35009- one of my favorite Merchants

Why? Because she gave me my best runs Waterloo-Salisbury both ways and also Salisbury-Sidmouth Jct, all on the ACE, which she didn't seem to get on as much as say 35013.

Here she is passing Battledown on 12 Pullmans taking the rich and famous for their Atlantic crossing in one of the Queens no doubt.

Don

Oh. And re 35009. Had good run on the down ACE with her on 22nd July 1964. Fred Hoare and Peter Allen were the crew.

Left on time with usual Fred Hoare careful start. Just getting close to 70 mph by Surbiton, but got checked to the slow line.

Back to the main line at Woking, then 63 over MP 31. Usual brisk running in high 70s low 80s along to Newnham. Close to 70 mph sustained up to Battledown summit. A typical Fred 90 through Andover, 70 over Grateley then the long tsr at Allington. Followed by 87 down Porton Bank and the usual very fast entry from Tunnel Junction that I am sure would be impossible today! Less than two and a half minutes! 84.28 overall time. But less than 74 net time.

Firstly, my apologies to Bryan. Ive removed your post on Pullmans, and transferred it on its own to General Railway Chat section. It is worthy of a thread on its own.

I have some questions on this matter to ask

Ask away guys - After all this is what it is all about..... I love reading and seeing all these old shots.... Makes me want to go back on the MHR very soon... May have to wait to see what happens on the job front though first...

News has it that Ian Riley is going to be making a start on 35009 very soon!

I have heard that the Trailing Truckand bogie have been moved into the Works of Riley's workshop? Does anyone know if anything else is being dealt with?