Blackmore Vale Express and 35028 Clan Line at Yeovil Railway Centre

16 July 2011
UK Railtours ran Blackmore Vale Express from London Waterloo to Salisbury, Sherborne and Yeovil Junction with 35028 'Clan Line'. The train consist was 12 coaches + support although 'Clan Line' is used to dealing with heavy loads on the VSOE (Orient Express).

A new contributor to photos on the website, Paul Godfrey, has kindly forwarded a link to his gallery of the day. Please CLICK HERE to view and use the Back Button on the browser to return here.

Coaling 'Pectin'. Accurate throwing required!
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Arrival at Platform 3.

Running past the turntable.
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

'Clan Line' on the turntable.
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

With 'Clan Line' as a backdrop, ex-Salisbury Area Manager, Gerald Daniels gives a talk on his instigation of 'Blackmore Vale Express' 25 years ago.
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Seen from the viewing platform.
(Photo courtesy John Plowman)

Afterwards, the founder of Yeovil Railway Centre and its first chairman, Eric Tyler, spoke. The Centre followed on the resurrection of steam on the Salisbury-Yeovil line and continues to provide and expand facilities for main line steam.
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Left-Right. Paul Gould (current Chairman, Yeovil Railway Centre, Gerald Daniels, Eric Tyler and Colin Robins. A copy of Colin's excellent book 'You Can't Take the Steam Out of Me' was presented to Gerald to mark the event.
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Later volunteers, John Cornelius and roving volunteer reporter, Brian Haigh chat to Gerald Daniels.
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Paul Gould chats to Gordon Pettitt, former General Manager, British Rail Southern Region and also British Rail, Regional Railways.(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

During the speeches, 'Pectin' coupled to the support coach and moved back towards Network Rail metals for 'Clan Line' to pick up later.
(Photo courtesy Peter Starks MNLPS)

Whilst 'Clan Line' was over the pit, resident steam loco 'Pectin' operated brake van rides passing stabled 34067 'Tangmere'.

The turn completed, the vacuum hose is disconnected.
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

A contrast in styles between the rebuilt (35028) and unrebuilt (34067) Bulleid pacifics.

35028 takes its support coach to take coal from the waiting lorry.
(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

'Clan Line' has gone to the upside to collect coal from a waiting lorry. The semaphore gantry will be swept away in April 2012 under the resignalling scheme. 'Pectin' passes.