It was full steam ahead for railway enthusiasts across the Petersphere on Saturday (6th November) as Merchant Navy Class No.35028 "Clan Line" chuffed through the South Downs.

“The Hampshire Pullman” was virtually on-time for the entirety of its six hour long trip from London Victoria and down the Portsmouth Direct Line before looping back round towards the capital via Eastleigh and Basingstoke.

The train made its first stop at Haslemere to allow the locomotive to take on water. It was there that Shine Radio’s Noni Needs and Harrison RB were invited for a tour of the iconic British Pullman carriages used on the London-Folkestone leg of the Venice Simplon Orient Express.

Noni and Harrison also spoke to volunteers from the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society - Clan Line’s owners - who are supported entirely through donations. This particular tour was organised by UK Railtours.

But the excitement wasn’t all up the A3 in Haslemere - Stephen Martin was at Kingsfernsden Lane level crossing where families gathered to catch a glimpse of the train as it headed for Petersfield station. Stephen spoke to Gill who lives close to the railway line.