Ladybank station and I'm heading into Edinburgh to meet up with my eldest brother Danny who is coming up from Carlisle where he is having a few days gricing. We are going to take a trip along the Waverley Route to Tweedbank and back, why? Because we can! A down service slows for its stop and 170478 forms 1L59 1000 Edinburgh to Dundee. 4/2/2016
The late morning sun is just right as 170478 departs the junction station and will keep to the main line and bear sharp right.
The line going straight ahead is the Newburgh branch to Hilton Junction just south of Perth. 4/2/2016
I have an afternoon of photography planned at Ladybank as the area which used to be the loco shed and workshops has been cleared of trees and opened up a great new photographic opportunity. Parked up between jobs on one of the down sidings is Plasser and Theurer 08-32U/RT plain line tamper DR 73803 "Alexander Graham Bell". 1/3/2016
Looking over the headshunt of one of the sidings towards Ladybank station and 170459 departs with 1L55 1402 from Edinburgh to Dundee.
The going away shot of 170459 as it takes the sharp curve to head east. In the foreground closest to thee main line is the down passenger loop and then two sidings off the loop.
Another look at the tamper under a brooding sky.
Moving up the fence a bit and the turnouts off the loop and for the sidings are visible. 170410 comes into view with 1L56 1434 from Dundee to Edinburgh.
The set leans well into the high degree of cant of the up line.
A down Virgin Trains East Coast set runs non stop through Ladybank station forming 1S11 1000 from London Kings Cross to Aberdeen.
Lead powercar 43316 passes tamper DR 73803 with the rear powercar 43315 still passing through the station.
The afternoon sun favours trains coming round the curve in either direction. It is quite clear as to why this livery was nicknamed "coke tin".
Moving to another part of the ground which borders the Newburgh branch. 170419 approaches with 1B31 1253 Inverness to Edinburgh. The branch is single tracked but the line on the left is the passenger loop.
Turning round for the going away shot as 170419 passes by. Up trains off the branch use platform 2 of Ladybank and cross to the up road just south of the station.
A short time after the up train has cleared the crossover a Perth bound working enters the branch. 158701 in new ScotRail livery forms 1L05 1437 Edinburgh to Perth.
Turning round and the set has just passed over the level crossing giving access to South Annsmuir woods, numerous paddocks and the former railway buildings here.
Back on the main line and 170454 comes round the curve . Lost in the trees behind the unit is a very long siding which runs round the curve. On the upside there was a large P Way depot with numerous buildings.
The P Way buildings were located behind the unit here and I'm not sure if the had been demolished when I took these photos.
This working is 1B35 1404 Aberdeen to Edinburgh and is not booked to stop at Ladybank.
This service does stop at Ladybank, 1L57 1500 Edinburgh to Dundee with 158710 providing the motive power and passenger accommodation.
The unit gathers speed as it takes the curve. DR 73803 awaits its next nocturnal outing to the Cupar area where it has been working.
The set leans into the curve as it heads away with Cupar as its next stop.
An up service from Dundee, 1L58 1534 off, to Edinburgh passes by with 170459 employed.
The degree of cant just here is quite noticeable and is like this to allow the through trains to take the curve as fast as possible.
A down working passes through non stop with 170431 rostered to 1A78 1528 Edinburgh to Inverurie.
The driver of 170431 will recognise himself as he has a copy of this photo. A friend and former work colleague from another life positively "living the dream".
As 170431 speeds away the siding turnouts are clearly visible.
Looking across the open land that was once a very busy spot. 158701 reappears with 1L10 1600 off Perth for Edinburgh. Have a look here https://www.railscot.co.uk/locations/L/Ladybank/ for some superb photos showing just what used to be here at Ladybank.
