Clan Line in 2021

Departed right time. Diesel loco has returned to SL . <BJ>

 

Prep for today’s trip features on P2 of the Telegraph this morning

 

I think this is the picture they used:

 

It is, all rather posed for the camera

 

All good publicity though John.

I filmed Clan Line emerging from Saltford tunnel earlier. What a wonderful sight it was. Going like the clappers with 13 on.

The last main line steam charter I saw was Braunton back in mid September so today was a wonderful way to kickstart 2021.

Many thanks to the MNLPS. <BJ>

 

Arrived in Bristol about 15 mins late, having been held outside the station at the East Junction. Not many people on board but looked magnificent! Slightly surprised that they ran it into platform 4, as the train shed above is currently wrapped up in yards and yards of plastic sheet while it's refurbished.

 

I think most of the passengers tend to get off at Bath

 

It was revarnished last year and apart from the empty stock run last week, this is its first outing since.
I notice from RTT it’s timed at load 420 tons but those Pullmans are heavy so I think it’s probably nearly 100 tons more than that. It got away from Bath smartly with no slipping at all

 

Saw it on my lunch break fly through Chippenham. My pictures attached. Was a struggle to catch through the traffic as it passed over the Brunellian arches. About 2e.

 

420 tons is the standard load on RTT for a full-length main line steam working of whatever stock.

 

Yes, but a fine shot. It reminds me slightly of 'Minions'!

 

A very rushed handheld photo as I only just made it in time. She looked and sounded magnificent as she thundered through Didcot Parkway this morning.

 

I like the framing of the loco on the bridge.

 

Clan Line on the approach to Bath Spa Station.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/51190020516

Sydney Gardens on way back to Victoria.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/51190853809

 

Todays run to Bath and Bristol seen at Corston and Thingley..

 

Wednesday's trip to Bristol seen near Uffington and at Bourton on the return.

 

Some of mine from yesterday, I wasn't sure about what the wind would do to the exhaust so played safe, locations are running into Bath, Sydney Gardens and after the sun had gone at Wokingham. That awful fence has completely ruined the Sydney Gardens as a location

 

John, you picked a better angle at Alexandra Park for the shot of the train arriving at Bath. Good to have chatted to you.

 

Good to meet you too. I don't know why but i always try and get a bit of sky in the shot.

 

What can I say, a stunning performance all round from the locomotive. Huge credit to the crew onboard and for everyone who made it possible for this run to happen at all. I don't think you could've asked for a better day out than this after nearly 5 months of no steam!

Caught yesterday at Wandsworth Town, on the fasts at Didcot, and whistling to the crowds at Oldfield Park, followed by Keynsham, Didcot again, and Wokingham on the return: