It was full steam ahead for railway enthusiasts across the Petersphere on Saturday (6th November) as Merchant Navy Class No.35028 “Clan Line” chuffed through the South Downs.
“The Hampshire Pullman” was virtually on-time for the entirety of its six hour long trip from London Victoria and down the Portsmouth Direct Line before looping back round towards the capital via Eastleigh and Basingstoke.
The train made its first stop at Haslemere to allow the locomotive to take on water. It was there that Shine Radio’s Noni Needs and Harrison RB were invited for a tour of the iconic British Pullman carriages used on the London-Folkestone leg of the Venice Simplon Orient Express.
Noni and Harrison also spoke to volunteers from the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society – Clan Line’s owners – who are supported entirely through donations and hauling excursions.
Harrison and Noni with Clan Line 
Noni speaks to General Manager of the Belmond British Pullman, Craig 
Cygnus carriage – reimagined by Wes Anderson 
Cygnus carriage – reimagined by Wes Anderson 
Walking through the train 
Table with crockery and champagne 
Private coupe 
Lucille carriage 
Harrison shovelling coal on Clan Line 
Noni and Harrison speak to Chief Mechanical Engineer, Chris 
Clan Line ready to depart Haslemere for Petersfield
Your Videos
See its passage between Sheet and Tilmore, as seen from Kingsfernsden Lane, as the train approaches Petersfield.
Families lined the lane to enjoy this sight.
Craig Young captured this from Tilmore Road bridge.
Moments later, Dave Williams filmed this footage of the train slowing through Petersfield railway station. He was lucky the northbound service wasn’t running early!
Your Photographs
Shine Radio listener David Strutt sent this gorgeous image of the train about to pass the barriers at Andlers Ash Road in Liss.
Ian Crossman caught this dramatic sight as the train headed south at speed between Buriton and Clanfield.
Safely back at Victoria after our trip today with UK Railtours. A superb day all round and enjoyed by all.
— Clan Line (@ClanLine28) November 6, 2021
Thank you to everyone concerned making today possible. pic.twitter.com/Mf3tJdYPD6
We’re still very much thinking back to yesterday’s “Hampshire Pullman” with UK Railtours.
— Clan Line (@ClanLine28) November 7, 2021
Here’s a few from one of our working party members, Chris Meredith from Herne Hill, Eastleigh & Winchester that we wanted to share with you!#clanline #hampshirepullman #trains pic.twitter.com/o7ou8o9Fxx
Send your photos and videos
We’d love to see them – email team@shineradio.uk.
