CLAN LINE RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL NETWORK
Published at 22:20 on Tuesday 9th April 2024
Tags: Clan Line, DB Cargo UK, Main Line Steam, Testing, Commissioning, Merchant Navy, Stewarts Lane, Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society, MNLPS
SR Merchant Navy Class Pacific No. 35028 Clan Line climbs effortlessly up the grade at Shere on 22nd May 2015, with the ‘Belmond British Pullman’ from London Victoria. With the locomotive due to return to the main line in the coming weeks, scenes like this should once again become a familiar sight. Brian Kennedy
Following the completion of its overhaul and boiler repairs, popular 'Merchant Navy' Pacific No. 35028 Clan Line will return to the main line this month.
The locomotive, which has been out of traffic since July 2022, is expected to undertake an evening test run in the West London area on 19th April, with two evening trips around a circular route from Willesden through Barnes and Kensington Olympia, followed by a trip through Chertsey. Assuming all goes well, the locomotive should then undertake a loaded daytime test run on 22nd April from Stewarts Lane Depot to Dover and back, before resuming its main line operations for Belmond. Dates are subject to change depending on the progress of the final outstanding tasks.
19th April 2024 - Evening Tests
Willesden-Willesden (via Barnes)
Willesden-Willesden (via Barnes)
Willesden-Stewarts Lane (via Chertsey)
22nd April 2024 - Daytime Loaded Test
