Speed Merchant . British India Line at Speed.

SR Merchant Navy Class 35018 British India Line returned to the rails on the a light test run on the 18th of May 2017 and since that day has shown some blistering performances on the West Coast Mainline over Shap and the Settle & Carlisle line . This is a compilation showing some of those fine displays from 2017 to 2020 . Some tours did have a class 47 on the rear of the train but most times the 47 was not helping . The last shot has been added even though it shows 35018 at slow speed just because of the light that day .

[@rjas365]

An excellent compilation, Steve. Certainly blistering performances by BIL and some incredible exhaust trails. The Hellifield shot makes an ideal closing sequence with its unrepeatable lighting. Kind regards, Bob

[@deauvilledad07]

35018 has surely made herself at homes in and around the northern hills and dales. Excellent video Steve, well done 🤓💙

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Anthony, must admit I didn’t think this engine would be as brilliant as it has been 👍Regards Steve

[@robmasterman]

After all her early problems Steve, what a performer she has become, as clearly shown in this excellent production....Bob

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Bob, nothing seems to bother this engine so I’d like to see her on Beattock or up Miles Platting soon.

[@acw71000]

Good compilation again Steve. 35018 has certainly become something of a star loco since here return

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Austin, didn’t think the Merchant would be as impressive as it has been if I’m honest 👍

[@CrossfellRailwayVideos]

Some cracking good photography there, Steve. That last clip is superb!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Alan, must admit the lightning at Hellifield was special that day 👍

[@984francis]

A masterpiece in all respects.

[@EMuksteam]

Brilliant compilation Steve. She is a great steam engine. Those three years have passed quickly. Kind regards C&A

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks C&A, yes time goes nowhere does it as only seems like yesterday when I first filmed her .

[@SteamAgePictures]

Thanks Steve. That collection was a lot of fun. Worth it for the soundtrack alone :) The Hellifield departure shot is magic - no complaints from me for including that. Did you notice the flashing red light on the front bufferbeam at about 07:45? Oops!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Mark, oddly enough I didn’t spot the red lamp so well done for pointing that out for me . Cheers Steve

[@nige7577]

Great compilation Steve, a good show from the Merchant all round, cheers nige

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Nige , you were at most of the locations 😂

[@bobnweaver]

A superb compilation of British India Line Steve. As your video shows 35018 has done some great work since returning to the mainline. Regards, Jeff.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Jeff , the Merchant has certainly shown just what it can do .

[@tattoo1084]

Quality picture and sound, nice looking loco British India. Like the last shot with the dark cloud and the swirling white exhaust. thanks.👍

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks David, the lighting for the last shot was spectacular indeed. Regards Steve

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

excellent shots of 35018 around the county lovely scenery too 👍

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Barry, must admit the Merchant looks right st home in the Cumbrian fells 👍

[@SimonTog]

Super done video Steve, looking nice :)

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Simon, much appreciated as ever 👍

[@noelist]

wow thanks, needed that, got 37s ringing in my ears.....

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Leon , glad it brightened your day 👍

[@Jockdownsouth]

I love the way BI Line is always "in your face", maybe brash and boastful. Almost as if she's saying, "I don't care what you throw at me, I'll deal with it because I'm that good".

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the kind comment and your so right about the Merchant 👍

[@AinscoughProductions]

Great shots, where was the one at 10:30 taken from? the lighting was gorgeous!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the kind comment. The shot at 10-30 is Stockber in between Appleby and Kirkby Stephen and that evening the light was superb. A mate of mine was stewarding on the train so he arranged for clag and plenty of whistles 👍

[@Sam-jt1fn]

Great footage Steve! Thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Would like to see 13 behind it un assisted on a cme in the summer. Saw it last year with 11 on amd it ran over shap as if it wasn’t there(almost😂) also where is the spot at 3:08? Would like to try it sometime. Cheers sam

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Sam , yes 35018 has been fantastic I must admit. 3-08 is the Green over bridge at Crosby Garrett.

[@Pesmog]

There were some pretty impressive loads there. Did I count 13 on the hook plus the diesel? Thats a lot of weight. Great filming.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the kind comment and yes the load was thirteen and the diesel so very impressive.

[@OlanKenny]

7:43, did someone forget to remove the tail lamp?
In any case, excellent video. The Merchant is excellent on The Northern Fells and long may she reign!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Olan , well spotted as I must admit I’d not noticed it .