2. Railways

Fife Miscellany 2017

This was a good and varied year with lots going on. I managed to see a good amount of freight and loco hauled workings too adding variety to the everyday passage of units.
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  • 2017 kicks off with something unusual, GBRf 66740 with the Aberdeen portion of the Highland Sleeper in the down passenger loop at Kirkcaldy. The train, 1A25 0443 Edinburgh to Aberdeen Sleeper, terminated here due to a brake problem with one of the coaches. 27/1/2017

    2017 kicks off with something unusual, GBRf 66740 with the Aberdeen portion of the Highland Sleeper in the down passenger loop at Kirkcaldy. The train, 1A25 0443 Edinburgh to Aberdeen Sleeper, terminated here due to a brake problem with one of the coaches. 27/1/2017

  • At the other end of the sleeper stock is 73966 which is used for providing the power for the hotel services on the coaches. The class 66 is for haulage and has run round the train. 158868 heads away with 2K05 0838 Edinburgh to Glenrothes with Thornton Fife Circle Inner service.

    At the other end of the sleeper stock is 73966 which is used for providing the power for the hotel services on the coaches. The class 66 is for haulage and has run round the train. 158868 heads away with 2K05 0838 Edinburgh to Glenrothes with Thornton Fife Circle Inner service.

  • 170426 passes 66740 with its train to Dundee, 0900 off Edinburgh, 1L57. The morning was bitterly cold and I think the sleeper passengers would not have liked being turfed out of their warm beds onto a frozen platform to await forward transport!!

    170426 passes 66740 with its train to Dundee, 0900 off Edinburgh, 1L57. The morning was bitterly cold and I think the sleeper passengers would not have liked being turfed out of their warm beds onto a frozen platform to await forward transport!!

  • 66740 had run round and will take the stock to Polmadie late in the day for repairs to be carried out. Meanwhile 43308 passes by as it leads 1E15 0752 Aberdeen to Kings Cross towards its Kirkcaldy station stop.

    66740 had run round and will take the stock to Polmadie late in the day for repairs to be carried out. Meanwhile 43308 passes by as it leads 1E15 0752 Aberdeen to Kings Cross towards its Kirkcaldy station stop.

  • On the back of the VTEC InterCity working is 43208.

    On the back of the VTEC InterCity working is 43208.

  • The normal domestic traffic continues unhindered by the failed sleeper. 158719 powers away with 2K65 0908 from Edinburgh to Glenrothes with Thornton.

    The normal domestic traffic continues unhindered by the failed sleeper. 158719 powers away with 2K65 0908 from Edinburgh to Glenrothes with Thornton.

  • 170475 slows for its station stop, passing 66740 which is ticking over and yinging away to itself. The turbostar is working 2K48 0952 Glenrothes with Thornton to Edinburgh, Fife Circle outer. At this point I headed back home as there was nothing to indicate the sleeper was about to move, and I was frozen!

    170475 slows for its station stop, passing 66740 which is ticking over and yinging away to itself. The turbostar is working 2K48 0952 Glenrothes with Thornton to Edinburgh, Fife Circle outer. At this point I headed back home as there was nothing to indicate the sleeper was about to move, and I was frozen!

  • I returned later in the afternoon once details of its path back to Glasgow had been made available. While fitters work (unseen) installing a through brake pipe to isolate the affected coach, 170409 climbs past 73966 climbing the 1 in 143 gradient with 1L55 1400 off Edinburgh to Dundee.

    I returned later in the afternoon once details of its path back to Glasgow had been made available. While fitters work (unseen) installing a through brake pipe to isolate the affected coach, 170409 climbs past 73966 climbing the 1 in 143 gradient with 1L55 1400 off Edinburgh to Dundee.

  • 158719 is the rear unit of a pair of class 158 sprinters working 1L06 1402 Perth to Edinburgh.

    158719 is the rear unit of a pair of class 158 sprinters working 1L06 1402 Perth to Edinburgh.

  • The carpark to the left is where the goods shed once stood and the car park to the right was once the down freight yard. 43296 passes 66740 as the rear powercar 43317 is still passing through the station. This VTEC working is 1S11 1000 off Kings Cross to Aberdeen.

    The carpark to the left is where the goods shed once stood and the car park to the right was once the down freight yard. 43296 passes 66740 as the rear powercar 43317 is still passing through the station. This VTEC working is 1S11 1000 off Kings Cross to Aberdeen.

  • Turning round for the going away shot means crossing Bennochy Road which can be busy with traffic. 43317 passes the shut down 73966.

