2. Railways

English Electrics in the Highlands....mostly

A collection of locos from the stable of English Electric making an appearance predominantly in the Scottish Highlands on railtours, some are on home territory and others are treading new ground. Type 3, 4 and 5 locomotives of four different classes all feature here. Fantastic.
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  • On a glorious sunny afternoon D9009 Alycidon basks in the sunshine awaiting its departure time. McCaigs Folly stands on the hillside looking down on the fishing port. The train is 1Z63 1823 Oban to Fort William leg of a mammoth five day railtour which took in Thurso, Wick, Stranraer, Mallaig, Fort William and Oban not necessarily in that order! Not bad for £800. 25/6/2003

    On a glorious sunny afternoon D9009 Alycidon basks in the sunshine awaiting its departure time. McCaigs Folly stands on the hillside looking down on the fishing port. The train is 1Z63 1823 Oban to Fort William leg of a mammoth five day railtour which took in Thurso, Wick, Stranraer, Mallaig, Fort William and Oban not necessarily in that order! Not bad for £800. 25/6/2003

  • Enroute to Crianlarich to reverse, D9009 brings the tour over Orchy Viaduct at the east end of Loch Awe. It was built by the Callander and Oban Railway and opened in 1878.

    Enroute to Crianlarich to reverse, D9009 brings the tour over Orchy Viaduct at the east end of Loch Awe. It was built by the Callander and Oban Railway and opened in 1878.

  • On the back of the train is sister Deltic 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier.

    On the back of the train is sister Deltic 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier.

  • The tour is running ahead of schedule as it passes through Glen Lochy with Lochin Na Bi behind the train.

    The tour is running ahead of schedule as it passes through Glen Lochy with Lochin Na Bi behind the train.

  • The previous shot was almost directly into the sun but this going away shot has the sun on the nose of 55019.

    The previous shot was almost directly into the sun but this going away shot has the sun on the nose of 55019.

  • The sun back lights the exhaust as D9009 takes the train over the turnout at Crianlarich Junction. The track on the right led to Crianlarich Lower and onto Callander and ultimately Dunblane.

    The sun back lights the exhaust as D9009 takes the train over the turnout at Crianlarich Junction. The track on the right led to Crianlarich Lower and onto Callander and ultimately Dunblane.

  • The tour negotiates the NBR built link line which joined the Callander and Oban Railway with the West Highland Railway. The original route is now lost in the foliage to the left of the train.

    The tour negotiates the NBR built link line which joined the Callander and Oban Railway with the West Highland Railway. The original route is now lost in the foliage to the left of the train.

  • A pause at Crianlarich for the train to swap radio tokens and the crew to change ends. 55019 will now lead the tour onto Fort William. The loco's BR blue livery is looking somewhat tired.

    A pause at Crianlarich for the train to swap radio tokens and the crew to change ends. 55019 will now lead the tour onto Fort William. The loco's BR blue livery is looking somewhat tired.

  • A quick drive to the County March and the tour has gone over the summit and is now dropping down the 1 in 50 gradient as the line runs on the lower flank of Ben Odhar. Now to drive back home. 25/6/2003

    A quick drive to the County March and the tour has gone over the summit and is now dropping down the 1 in 50 gradient as the line runs on the lower flank of Ben Odhar. Now to drive back home. 25/6/2003

  • Bridge of Orchy is the unlikely setting for a class 50 but over the weekend of 4-7 March 2005, 50049 and 50031 worked to Fort William and Mallaig from Swindon. Here 50049 leads the train, 1Z24 1030 from Fort William to Dundee and onto Glasgow. 6/3/05

    Bridge of Orchy is the unlikely setting for a class 50 but over the weekend of 4-7 March 2005, 50049 and 50031 worked to Fort William and Mallaig from Swindon. Here 50049 leads the train, 1Z24 1030 from Fort William to Dundee and onto Glasgow. 6/3/05

  • Having negotiated the Horse Shoe Curve all climbing at a ruling gradient of 1 in 55, 50049 with 50031 working at the rear approach the County March. The sound of the English Electric 16CVST 2,700hp power plants roaring back off the hills was superb.

