 600 tons behind her I didnt expect miracles, and the one video I've seen so far I couldn't make out any noise from 66001. But what a machine Clan Line is, and the way the MNLPS turn her and Mercator out is outstanding. And they don't scrub up too bad themselves either .

So thank you to MNLPS for making Clan Line available, SD for organising the trip -two very happy punters here

 

Re: 3rd may and new premium standard class

yes i was on board too, great day out and clan line really stretched her legs,
whizzed through andover and sparkling performances all day...well done to all.

i have to add to all the doubters out there that the new SD premium standard class is really very very nice...its wins hands down!

clean mk1 coaches, crisp white table cloths, vase of flowers,
nice new white mugs of tea and GOOD coffee free all day, hot bacon rolls and cakes/beers/pops served to your seat (you pay for those)
you do not have to go to the buffet, it was very efficient and nice attentive friendly staff.

this new premium approach to standard class makes you feel like you are in first class...
excellent steam dreams cannot fault it and for the few pounds extra
the cost is insignificant to the extras and nice ambiance you get...
especially nice idea for the ladies (wives and train widows of the chaps who have to endure a long day out lol)

this new premium standard really does impress the ladies and makes them feel much
more comfortable and highly recommended...try it!

 

Great to be on the train yesterday and to be behind a loco away from its 'usual' duties and just unleashed on a demanding run. Superb day and thanks to all involved. One of the good days! I believe Mike Notley was on board, so some interesting copy to come.

 

Yes indeed I can only echo that. A superb day out with Clan Line at its very best. Wayne Thompson really knows how to drive this engine, no pushing at the starts, so no slipping, even in the appalling conditions early on yesterday, then gets stuck in after speed gets to about 30 and she just sails away. The running Basingstoke to Salisbury was up to ACE standard with 13 on for nearly 500 tons, equal to 14 in old stock. Be nice to hear from Wayne, but he told me at Exeter that the engine is in superb nick and perfectly balanced. He used 50% accelerating from the 14 tsr on Honiton which ensured 29.4 at the tunnel. And oh wouldnt it have been wonderful if that stupid speed limit had been set aside for a moment so we could have gone down through those trees (remember Kent Yeti?) near Broad Clyst at whatever speed Clan Line would naturally have reached, probably mid 90s instead of having to brake long before the bottom of the dip to stay legal. The line west of Salisbury is a bit sad for steam now with so many restrictions but that took nothing away from my morning of pure nostalgia. Cant wait for July 9th.

Don

 

I can only add more praise and good comments about yesterday's magnificent run! One of the best. I look forward to reading Mike Notley's report. The climb to Whiteball was superb with that heavy load in tow. And the Premium Standard was very good (Four full carriages in the formation yesterday). Thanks to all involved. I still can't get the smile off my face.