    Turning round for the going away shot means crossing Bennochy Road which can be busy with traffic. 43317 passes the shut down 73966.

  • The weak afternoon sun lights the cutting to the north of Kirkcaldy station as 170430 drops down with the driver on the brake for the station stop. This service is 1L56 1436 Dundee to Edinburgh.

    The weak afternoon sun lights the cutting to the north of Kirkcaldy station as 170430 drops down with the driver on the brake for the station stop. This service is 1L56 1436 Dundee to Edinburgh.

  • With the previous turbostar now clear, the Fife signalman sets the road for 66740 and its train, 5Z26 1520 Kirkcaldy to Polmadie Depot ECS. The shunting ground signal is off showing two diagonal white lights and the crossover is set to put the train on the up road.

    With the previous turbostar now clear, the Fife signalman sets the road for 66740 and its train, 5Z26 1520 Kirkcaldy to Polmadie Depot ECS. The shunting ground signal is off showing two diagonal white lights and the crossover is set to put the train on the up road.

  • The driver of 66740 slowly moves the train out of the loop.

    The driver of 66740 slowly moves the train out of the loop.

  • Former Southern Region electro-diesel 73005, 73966 on the back of the sleeper passes by. The loco, along with the others for the sleeper contract, has been extensively rebuilt and now has a MTU 8V4000 R43L 1,600hp powerplant.

    Former Southern Region electro-diesel 73005, 73966 on the back of the sleeper passes by. The loco, along with the others for the sleeper contract, has been extensively rebuilt and now has a MTU 8V4000 R43L 1,600hp powerplant.

  • The five coach rake eases out of the loop over the crossover onto the Up road. This is the first time I have seen anything make this move.

    The five coach rake eases out of the loop over the crossover onto the Up road. This is the first time I have seen anything make this move.

  • A lone photographer stands on the end of the down platform recording the train pass by. Time to head back home and thaw out. 27/1/2017

    A lone photographer stands on the end of the down platform recording the train pass by. Time to head back home and thaw out. 27/1/2017

  • Freightliner 66536 passes through Markinch station working 6K20 1107 Millerhill to Montrose engineers train made up of 15 loaded JJA autoballaster wagons. It is running about 30 minutes early. 29/1/2017

    Freightliner 66536 passes through Markinch station working 6K20 1107 Millerhill to Montrose engineers train made up of 15 loaded JJA autoballaster wagons. It is running about 30 minutes early. 29/1/2017

  • The last day of February is cold and sunny and the afternoon sun glints off the "Flying Banana", Network Rail's New Measurement Train. 43014 leads 1Q26 1345 Edinburgh to Craigentinny via Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth. 28/2/2017

    The last day of February is cold and sunny and the afternoon sun glints off the "Flying Banana", Network Rail's New Measurement Train. 43014 leads 1Q26 1345 Edinburgh to Craigentinny via Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth. 28/2/2017

  • The whole bright yellow train is caught by the afternoon sun as it climbs to Lochmuir Summit at 1 in 102 1/2.

    The whole bright yellow train is caught by the afternoon sun as it climbs to Lochmuir Summit at 1 in 102 1/2.

  • The rear powercar is 43062. 28/2/2017

    The rear powercar is 43062. 28/2/2017

  • At 6.30pm in mid March there is still light in the sky as 170434 gets away after its Markinch stop with 1H17 1741 Edinburgh to Inverness. 13/3/2017

    At 6.30pm in mid March there is still light in the sky as 170434 gets away after its Markinch stop with 1H17 1741 Edinburgh to Inverness. 13/3/2017

  • 158703 barrels through Markinch with ECS 5K41 1803 Kirkcaldy to Perth. Having terminated in Kirkcaldy this runs to Thornton North loop and sits for a while to allow two other services to overtake.

    158703 barrels through Markinch with ECS 5K41 1803 Kirkcaldy to Perth. Having terminated in Kirkcaldy this runs to Thornton North loop and sits for a while to allow two other services to overtake.

  • There is always a reason to be at Markinch to take photos in the dark and on this day here is that reason. Colas liveried 37421 growls through the station with 3Z15 1029 Derby to Aberdeen.

    There is always a reason to be at Markinch to take photos in the dark and on this day here is that reason. Colas liveried 37421 growls through the station with 3Z15 1029 Derby to Aberdeen.

  • Colas has the contract to provide locos and crews for Network Rail's various test and measurement trains. On the back of this working is 37219. This is the first time I have photographed this loco, I last shot 37421 on a ballast train at Perth on 23/9/2004.

