Clan Line to Oxford, 26th April 2008
On a very warm April day 35028 was due to work the British Pullman to Oxford and return. A full weight 13 coach train, (including nine heavy pullman cars) along with a heavy diesel. Whose only work was due to be e.c.s. workings, and the stretch from Didcot to Oxford that would get 35028 facing the right way for the return trip.

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26 April. Through Virginia Water 35028 made a lovely sight roaring along over the neatly laid out crossover to the line that takes the train to Reading. next 26 April. Just a pity that the sun was hiding behind a cloud! next 26 April. Now the sun had decided to shine again. Like here as 35028 and the 600 ton plus train was raced towards Martins Heron station, East of Bracknell. next 26 April. Traffiic conditions for your photographer meant an unusually slow drive to Goring and Streatley station. But still arriving a few minutes before the immaculate pacific hurried through. next 26 April. Yes, she was a lovely sight at Goring. But with a very long wait until the return train, a walk up in the North Wessex Downs and the Long Distance Path, "The Ridgeway", was a good way to spend to spend the intervening hours. next 26 April. And that return run was first photographed from a bridge approaching Pangbourne, where a local train was just clearing the shot. next 26 April. And she was photographed with just enough sun to shine down the side of the train. next 26 April. Despite the local trains running up to 30 minutes late, 35028 approached Martins Heron Station spot on time. next 26 April. But with those local trains running late I did wonder if Control would want their steam hauled train to take water etc rather quickly at Ascot and clear a pathway very soon for normal fare paying passengers. next 16 April. And so it was. As I grabbed the lens cap off, 35028 raced through Virginia water 19 minutes early. Hurrying no doubt to clear a pathway for the regular passengers who I know from a few moments talk most certainly really enjoyed the lovely site of Clan Line passing them here. top  2008 Photos continued  Index