BRITISH INDIA LINE - BLACK ON THE ‘BIG RAILWAY’

‘Merchant Navy’ No. 35018 British India Line steamed on the national network for the first time since 1964 on May 18. The rebuilt Bulleid ‘Pacific’ ran ‘engine and van’ between Carnforth and Hellifield. West Coast Railways MD Pat Marshall told Steam Railway that with more trial runs planned, as yet: “There is no plan to put it on anything in particular.” “It’s been off the network for 50 years. David [Smith - WCR chairman] wants to keep it on his own doorstep - and we’re on hand in case there are any faults. “There’ll be more test runs until David’s completely happy with it.” Rather than the BR green carried by all the rebuilt ‘Merchant Navy’ engines in service, the Eastleigh 4-6-2 is currently painted gloss black, with its ‘98818’ TOPS number on its cabside and ‘cycling lion’ tender crest. Asked whether that might change, the WCR MD said: “I’ve no idea. All I can tell you is that it looks magnificent in black.”