    Colas has the contract to provide locos and crews for Network Rail's various test and measurement trains. On the back of this working is 37219. This is the first time I have photographed this loco, I last shot 37421 on a ballast train at Perth on 23/9/2004.

  • If this had been 30 seconds earlier it would have bowled the test train. 170415 has completed the station work and the driver powers up for departure. The working is 1B54 1551 Inverness to Edinburgh.

    If this had been 30 seconds earlier it would have bowled the test train. 170415 has completed the station work and the driver powers up for departure. The working is 1B54 1551 Inverness to Edinburgh.

  • Moving to the north bound platform in readiness for a south bound freight and 170412 passes through the station non stop with 1B43 1639 Dyce to Edinburgh.

    Moving to the north bound platform in readiness for a south bound freight and 170412 passes through the station non stop with 1B43 1639 Dyce to Edinburgh.

  • Running in slowing for its stop is 170478 working 1L51 1804 Edinburgh to Dundee.

    Running in slowing for its stop is 170478 working 1L51 1804 Edinburgh to Dundee.

  • The next arrival at Markinch is a north bound cross country service, 1S45 0925 off Plymouth for Aberdeen. The Voyager set is 220021.

    The next arrival at Markinch is a north bound cross country service, 1S45 0925 off Plymouth for Aberdeen. The Voyager set is 220021.

  • More Colas loco hauled action and type 5 60096 runs through with 6B32 1652 Aberdeen Craiginches to Oxwellmains empty cement tanks. 13/3/2017

    More Colas loco hauled action and type 5 60096 runs through with 6B32 1652 Aberdeen Craiginches to Oxwellmains empty cement tanks. 13/3/2017

  • 158734 passes the site of the north end of Lochmuir Loop with a working which is normally rostered to a class 170 turbostar, 1L57 1501 Edinburgh to Dundee. 20/3/2017

    158734 passes the site of the north end of Lochmuir Loop with a working which is normally rostered to a class 170 turbostar, 1L57 1501 Edinburgh to Dundee. 20/3/2017

  • I have come to Kirkfortharfues to see this working. 66067 gets to the top of the climb to Lochmuir Summit with a train of new concrete sleepers.

    I have come to Kirkfortharfues to see this working. 66067 gets to the top of the climb to Lochmuir Summit with a train of new concrete sleepers.

  • The working is 6K54 1358 Millerhill to Forres engineers train. At Ladybank the train is booked into the down loop so I will head off there to see it in the loop and leaving.

    The working is 6K54 1358 Millerhill to Forres engineers train. At Ladybank the train is booked into the down loop so I will head off there to see it in the loop and leaving.

  • After a quick drive and walk into the grassland beside the railway I get there and go for a close up before moving to the spot I wanted to get it leaving. Just then the driver opened the throttle and moved off. The driver looked over and I pointed to my watch, he opened the window and I shouted "you're early, I'm not in position!" "Yep" he replied with a smile and I grabbed this going away shot Darn it! 20/3/2017

    After a quick drive and walk into the grassland beside the railway I get there and go for a close up before moving to the spot I wanted to get it leaving. Just then the driver opened the throttle and moved off. The driver looked over and I pointed to my watch, he opened the window and I shouted "you're early, I'm not in position!" "Yep" he replied with a smile and I grabbed this going away shot Darn it! 20/3/2017

  • In early 2017 DBC put two of their class 67 locos up for sale, they were in working order and not heavily stripped shells, they were quickly bought by Colas. Here they come through Markinch station with 1Q26 1345 Edinburgh to Craigentinny via Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth. 28/3/2017

    In early 2017 DBC put two of their class 67 locos up for sale, they were in working order and not heavily stripped shells, they were quickly bought by Colas. Here they come through Markinch station with 1Q26 1345 Edinburgh to Craigentinny via Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth. 28/3/2017

  • These type 5 locos have a design top speed of 125mph and are a very useful addition to Colas' fleet. This working is the monthly measurement working and the top and tailed four coach rake is in lieu of the HST. 28/3/2017

    These type 5 locos have a design top speed of 125mph and are a very useful addition to Colas' fleet. This working is the monthly measurement working and the top and tailed four coach rake is in lieu of the HST. 28/3/2017

  • More Colas action and I'm using my new Canon 100-400mm zoom lens for the first time. 60087 comes over Markinch Viaduct with 6B32 1652 Aberdeen Craiginches to Oxwellmains empty cement tanks. 10/4/2017

    More Colas action and I'm using my new Canon 100-400mm zoom lens for the first time. 60087 comes over Markinch Viaduct with 6B32 1652 Aberdeen Craiginches to Oxwellmains empty cement tanks. 10/4/2017

  • The former BR/EWS/DB/DBS/DBC (in that order) type 5 has 12 empty JPA bogie cement tanks on the drawbar. 60087 and the other class 60 locos are mainly rostered to the cement workings from Oxwellmains.

