UK RAILTOUR -- THE QUANTOCK INTRUDER SATURDAY 26th MAY 2018

Our long-awaited tour taking Merchant Navy Pacific 35028 ‘Clan Line’ from London to the West Somerset Railway has now been confirmed and we are anticipating a lot of interest.

Unusually for ‘Clan Line’ departure is from London Paddington with pick-up stops at Slough (for the M25) and at Reading. After a water stop at Theale we head west down the so-called ‘Berks & Hants’ line which should give opportunities for some sustained fast running.

There will be another water stop at Frome before we reach Taunton where our West Somerset Railway crew join for the journey through the Quantock Hills, passing scheduled WSR steam trains along the way. The line is single-track throughout, winding its way through the truly stunning Somerset countryside to the neatly preserved GWR terminus at Minehead, which is directly alongside the promenade, close to all amenities, pubs and shops.

You will have around three hours at leisure in Minehead, which should be pleasant in May before the summer crowds arrive. If you wish you can take additional journeys on the West Somerset Railway using their own scheduled trains, with specially discounted fares on offer (payable on the day).

On the return journey 35028 will be in charge on the West Somerset Railway section of the journey, unusually running tender-first as our giant of steam it is too long for Minehead’s turntable. At Bishops Lydeard the loco will be detached and a Class 67 will be in charge for the journey back to London.

All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.

Station	Depart	Arrive
London Paddington	08.00	22.20
Slough (for M25)	08.35	21.50
Reading	09.05	21.25