35017 Belgian Marine clags thro Streatham Up Canterbury Special 10 Dec 2011

British Railways Rebuilt Merchant Navy Class No: 35017 Belgian Marine clags superbly past Streatham at the head of the UK Railtours Up Canterbury Christmas Special railtour from London-Victoria to Canterbury-West and return on Saturday 10th December 2011. Belgian Marine was hauling a monster load. 13 Mk 1's and I think the 67 was on for train-heating. I make that about 560 tons.

Today's run was the 3rd one by Clan Line dressed-up as Belgian Marine. The 1st was 1 week ago and I filmed it departing London-Victoria. Today's train was unique in one respect. It's the only steam special in 2011 called Canterbury Special.
Streatham is on a useful link-line for steam specials coming off the Southern main-line and linking up with the South Eastern main-line at Herne Hill so Belgian Marine can get back to London-Victoria at Platform 2. I heard Belgian Marine slowly chugging which is why I turned the camera on when I did. However, because of background noise you can't hear it until 00:40.
Steam at Streatham is very rare. Belgian Marine's train was only the 4th to pass Streatham in the Up direction this year.
Belgian Marine makes a wonderful display as it accelerates under the road-bridge that crosses the centre of the station. Just look at the exhaust lift up as Belgian Marine clears the bridge and there is a bit of a glow from the fire-box.

Streatham has a simple two-track layout. The Down line (I was filming on the Up) is served by First Capital Connect trains to Sutton and Southern trains to West Croydon. The Up line is served by First Capital Connect trains to Luton or St-Pancras-International whereas the Southern trains go to London Bridge. There are about 6 trains per hour per platform outside peak hours.

Streatham station was opened in October 1868 as part of a London, Brighton & South Coast Railway line from Peckham Rye, through Tulse Hill and onto Sutton.

Hope you enjoy and please give me your feedback. I wish all my viewers and subscribers a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• 35017
• Belgian
• Marine
• clags
• thro
• Streatham
• Up
• Canterbury
• Special
• 10
• Dec
• 20113

[tombalon1994]

fantastic video of a Merchant Navy working hard. the night adds to the atmosphere

[bkendlerA4]

@tombalon1994 Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you liked it. Barry

[Stirlingshire43110]

Very nice video! I do love that chugging sound she was making :)

[bkendlerA4]

@Stirlingshire43110 Thanks for the comment. BM was making a nice noise. Barry

[johndanthethird]

Brilliant video Barry, the atmosphere was just incredible. There's something so magical about steam at night. A like,

Danny

[bkendlerA4]

@johndanthethird Thanks for the comment. I agree about night shots. Barry

[bkendlerA4]

@tigerlilyweymouth6 Thanks. It was a great sight and sound. Barry

[tigerlilyweymouth6]

Great effect through the station...well done

[bkendlerA4]

@OLDBOYSTEAMING Sorry you've been poorly. You've been missed especially with two Belgian Marine runs. Glad you're back and you enjoyed the Streatham shot. The engine looks great. Barry

[bkendlerA4]

@bobnweaver Thanks Jeff, It was a great sight and sound. Barry