2. Railways

Central Scotland Semaphores

A visiting friend from Englandshire wanted to record the semaphores around Carmuirs up to Stirling, who was I not to oblige? Carmuirs Triangle, through Larbert and Plean to Stirling. 4/9/2006. With a few additions from 4/12/2006
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  • The early mornings sun shines onto the triangle at Carmuirs as a class 158 and 170 pairing heads for Glasgow Queen Street with 2N24 0808 from Stirling.

    The early mornings sun shines onto the triangle at Carmuirs as a class 158 and 170 pairing heads for Glasgow Queen Street with 2N24 0808 from Stirling.

  • Despite the fact that this time of the morning is very busy with commuter traffic, paths are still found for coal trains. 66019 comes round the curve from Carmuirs West signalbox with a loaded MGR train. The working is 7G13 0553 from Hunterston to Longannet power station.

    Despite the fact that this time of the morning is very busy with commuter traffic, paths are still found for coal trains. 66019 comes round the curve from Carmuirs West signalbox with a loaded MGR train. The working is 7G13 0553 from Hunterston to Longannet power station.

  • Strathclyde Passenger Transport liveried 170426 comes by on the east to west curve of Carmuirs triangle working 2J65 0844 Falkirk Grahamston to Glasgow Queen Street.

    Strathclyde Passenger Transport liveried 170426 comes by on the east to west curve of Carmuirs triangle working 2J65 0844 Falkirk Grahamston to Glasgow Queen Street.

  • A Scotrail liveried turbostar passes on the north to west part of the triangle with a class 1 working from Aberdeen, 1T08, 0635 off to Glasgow's Queen Street station.

    A Scotrail liveried turbostar passes on the north to west part of the triangle with a class 1 working from Aberdeen, 1T08, 0635 off to Glasgow's Queen Street station.

  • A sign of the old order, 158723 has not been repainted from the old National Express livery into the new First Group colours. This day part of its diagram is 2J42 0823 Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk Grahamston.

    A sign of the old order, 158723 has not been repainted from the old National Express livery into the new First Group colours. This day part of its diagram is 2J42 0823 Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk Grahamston.

  • Another loaded coal train appears with 66108 in charge of 7G14 0622 Hunterston to Longannet Power Station slowly approaching the signal.

    Another loaded coal train appears with 66108 in charge of 7G14 0622 Hunterston to Longannet Power Station slowly approaching the signal.

  • 158727 comes round the curve and has the road through Carmuirs station. The train is 2P78 0857 Dunblane to Edinburgh.

    158727 comes round the curve and has the road through Carmuirs station. The train is 2P78 0857 Dunblane to Edinburgh.

  • Most of the trains that run about here are class 2 local workings. This unknown SPT set heads for the dormitory town of Dunblane, 2N45 0848 off Glasgow Queen Street.

    Most of the trains that run about here are class 2 local workings. This unknown SPT set heads for the dormitory town of Dunblane, 2N45 0848 off Glasgow Queen Street.

  • 158727 clatters over the pointwork of Carmuirs East Junction.

    158727 clatters over the pointwork of Carmuirs East Junction.

  • After sitting at signal CE3 for a while, the driver of 66108 working 7G16 gets the road and the driver gets his train underway. The loco is putting out a little clag as the driver gets the train up to its 45mph speed as soon as possible.

    After sitting at signal CE3 for a while, the driver of 66108 working 7G16 gets the road and the driver gets his train underway. The loco is putting out a little clag as the driver gets the train up to its 45mph speed as soon as possible.

  • A move to Larbert Junction and 158715 passes the former Caledonian Railway signalbox working 2P29 0849 Newcraighall to Dunblane.

    A move to Larbert Junction and 158715 passes the former Caledonian Railway signalbox working 2P29 0849 Newcraighall to Dunblane.

  • The semaphore signals of the Carmuirs Triangle had little time left and were due to be replaced with colour light signals by spring of the following year, 2007. 170473 runs past the 'box with 2N63 0918 Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling.

    The semaphore signals of the Carmuirs Triangle had little time left and were due to be replaced with colour light signals by spring of the following year, 2007. 170473 runs past the 'box with 2N63 0918 Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling.

  • Spike gets in the shot as National Express liveried 170423 has the Glasgow road with 1T30 0848 Dundee to Queen Street.

    Spike gets in the shot as National Express liveried 170423 has the Glasgow road with 1T30 0848 Dundee to Queen Street.

