MAIN LINE MISCELLANEA

●● After the ‘Plandampf’ on the ‘S&C’ 2017, many said they’d be up for another – but, as yet at least, it’s never happened. Instead, this summer will almost see a ‘Plan-diesel’, with a series of Class 47 charter trains over the same section as Tornado’s jaunt, between Skipton and Appleby. Those are under the umbrella of Rail Charter Services, part of the evergrowing Jeremy Hosking organisation; three runs per day Mondays-Saturdays, all First Class. Good for tourists, but the SR reader will wonder: could you again run something similar with steam…?

●● When will Clan Line next be out? The Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society is now looking at a pair of Pullman jobs on December 1 and 12, for which “we’ve done the negotiations”, says the group’s Paul Blowfield. All previously listed jobs for the Bulleid. have been either postponed or cancelled

●● It’s sant consolation for the real thing, but you can now experience Clan Line from home – and drive it too. If you’re no video gamer, I’ll wager you’ll be astonished by the detail of the new ‘add on’ by Bossman Games for Train Simulator 2020. And – deep breath – you can even make No. 35028 grimy…

●● The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust’s workshop is up and running – but with work focued on the new-build ‘Patriot’, not Duchess of Sutherland. While still waiting to see when people will want to use No. 6233, a washout and annual exam on the 4-6-2 is an “as and when” job, says CME Simon Scott. West Shed remains closed to visitors but the trust is open to donations at www.prclt.co.uk