Clan Line misses out on special tour because of siphon cracks discovery

MERCHANT Navy Pacific No. 35028 Clan Line was pulled out of the July 22 Belmond British Pullman ‘The Golden Age of Travel by Steam’ lunchtime circular tour from London Victoria after minor cracks were found in the thermic syphons, which are part of the firebox. After talks with the boiler insurers, it was agreed that remedial work was necessary before No. 35028 could return to traffic.

A statement from the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society read that it was “with great regret” that Clan Line had to be removed from the Belmond train.

“We have been in touch with the boiler inspector and our suppliers and have worked out a way forward, but there is a lot to do and we won’t be able to get the repairs and testing done in a couple of days,” it said.

“We apologise to Belmond and its customers for the disappointment caused.”