  • All boards are off! Ex Hull Trains 170394 comes northbound by signals LJ25 and LN1R, on the same post, while working 1A57 0942 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen. The Falkirk Wheel dominates the background.

    All boards are off! Ex Hull Trains 170394 comes northbound by signals LJ25 and LN1R, on the same post, while working 1A57 0942 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen. The Falkirk Wheel dominates the background.

  • Looking north at Larbert Junction and SPT carmine and cream 170477 passes by signals LJ5 and CE 5 which are on and LJ18 and CW22 which are off. The duty is 2N54 0953 Stirling to Glasgow Queen Street and the driver gives us a wave.

    Looking north at Larbert Junction and SPT carmine and cream 170477 passes by signals LJ5 and CE 5 which are on and LJ18 and CW22 which are off. The duty is 2N54 0953 Stirling to Glasgow Queen Street and the driver gives us a wave.

  • National Express liveried 158707 comes with a class 2 working from Newcraighall to Dunblane, 2N13 0919 off the new station.

    National Express liveried 158707 comes with a class 2 working from Newcraighall to Dunblane, 2N13 0919 off the new station.

  • Another class 2 working bound for Dunblane passes by the former Caledonian Railway signalbox at Larbert. 170470 in SPT colours forms 2N47 0948 from Glasgow Queen Street.

    Another class 2 working bound for Dunblane passes by the former Caledonian Railway signalbox at Larbert. 170470 in SPT colours forms 2N47 0948 from Glasgow Queen Street.

  • Another SPT liveried unit comes by, this time it is Sprinter 156434 rostered to 2P80 0957 from Dunblane to Edinburgh. My pal Spike is seen recording the train.

    Another SPT liveried unit comes by, this time it is Sprinter 156434 rostered to 2P80 0957 from Dunblane to Edinburgh. My pal Spike is seen recording the train.

  • 170451 approaches under a clear signal LJ25. Below is distant LN1R which is on. This is a repeater distant signal controlled by Larbert North signalbox at the station. The service is 2N67 1018 Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling.

    170451 approaches under a clear signal LJ25. Below is distant LN1R which is on. This is a repeater distant signal controlled by Larbert North signalbox at the station. The service is 2N67 1018 Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling.

  • Turning round for the going away shot of 170451. Looking closely beyond the front of the train and signals LJ24 and LN1 are visible. LJ24 is off and, like LN1R, LN1 is on meaning the next signal will be at danger.

    Turning round for the going away shot of 170451. Looking closely beyond the front of the train and signals LJ24 and LN1 are visible. LJ24 is off and, like LN1R, LN1 is on meaning the next signal will be at danger.

  • Sprinter 158715 is seen again as it heads back to Newcraighall, on the line to Millerhill, with 2P34 1029 from Dunblane.

    Sprinter 158715 is seen again as it heads back to Newcraighall, on the line to Millerhill, with 2P34 1029 from Dunblane.

  • The up Highland Chieftain comes by with 43119 leading and 43095 at the rear. Home signal LJ5 is off whilst Carmuirs East's distant CE5 is on. This long distance working is 1E12 0755 from Inverness to London Kings Cross.

    The up Highland Chieftain comes by with 43119 leading and 43095 at the rear. Home signal LJ5 is off whilst Carmuirs East's distant CE5 is on. This long distance working is 1E12 0755 from Inverness to London Kings Cross.

  • Most units form class 2 local workings but the Aberdeen and Inverness trains are class 1. This is an Aberdeen working so 170423 passes on 1A59, 1042 off Glasgow Queen Street.

    Most units form class 2 local workings but the Aberdeen and Inverness trains are class 1. This is an Aberdeen working so 170423 passes on 1A59, 1042 off Glasgow Queen Street.

  • SPT liveried 170477 is held at signals at Larbert Junction whilst working 2N49 1048 Glasgow Queen Street to Dunblane. The Falkirk Wheel is in mid rotation.

    SPT liveried 170477 is held at signals at Larbert Junction whilst working 2N49 1048 Glasgow Queen Street to Dunblane. The Falkirk Wheel is in mid rotation.

  • New DRS 66413 clatters over the pointwork at Larbert Junction as it wheels the daily Grangemouth to Aberdeen intermodal across the junction. The train is 4A11 1038 off Grangemouth.

    New DRS 66413 clatters over the pointwork at Larbert Junction as it wheels the daily Grangemouth to Aberdeen intermodal across the junction. The train is 4A11 1038 off Grangemouth.

