Tuesday, 22 August 2017

Clan Line


On Saturday 26th October 1974, Andy took us in his car to Stratford-upon-Avon to see Merchant Navy Class No. 35028 Clan Line on the Twin Pacific Rail Tour. The day was an unusual one in that it involved two separate trains, both originating in London but organised by different operators, the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society and the Locomotive Club of Great Britain.

Both specials used A4 Class No. 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley, as well as Clan Line. We photographed the MN light engine at Wilmscote and when it left Stratford for Didcot with the MNLPS train.

Widespread trespassing on the permanent way at Stratford, with one photographer even climbing a semaphore signal post, reminds me of how attitudes to health and safety whilst watching trains have changed over subsequent decades. More recent escapades surrounding the return of the Flying Scotsman have perhaps reignited the issue.







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