AFTER a protracted overhaul, No. 35028 Clan Line finally made it back to the main line in time to work the Belmond Pullman to Bath on April 27 – 50 years to the day since its first return to the main line in 1974. It cannot be overstated how much hard work and heartache went into the work involved, with one problem after another being overcome in the 21-month marathon. The final three months included a huge amount of work. In the words of Chris Elllck of the MNLPS: “Since December 5, it is worth repeating that two side sheets were cut, fitted, prepped and welded; more than 1000 stays were drilled, reamed, tapped, manufactured and fitted; two thermic siphons were assembled and fitted, all in situ; the boiler was prepared for a hydraulic test; and the grate was refitted for the steam test.”
And so to the fitness-to-run (FTR) exam on April 19, as Alan Rawling’s image shows, which was then followed by the loaded test run round Kent on April 22. This run started from Stewarts Lane at 10.41am, 21 minutes late, and ran via the Catford Loop, Bromley South (11.55am),