    Having negotiated the Horse Shoe Curve all climbing at a ruling gradient of 1 in 55, 50049 with 50031 working at the rear approach the County March. The sound of the English Electric 16CVST 2,700hp power plants roaring back off the hills was superb.

  • The main road through Crianlarich is devoid of moving traffic so it was safe for me to stand in the middle of it. 50049 leads the train over the viaduct in the centre of the village with the station just to he left. A brief radio token stop will take place here.

    The main road through Crianlarich is devoid of moving traffic so it was safe for me to stand in the middle of it. 50049 leads the train over the viaduct in the centre of the village with the station just to he left. A brief radio token stop will take place here.

  • A few minutes after the previous shot and 50049 is again working hard against the 1 in 66 pull up to the summit just south of Crianlarich.

    A few minutes after the previous shot and 50049 is again working hard against the 1 in 66 pull up to the summit just south of Crianlarich.

  • On the back of the train is 50031.

    On the back of the train is 50031.

  • A few hours later and the setting is away from the Highlands and the tour is on the south viaduct approach to the mighty Forth Bridge. The famous Hawes Inn at South Queensferry is below the bridge.

    A few hours later and the setting is away from the Highlands and the tour is on the south viaduct approach to the mighty Forth Bridge. The famous Hawes Inn at South Queensferry is below the bridge.

  • 50049 passes slowly through the northern cantilever. Originally the Sunday should have seen the train going to Oban and onto Glasgow, but NR cancelled the Oban section at the 11th hour but substituted a trip to Dundee via the Forth and Tay Bridges.

    50049 passes slowly through the northern cantilever. Originally the Sunday should have seen the train going to Oban and onto Glasgow, but NR cancelled the Oban section at the 11th hour but substituted a trip to Dundee via the Forth and Tay Bridges.

  • 50031 clears the portal and passes above the houses of North Queensferry on the northern viaduct.

    50031 clears the portal and passes above the houses of North Queensferry on the northern viaduct.

  • A fast drive through Fife and onto the north bank of the Tay. The train has cleared the high girders of the Tay Bridge. The only cloud in the western sky was right in front of the sun at this point and a guy standing next to me didn't even take his camera out of his bag.

    A fast drive through Fife and onto the north bank of the Tay. The train has cleared the high girders of the Tay Bridge. The only cloud in the western sky was right in front of the sun at this point and a guy standing next to me didn't even take his camera out of his bag.

  • The train approaches the north bank of the Tay as the bridge curves round to the north east.

    The train approaches the north bank of the Tay as the bridge curves round to the north east.

  • After a short time while the crew change ends, 1Z24 heads west for Perth and Glasgow now with 50031 leading into the evening sun which has now appeared!! Both locos were adorned with the Eastfield shed West Highland terrier motif. 6/3/05

    After a short time while the crew change ends, 1Z24 heads west for Perth and Glasgow now with 50031 leading into the evening sun which has now appeared!! Both locos were adorned with the Eastfield shed West Highland terrier motif. 6/3/05

  • It has been well over 20 years since a class 40 was seen in Fife. 40145 approaches Bow of Fife level crossing working 1Z40 0655 Birmingham New Street to Aberdeen railtour. This is the second attempt to get the whistler to the Kyle of Lochalsh and this is the first leg of the three day tour. 26/8/2005

    It has been well over 20 years since a class 40 was seen in Fife. 40145 approaches Bow of Fife level crossing working 1Z40 0655 Birmingham New Street to Aberdeen railtour. This is the second attempt to get the whistler to the Kyle of Lochalsh and this is the first leg of the three day tour. 26/8/2005

  • After an overnight stay in Aberdeen for the passengers and crew, 40145 sets out for the Kyle as 1Z40 1030 off Aberdeen. Here it is crossing the River Ness in Inverness. 27/8/2005

    After an overnight stay in Aberdeen for the passengers and crew, 40145 sets out for the Kyle as 1Z40 1030 off Aberdeen. Here it is crossing the River Ness in Inverness. 27/8/2005

  • The tour draws slowly into Dingwall to exchange the radio token and take the branch.

