The Clan Line comeback | 35028 performs light test runs around London - 19.04.24

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The engine, a regular performer on the Belmond British Pullman runs, was withdrawn from service in 2022 following issues discovered with its thermic syphons.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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[@doodlecheesebug2]

Great footage & wonderful to see Clan Line back on the main line again 🚂👏🏻😀

[@themodster]

Thanks. Indeed, it's good to see her back.

[@callumthornelow2936]

Beautiful footage Thomas. I'm really pleased that Jim was on the footplate, he and Clan Line go together like steak and kidney. 😁

[@themodster]

Cheers Callum. It was good to see him on steam again after so long.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Great video! I was also at both those stations.

[@themodster]

Cheers Henry!

[@TERRYBARTLETTRAILMAN28]

Nice shots Thomas I could've filmed her but I was needed elsewhere there will be plenty of opportunities for me soon I am glad our engine is back

[@themodster]

Thanks Terry. Likewise, it's nice to see her back.

[@basictraincontent]

Good captures, I went around the Greater London & SWML to capture 35028 Clan Line

[@themodster]

Thanks. It was good to see lots of people out for her.

[@basictraincontent]

@@themodster I seem to have gone to places with fewer than 5 people or Zero🤣

[@MyTrainsAndStuff]

Great video, such a beautiful machine. I caught it arriving and departing Chertsey

[@themodster]

Cheers. She looked excellent.

[@SimonTog]

Very good video Thomas :)

[@themodster]

Thank you Simon

[@Peppercorn60163Tornado]

Now that is spectacular, the first of the big names to return to mainline service, wonder who’s in line to make their comeback next

[@themodster]

The mainline steam scene has certainly been quiet without Clan Line.

[@Peppercorn60163Tornado]

@@themodsterthat is true Thomas, given the exemption revokement for WCRC has restricted them from using most of their steam fleet

[@craigpalmer9196]

sweet thank you

[@themodster]

Glad you enjoyed it Craig

[@BlainRhys]

Hope its on The End Of Southern Steam on the 9th july