  • 66413 was unloaded at Newport Docks on 29/5/2006 so has been in traffic for a few months now but it still looks new.

    66413 was unloaded at Newport Docks on 29/5/2006 so has been in traffic for a few months now but it still looks new.

  • A move now to the overbridge at Larbert and looking back towards the junction and 158710 and 158731 come off the Carmuirs East curve passing Larbert Junction signalbox. In total 13 semaphore signals and two signal boxes are visible. In the distance is Carmuirs West 'box.

    A move now to the overbridge at Larbert and looking back towards the junction and 158710 and 158731 come off the Carmuirs East curve passing Larbert Junction signalbox. In total 13 semaphore signals and two signal boxes are visible. In the distance is Carmuirs West 'box.

  • Sprinters 158710 and 158731 slow for their Larbert stop whilst employed on 2P35 1049 Newcraighall to Dunblane.

    Sprinters 158710 and 158731 slow for their Larbert stop whilst employed on 2P35 1049 Newcraighall to Dunblane.

  • Another class 158 sprinter passes by, this is 158706 working 2P36 1127 Dunblane to Newcraighall gathering speed after its Larbert stop

    Another class 158 sprinter passes by, this is 158706 working 2P36 1127 Dunblane to Newcraighall gathering speed after its Larbert stop

  • I have never photographed at Larbert station before so this is a first. 170474 comes slowly in for its station stop with 2N67 1118 Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling. Once the line is finished to Alloa these services will terminate there.

    I have never photographed at Larbert station before so this is a first. 170474 comes slowly in for its station stop with 2N67 1118 Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling. Once the line is finished to Alloa these services will terminate there.

  • The going away shot of 170474 sees it passing the tall down starter LN6 with dummies LN11 and 12 down on the ground. Larbert North signalbox is to the right.

    The going away shot of 170474 sees it passing the tall down starter LN6 with dummies LN11 and 12 down on the ground. Larbert North signalbox is to the right.

  • 67004 has (believe it or not) 66178 tucked inside and is working 5D03 MX 0927 Aberdeen to Mossend empty vans. The train is passing below the signal gantry with the (at the time) only splitting distant signals left in Scotland. LN45 and LJ17 are off, signal LJ4 relates to the Carmuirs East spur.

    67004 has (believe it or not) 66178 tucked inside and is working 5D03 MX 0927 Aberdeen to Mossend empty vans. The train is passing below the signal gantry with the (at the time) only splitting distant signals left in Scotland. LN45 and LJ17 are off, signal LJ4 relates to the Carmuirs East spur.

  • Turbostar 170407 passes below the gantry with 1T14 0908 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street. In the foreground are shunting dummies LN28 and 29, they give access to the up yard that hasn't seen traffic for many years.

    Turbostar 170407 passes below the gantry with 1T14 0908 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street. In the foreground are shunting dummies LN28 and 29, they give access to the up yard that hasn't seen traffic for many years.

  • A busy moment at Larbert as 170451 makes its departure with 2N50 1153 Stirling to Glasgow Queen Street, while 170410 speeds through non stop with 1A61 1142 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen.

    A busy moment at Larbert as 170451 makes its departure with 2N50 1153 Stirling to Glasgow Queen Street, while 170410 speeds through non stop with 1A61 1142 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen.

  • 158735 and 158715 head for Edinburgh and Newcraighall with 2P84 1157 off Dunblane. The splitting distants are seen in proper use as signals LN45 and LJ4 are both off. In the foreground and framing the shot are shunting dummies LN30 and 32.

    158735 and 158715 head for Edinburgh and Newcraighall with 2P84 1157 off Dunblane. The splitting distants are seen in proper use as signals LN45 and LJ4 are both off. In the foreground and framing the shot are shunting dummies LN30 and 32.

  • 158704 gather speed as it departs Larbert station. The track gradient changes from 1 in 253 up to 1 in 164 down and the Ochill Hills are prominent in the background. The splitting distants are clearly seen and the down advanced starter LN7 is off with loop starter LN 56 next to it.

    158704 gather speed as it departs Larbert station. The track gradient changes from 1 in 253 up to 1 in 164 down and the Ochill Hills are prominent in the background. The splitting distants are clearly seen and the down advanced starter LN7 is off with loop starter LN 56 next to it.

