After a gap of nearly 2 years, one of the mainline's most appreciated locomotives in the south, Merchant Navy Class No. 35028 Clan Line, returned to the mainline performing a section of light test runs.
The engine, a regular performer on the Belmond British Pullman runs, was withdrawn from service in 2022 following issues discovered with its thermic syphons. The issues required significant access to the boiler in order to be fixed, in such a way that it was agreed to bring the locomotives next overhaul forward, and obtain a new 7 year boiler ticket. The engine was moved from it's base at Stewarts Lane to Leaky Finders Ltd in Devon for the work to be undertaken. Upon returning to the lane, the engine would be prepared for a section of test runs. The first set of tests on the mainline would see Clan Line take a section of trips round London on a Friday evening, towing just its support coach and a Class 67.
Starting at it's base at Stewarts Lane, the engine would travel to Willesden via Kensington Olympia. The engine would then perform two loops back to Willesden, travelling via South Acton, Chiswick, Clapham Junction and Kensington. The engine would then travel towards Chertsey, before returning to Stewarts Lane via Weybridge, arriving back in the early hours of the morning.
With loads of people out to see the engine's return, we first begin at Kensington Olympia, where the engine was signal checked. A chorus of much missed whistles from Driver Jim Clarke follow before the engine proceeds towards Shepherds Bush. Secondly, Clan Line is seen heading back towards Central London at Chiswick, making the first of her trips 'round the loop'. It was certainly a sight for sore eyes to see the engine back on the mainline, and hopes that all goes well before it returns to its duties on the Belmonds.
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18 апр 2024