    The former BR/EWS/DB/DBS/DBC (in that order) type 5 has 12 empty JPA bogie cement tanks on the drawbar. 60087 and the other class 60 locos are mainly rostered to the cement workings from Oxwellmains.

  • 170430 approaches Lady Wynd bridge by the Coaltown of Balgonie with 1N79 1733 Glasgow Queen Street to Markinch. 10/4/2017

    170430 approaches Lady Wynd bridge by the Coaltown of Balgonie with 1N79 1733 Glasgow Queen Street to Markinch. 10/4/2017

  • A warm and sunny afternoon and the first train of the 2017 Royal Scotsman season climbs through Dunfermline Queen Margaret station. This was the site of Townhill Junction where the line from Alloa via Oakley joined. The course of the line is roughly where the yellow bin in the carpark is. 66746 in Belmond livery fronts 1H79 1345 Edinburgh to Keith. 17/4/2017

    A warm and sunny afternoon and the first train of the 2017 Royal Scotsman season climbs through Dunfermline Queen Margaret station. This was the site of Townhill Junction where the line from Alloa via Oakley joined. The course of the line is roughly where the yellow bin in the carpark is. 66746 in Belmond livery fronts 1H79 1345 Edinburgh to Keith. 17/4/2017

  • A rake of ten empty autoballasters are brought south by 66014. This working is 6K52 and it left the Elgin worksite at 0450 returning to Millerhill. Despite the early departure time the train is passing by the Coaltown of Balgonie in the early evening!

    A rake of ten empty autoballasters are brought south by 66014. This working is 6K52 and it left the Elgin worksite at 0450 returning to Millerhill. Despite the early departure time the train is passing by the Coaltown of Balgonie in the early evening!

  • A common feature of engineers trains is locos top and tailing for operational reasons. 66031 is shut down on the back.

    A common feature of engineers trains is locos top and tailing for operational reasons. 66031 is shut down on the back.

  • 158723 passes by with 1L01 xxxx Edinburgh to Perth. 19/4/2017

    158723 passes by with 1L01 xxxx Edinburgh to Perth. 19/4/2017

  • 170473 powers away from Markinch climbing the 1 in 102 1/2 gradient to Lochmuir Summit. The set is rostered to 1L51 1804 Edinburgh to Dundee. 26/4/2017

    170473 powers away from Markinch climbing the 1 in 102 1/2 gradient to Lochmuir Summit. The set is rostered to 1L51 1804 Edinburgh to Dundee. 26/4/2017

  • An unknown class 221 Super Voyager comes to a stand with 1S45 0925 Plymouth to Aberdeen cross country working.

    An unknown class 221 Super Voyager comes to a stand with 1S45 0925 Plymouth to Aberdeen cross country working.

  • Colas 60002 drops down grade from Lochmuir Summit towards Markinch with 6B32 1652 Aberdeen Craiginches to Oxwellmains empty cement tanks.

    Colas 60002 drops down grade from Lochmuir Summit towards Markinch with 6B32 1652 Aberdeen Craiginches to Oxwellmains empty cement tanks.

  • It was just as well I opted for this view point and not the station as the Voyager would have totally blocked the shot.

    It was just as well I opted for this view point and not the station as the Voyager would have totally blocked the shot.

  • The cement train was barely under the bridge when the Voyager headed away and started the climb to Lochmuir. 26/4/2017

    The cement train was barely under the bridge when the Voyager headed away and started the climb to Lochmuir. 26/4/2017

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    The weak afternoon sun lights the cutting to the north of Kirkcaldy station as 170430 drops down with the driver on the brake for the station stop. This service is 1L56 1436 Dundee to Edinburgh.
    With the previous turbostar now clear, the Fife signalman sets the road for 66740 and its train, 5Z26 1520 Kirkcaldy to Polmadie Depot ECS. The shunting ground signal is off showing two diagonal white lights and the crossover is set to put the train on the up road.
    The driver of 66740 slowly moves the train out of the loop.