  • A closer view of 158704 and the prominent change of gradient from rising 1 in 253 to falling 1 in 164 which takes the line down towards the River Tay flood plain.

    A closer view of 158704 and the prominent change of gradient from rising 1 in 253 to falling 1 in 164 which takes the line down towards the River Tay flood plain.

  • Another move and another new location, Plean Junction. 158712 approaches signal PJ22 with 2P63 1219 Newcraighall to Dunblane. Also on the gantry and no longer is use is shunting signal PJ11. This gave permission to cross the up road into the Caber board factory nearby. The short branch is now out of use.

    Another move and another new location, Plean Junction. 158712 approaches signal PJ22 with 2P63 1219 Newcraighall to Dunblane. Also on the gantry and no longer is use is shunting signal PJ11. This gave permission to cross the up road into the Caber board factory nearby. The short branch is now out of use.

  • 170451 forms 2N51 1248 Glasgow Queen Street to Dunblane local passing the up home signal for Plean Junction.

    170451 forms 2N51 1248 Glasgow Queen Street to Dunblane local passing the up home signal for Plean Junction.

  • Looking in a northerly direction and SPT liveried 170473 passes up home signal PJ18 with 2N46 1315 Dunblane to Glasgow Queen Street.

    Looking in a northerly direction and SPT liveried 170473 passes up home signal PJ18 with 2N46 1315 Dunblane to Glasgow Queen Street.

  • Turning round as 170473 passes by and parts of the crossover and turnout into the factory siding has been plain lined with the crossing removed. A former colliery branch left the mainline here to the right. It has been closed for a long time.

    Turning round as 170473 passes by and parts of the crossover and turnout into the factory siding has been plain lined with the crossing removed. A former colliery branch left the mainline here to the right. It has been closed for a long time.

  • Another southbound working passes by PJ18 with 2P40 1327 Dunblane to Edinburgh. An unknown summit on the Ochill Hills dominates the background.

    Another southbound working passes by PJ18 with 2P40 1327 Dunblane to Edinburgh. An unknown summit on the Ochill Hills dominates the background.

  • 170426 clears the turnouts for the short factory branch and has the road to Larbert. On the down road, the board is off.

    170426 clears the turnouts for the short factory branch and has the road to Larbert. On the down road, the board is off.

  • Stirling is the location now and 170394 departs the magnificent former Caledonian Railway station with 1T22 1242 off Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street.

    Stirling is the location now and 170394 departs the magnificent former Caledonian Railway station with 1T22 1242 off Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street.

  • SPT carmine and cream 170477 passes in front of Stirling Middle signalbox, the roof is visible above the unit, with 2N52 1453 Stirling to Glasgow Queen Street. The unit had a layover at Stirling but once the Alloa line is complete and open, the service will operate to and from the town.

    SPT carmine and cream 170477 passes in front of Stirling Middle signalbox, the roof is visible above the unit, with 2N52 1453 Stirling to Glasgow Queen Street. The unit had a layover at Stirling but once the Alloa line is complete and open, the service will operate to and from the town.

  • Another SPT turbostar unit runs in with 2N61 1418 Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling. The timetable for the proposed Alloa service is all in place just waiting for the line to be finished and opened. 170473 passes Stirling Middle signlabox and signal SM26 is off for the unit to run into platform 10.

    Another SPT turbostar unit runs in with 2N61 1418 Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling. The timetable for the proposed Alloa service is all in place just waiting for the line to be finished and opened. 170473 passes Stirling Middle signlabox and signal SM26 is off for the unit to run into platform 10.

  • 170473 has come to a stand and its passengers disembark.

    170473 has come to a stand and its passengers disembark.

  • A healthy compliment of passengers wait to board 158715 as it makes its Stirling stop. The duty is 2P90 1457 off Dunblane to Edinburgh and the set carries the name "Haymarket".

    A healthy compliment of passengers wait to board 158715 as it makes its Stirling stop. The duty is 2P90 1457 off Dunblane to Edinburgh and the set carries the name "Haymarket".

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    Most of the trains that run about here are class 2 local workings. This unknown SPT set heads for the dormitory town of Dunblane, 2N45 0848 off Glasgow Queen Street.
    158727 clatters over the pointwork of Carmuirs East Junction.
    After sitting at signal CE3 for a while, the driver of 66108 working 7G16 gets the road and the driver gets his train underway. The loco is putting out a little clag as the driver gets the train up to its 45mph speed as soon as possible.