35028 Surrey Hills VSOE 6th July

Went over to Rectory Lane foot crossing in Buckland on my lunch break today...

MN no.35028 'Clan Line' | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
MN no.35028 'Clan Line' | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

MN no.35028 'Clan Line' with a Surrey Hills VSOE 06/07/12 - YouTube

 

Nice Ashley, I was on that train today sitting in "Cygnus"

Regards
Chris:

 

I saw Clan Line passing Woking on the down slow dead on time and yet again, without a diesel on the back. Immaculate as ever!

The Eastleigh DBS men must be pinching themselves with all of the steam work they are now getting down south (4464 yesterday, 35028 on VSOE today and the "End of Southern Steam" anniversary special on Monday to name a few). There was a time when all they had was the VSOE trains and now they have Steam Dreams charters and others too.

The clock for these wonderful drivers and fireman (and brilliant inspectors like Geoff Ewans and Colin Kerswell) really has gone full circle and good job too.

Nick

 

I hope you had a good day!

 

Just to be pedantic, the VSOEs are often worked by Hither Green crews. They too are seeing more work these days with the Steam Dreams contract.

 

You are absolutely right and Don Clarke is someone I have always respected as he is a steam man through and through. Hither Green has a history of great drivers and firemen in the preservation era. As with Eastleigh sadly many have retired and indeed the odd one or two transferred to West Coast.

Without the enthusiasm of these guys throughout the UK, the mainline steam movement would not exist. So hats off to them!

 

Sadly I think Don Clarke is due to retire soon. Great driver and always a nice man to talk to. He also has extensive route knowledge which helps a lot.