    The tour draws slowly into Dingwall to exchange the radio token and take the branch.

  • Part way up the 4 mile 1 in 50 climb from Fodderty to Raven Rock summit is Auchterneed where the grade eases to 1 in 350 briefly. 40145 shatters the peace with the roar from its English Electric 16SVT mk2 2,000hp power plant as it approaches the level crossing at the site of the station here. Lookout for Ross and I on the DVD Double Scotch four times I think!!

    Part way up the 4 mile 1 in 50 climb from Fodderty to Raven Rock summit is Auchterneed where the grade eases to 1 in 350 briefly. 40145 shatters the peace with the roar from its English Electric 16SVT mk2 2,000hp power plant as it approaches the level crossing at the site of the station here. Lookout for Ross and I on the DVD Double Scotch four times I think!!

  • After a brief stop at Garve to exchange radio tokens, 40145 sets out across the Dingwall to Ullapool road for the 2 mile 1 in 50/60 climb to Corriemullie summit.

    After a brief stop at Garve to exchange radio tokens, 40145 sets out across the Dingwall to Ullapool road for the 2 mile 1 in 50/60 climb to Corriemullie summit.

  • The tour crosses the low four span viaduct over a short stream between Locha Chuilinn and Loch Achanalt.

    The tour crosses the low four span viaduct over a short stream between Locha Chuilinn and Loch Achanalt.

  • Further on towards Achnasheen and the line comes close to the road at Strathbran.

    Further on towards Achnasheen and the line comes close to the road at Strathbran.

  • 40145 runs into Achnasheen for another radio token stop.

    40145 runs into Achnasheen for another radio token stop.

  • Journey's end and on the second attempt, 40145 rolls into the Kyle of Lochalsh.

    Journey's end and on the second attempt, 40145 rolls into the Kyle of Lochalsh.

  • 40145 has run round its 7 mkI coaches and is being coupled back onto them.

    40145 has run round its 7 mkI coaches and is being coupled back onto them.

  • Framed by the road over bridge, 40145 has propelled the train back onto the buffer stops and has been shut down until just before departure time.

    Framed by the road over bridge, 40145 has propelled the train back onto the buffer stops and has been shut down until just before departure time.

  • On the journey back to Inverness, 40145 skirts round the coast by Badicual. The train ID is 1Z45, 1810 Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness.

    On the journey back to Inverness, 40145 skirts round the coast by Badicual. The train ID is 1Z45, 1810 Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness.

  • 40145 slows for its token exchange stop at Strathcarron.

    40145 slows for its token exchange stop at Strathcarron.

  • The type 4 loco grinds up through Glen Carron part way up the 9 mile long climb from near Achnashellach to Luib summit. The gradient rules at 1 in 50 and it made it clag a little.

    The type 4 loco grinds up through Glen Carron part way up the 9 mile long climb from near Achnashellach to Luib summit. The gradient rules at 1 in 50 and it made it clag a little.

  • The light has just about gone as 40145 comes by Strathbran. The train had a 20 or so minute photo stop at Achnasheen. 27/8/2005

    The light has just about gone as 40145 comes by Strathbran. The train had a 20 or so minute photo stop at Achnasheen. 27/8/2005

  • The next day and 40145 crosses Culloden Viaduct heading home to Birmingham New Street, 0948 off Inverness, 1Z40. 28/8/2005

    The next day and 40145 crosses Culloden Viaduct heading home to Birmingham New Street, 0948 off Inverness, 1Z40. 28/8/2005

  • 40145 tears past digging into the 1 in 60 climb, it sounded just fantastic as it passed the gathered gallery. It could be heard for a good five minutes as it headed for Daviot and onto Slochd Summit. 28/8/2005

    40145 tears past digging into the 1 in 60 climb, it sounded just fantastic as it passed the gathered gallery. It could be heard for a good five minutes as it headed for Daviot and onto Slochd Summit. 28/8/2005

  • After the class 40 had gone south it was back to Inverness to get another railtour. We pick up the train as it crosses over the Ness Viaduct heading for the Kyle. 37417 pilots 37401 on 1Z37 0853 Aberdeen to Kyle of Lochalsh.

    After the class 40 had gone south it was back to Inverness to get another railtour. We pick up the train as it crosses over the Ness Viaduct heading for the Kyle. 37417 pilots 37401 on 1Z37 0853 Aberdeen to Kyle of Lochalsh.

  • Out on the Kyle branch, the pair of type 3 locos come round the sharp curve at the site of Fodderty Junction, junction for the closed short branch to Strathpeffer, and the bottom of the climb to Raven Rock summit, 4 miles away.

    Out on the Kyle branch, the pair of type 3 locos come round the sharp curve at the site of Fodderty Junction, junction for the closed short branch to Strathpeffer, and the bottom of the climb to Raven Rock summit, 4 miles away.

  • A different view of the level crossing at Garve and the sun shines on 37417 and 37401 as they get away from the token stop.

    A different view of the level crossing at Garve and the sun shines on 37417 and 37401 as they get away from the token stop.

  • Near Achanalt the line is carried over a stream linking two lochs. The train slowly passes over the bridge west bound in very poor light.

    Near Achanalt the line is carried over a stream linking two lochs. The train slowly passes over the bridge west bound in very poor light.

  • The sun makes a half hearted attempt at lighting the scene at Strathbran.

    The sun makes a half hearted attempt at lighting the scene at Strathbran.

  • By the time Strathcarron is reached the rain is falling and the light is poor.

    By the time Strathcarron is reached the rain is falling and the light is poor.

  • Near Attadale the road and railway come close together. 37417 and 37401 come through the avalanche shelter.

    Near Attadale the road and railway come close together. 37417 and 37401 come through the avalanche shelter.

  • The pair of type 3's arrive at a wet and windy Kyle of Lochalsh.

    The pair of type 3's arrive at a wet and windy Kyle of Lochalsh.

  • After the pair had run round and reformed the train and propelled the stock back onto the buffer stops. 37401 will lead the pair back to Aberdeen, 1Z38, 1625 off.

    After the pair had run round and reformed the train and propelled the stock back onto the buffer stops. 37401 will lead the pair back to Aberdeen, 1Z38, 1625 off.

  • Duncraig was once a private station for the nearby Duncraig Castle. The station is now a request halt and the castle is used for educational purposes.

    Duncraig was once a private station for the nearby Duncraig Castle. The station is now a request halt and the castle is used for educational purposes.

  • 37401 and 37417 slow for their token stop at Strathcarron. The train will foul the level crossing as the loop extends on both sides of the road.

    37401 and 37417 slow for their token stop at Strathcarron. The train will foul the level crossing as the loop extends on both sides of the road.

  • At Achnasheen the rain was still horizontal and the light very poor. The train slowly runs into the station.

    At Achnasheen the rain was still horizontal and the light very poor. The train slowly runs into the station.

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    After a short time while the crew change ends, 1Z24 heads west for Perth and Glasgow now with 50031 leading into the evening sun which has now appeared!! Both locos were adorned with the Eastfield shed West Highland terrier motif. 6/3/05
    It has been well over 20 years since a class 40 was seen in Fife. 40145 approaches Bow of Fife level crossing working 1Z40 0655 Birmingham New Street to Aberdeen railtour. This is the second attempt to get the whistler to the Kyle of Lochalsh and this is the first leg of the three day tour. 26/8/2005
    After an overnight stay in Aberdeen for the passengers and crew, 40145 sets out for the Kyle as 1Z40 1030 off Aberdeen. Here it is crossing the River Ness in Inverness. 27/8/2005