After an absence of nearly two years, BR(S) Rebuilt 'Merchant Navy' Class - 35028 "Clan Line" made a triumphant return to the mainline as it performed a loaded test run to the Kent coast.
The Bulleid pacific last featured on mainline metals when it worked the 'End of Southern Steam' railtour for the Railway Touring Company, on the 9th of July 2022. It was subsequently withdrawn for necessary repairs to the firebox, which developed into a full boiler overhaul; carried out at Leaky Finders Ltd.
"Clan Line", with support provided by DB Cargo Class 67 - 67006 "Royal Sovereign", would lead the test run from Stewarts Lane depot down the Chatham Mainline to Dover Priory. Traversing onto the South Eastern Mainline, 35028 would spearhead proceedings through Ashford and on to Tonbridge, where it would lead the test run towards Redhill. From there, 35028 would head back to Stewarts Lane depot via the Brighton Mainline.
35028 would catch a busy period at Bickley as it navigated its way out of the capital. At Selling, the pacific demonstrated its excellent form, as it charged towards the coast. As the afternoon sun started to break through, 35028 issued an assured and powerful performance at Sandling; the likes of which, the pacific has built a deserved reputation for. The Bulleid would continue its assertive performance at Jolliffe Road as it accelerated away from Merstham, leading the test run back into the capital.
This loaded test run marks a major milestone in the return of 35028 to revenue earning service, as well as standing testament to the continued hard work and dedication demonstrated by the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society, and all those involved in keeping the Bulleid pacific in steam.
00:00 - Bickley
01:20 - Selling
02:13 - Sandling
04:18 - Jolliffe Road
All footage filmed on Monday the 22nd of April 2024.