35028 'Clan Line' Roars Down The Mainline - Atlantic Coast Express- 2/7/22

As part of the 55th anniversary of the end of Southern steam, The Railway Touring company organised the first of two railtours, commemorating the event. This first run would see Merchant Navy No.35028 'Clan Line' recreate part of the Atlantic Coast Express. Running from London Waterloo to Exeter and return, the run would see the locomotive constantly pushing the 75mph limit, as it charged down to the south west. Starting out in London at Wimbledon, 35028 is seen powering away from the capital on the down fast putting on a display for the crowd. Heading down the West of England mainline, Grateley bank is seen being flattened as it changes through the station. After the waterstop at Salisbury, 35028 is seen again on the charge at Baverstock, on the single line to Exeter. With the weather turning nasty, we headed to the old disused station at Seaton Junction on the 1in80 climb to Honiton. A packed footage was in for a treat as a pre arranged whistle, in honor of Sean Day-Lewis president of the Bulleid society. After the lunch break, we head back out to see Clan Line racing alongside the M5 on the climb to Whiteball. With the weather again making itself known, 35028 is seen taking it easy on the 1in70 climb at Upton Scudamore, trying to not lose its feet on the greasy rails. Finally we reached Andover, for a grand display of speed and power. With the rain battering down, 35028 shows why it's at the top of mainline steam, with the whistle being lent on and at the full 75mph limit. As normal, the loco didn't put a foot wrong and expertly handled by the West Coast crews on this 400 mile run.