Clan Line to share ‘Pullman’ as DB takes over contract

Locomotives other than Clan Line could share work on the ‘British Pullman’ in future, after a new contract put DB Cargo in charge of sourcing and supplying steam locomotives. The previous contract was directly with No. 35028’s owner, the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society. The Bulleid ‘Pacific’ has been the regular steam motive power for the Pullmans since the 1990s, and the MNLPS has been responsible for sourcing alternatives when the Eastleigh ‘8P’ is unavailable; during No. 35028’s current overhaul, the replacement engine has been ‘A1’ No. 60163 Tornado. However, both DB and the MNLPS says it is expected that Clan Line will haul most steam-hauled ‘British Pullman’ trains in future. “We’ve renewed the contract for Belmond’s ‘British Pullman’ for five years and part of that is supplying all traction, steam and diesel, for the programme,” DB’s Richard Corser told Steam Railway. “It is still anticipated that the majority of the programme will be handled by Clan Line, but there will be the opportunity for other guest engines to appear.” MNLPS chairman Tim Robbins said the gestation of the new arrangements had “been going on for some time, and it’s finally come to fruition. “Belmond has always been keen to point out that it doesn’t imply any criticism of anything that we’ve done,” “It’s almost the status quo, but it does create a few gaps for us to do other things. “It is fine with us. It’s been a big job keeping the Belmond [Pullmans] going all these years, and given the balance - i.e. that we’ll do the majority of trains and stay at Stewarts Lane, it’s fine.” The ‘Merchant Navy’ is expected to return to steam this year, and has highprofile trips booked into its diary to mark 50 years since the end of Southern steam (SR462).