The Greatest Sounding Bulleid ! 35028 Rolls Back The Years Unassisted !

Merchant Navy Class 35028 'Clan Line' is seen returning to service after a long period on the sidelines due to extensive work being required on the boiler. The big southerner would be at the front of the prestigious Belmond British Pullman from London Victoria to Bath which its well known for hauling. This was no usual Belmond run, the trip would coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first ever outing of 35028 and the MNLPS in preservation (Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society)

The highlight on the return trip from Bath would be the two and half mile climb of 1/70 out of Westbury to Upton Scudamore. With its heavy Pullman train consisting of 12 coaches this made for arguably one of the greatest soundtracks I've ever heard or captured of Clan Line in preservation, though no doubt it made this kind of noise on a regular basis in steam days. Southern enthusiasts would refer to these type of performances as an 'Angry Bulleid' The loco even had the temerity to Blow its safety Valves as it crested the summit, another nod to the greatness of the Bulleid Boiler and a willing loco crew !

I hope you enjoy the sight and sound of a Merchant Navy in full voice ! The video starts with a brief shot at Twerton Tunnel on the outskirts Bath.