Clan Line VSOE Luncheon Special Jan 18

Looking forward to Clan Line's first outing of the year tomorrow (Friday) afternoon (Victoria - Guildford / Shalford return), especially with a dusting of white in the background. But the very latest weather forecast says the predicted snow coming in from the west looks like it will now be pretty active in the Home Counties and well across London from tomorrow morning onwards. I see South West Trains has already decided to run an amended timetable tomorrow and will not be running services on some routes and to certain stations:

Service Disruptions Friday Jan 18

Presume if the snow is "disruptive" - to use the current term - in London and parts south west of the capital / Surrey then tomorrow's excursion would be under threat?

 

The most significant one for the VSOE is no service Virginia Water - Weybridge. That could stuff things up a bit.

 

Thanks for bringing that up, bang goes my idea of trying a shot at Chertsey! I think this has happened before though back in December 09 when there was heavy snow. Photted Clan Line at Addlestone Junction on the foot crossing but seem to remember there was no service on between Virginia Water and Weybridge again. Could be wrong though!

 

Yes I think you were right I saw at Addlestone cemetry that day but it was December 21st 2010.

 

On Tuesday I carefully researched a picturesque spot to video this tour, assuming there would be light snow. Looking at the forecast of heavy snow all day in that location, I wont even get to the chosen spot!

SW trains cancel services because of third rail problems which wont affect Clan Line, but the forecast of heavy snow all day on the Guildford - Redhill loop might be the killer

Hope it runs - I don't have a video of Steam in the snow.

 

It's not just the third rail that's the problem. If SWT aren't turning left at Virginia Water, will the points stay operational or will they freeze up through lack of use?

 

Not much can beat steam in the Snow. There have been quite a good amount of videos w/Clan Line in these weather conditions.

 

I think you will find it is business as normal tomorrow. The line is not closed between Virginia Water and Weybridge on the train service cancelled. Some freight traffic is routed over this route and I suspect these will continue, snow or no snow.

So the future for the VSOE is good - just remember the awful snow condition (December 2011??) when South Eastern train were cancelled due to the snow and just about the only thing running was Clan Line and a Black 5 in tandem.

Steam can get through!

 

They should only freeze if the point heaters fail, not through a lack of use (in my experience, of course).

 

I remember window hanging that day, there was snow up to the rail head in places, I don't think I have ever been so cold!

 

Is this tour still running?

 

The return today is rerouted via Crystal Palace and Herne Hill.

David

 

Saw it at Richmond earlier, about 12:59. Shot was rubbish though as there was too much snow falling, can hardly see the engine in the picture!

 

About 25 mins early at Guildford, held at platform 2 until the Gatwick turbo had cleared.A nice wheelslip departure.

Mike M. (70c )

 

Same here. The snow was flying along the river sideways when I took this pic - right into my face and, of course, the lens. Not the best ever photo but in the circumstances I was surprised to get anything at all. I like to think of it as atmospheric!

Clan Line Richmond Blizzard

 

WoW! Video is the name of the game in heavy snow, is this spectacular or what!

Clan Line in a snow storm. - YouTube


Nothing has been down this line for hours (SW trains services cancelled) so its blowing a lot of fresh snow about.

 

Steam Train prevails once again. Go Clan Line!

 

Clan Line approaching Ashford Middlesex.Mainline Steam 2013 - Stephen Leek's Photos | SmugMug

 

Monochrome works well.