35028 "Clan Line" on a charge with the 'Atlantic Coast Express' 02/07/2022

With 2022 marking the 55th anniversary since the end of Southern steam, this was a sight for sore eyes. Arguably the most prestigious of all the titled trains operated by the Southern Railway, the 'Atlantic Coast Express' served the SR's most westerly outposts, from Exeter to Bude and Padstow, as well as Ilfracombe and Torrington. The 'ACE' last ran under British Railways in 1964, a mere three years before the end of steam on BR's Southern Region. Thankfully, the spirit of the 'ACE' has been emulated on occasion in preservation; in this instance, by the Railway Touring Company. For their rendition of the service, traction would be provided solely by BR(S) Rebuilt 'Merchant Navy' Class - 35028 "Clan Line". The majority of Railtours in the south that originate from London, start out of London Victoria rather than Waterloo, due to congestion in the capitals' terminus stations. However, this ACE would start out of Waterloo, with 35028 working the tour down the South West Mainline to Basingstoke where it joined the West of England Mainline bound for Exeter via Salisbury. The tour would then head north to Bristol and Bath. 35028 would then lead the tour along the Wessex Mainline back to Salisbury, rejoining the West of England Mainline back to Basingstoke, and then back to the capital to close proceedings. With the tour starting out of Waterloo, it presented the rare opportunity to witness steam on the SWML in suburban London. This opportunity was snapped up at New Malden, with 35028 working on the down fast line through the station. Overtaking the tour during its stop at Salisbury, "Clan Line" would put on an enthusiastic performance as it climbed through Dinton. Moving further west, the Bulleid pacific battled tricky conditions as it faced the 1-in-80 gradient into Honiton tunnel, producing a powerful performance on the climb. Later in the afternoon, 35028 stretched its legs as it led the tour away from Exeter, working its way passed Pugham Farm as it headed for Bristol. Working back towards the capital, "Clan Line" would hammer its way up the 1-in-70 gradient through Upton Scudamore, as it headed for Salisbury. Finally, as the rain fell, the Bulleid pacific romped through Andover at speed, giving a long blast on the whistle, as it headed up the West of England Mainline. This celebration of the 'ACE', took place on the 55th anniversary of "Clan Line" hauling the 'Farewell to Southern Steam No2' excursion between London Waterloo and Bournemouth Central. All footage filmed on Saturday the 2nd of July 2022.