2. Railways

Steam on the Fort William to Mallaig Line

The line between Fort William and Mallaig is extremely popular in the summer with the steam workings. I have worked the route dozens of times as a steam loco support crew member, firing it several occasions. I have worked on Black Fife 44767, BR Standard 4 75014, LMS 8F 48151, LNER B1 61264, and LNER K4 61994.
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  • Fort William station and the daily steam hauled service stands in platform 1. Former LNER K4 2-6-0 3442 "The Great Marquess" was designed especially for the West Highland Line by Nigel Gresley and introduced in 1937. The Severn Valley Railway based loco has come to Fort William for a three week stint on the Mallaig steam service. 23/7/1989.

    Fort William station and the daily steam hauled service stands in platform 1. Former LNER K4 2-6-0 3442 "The Great Marquess" was designed especially for the West Highland Line by Nigel Gresley and introduced in 1937. The Severn Valley Railway based loco has come to Fort William for a three week stint on the Mallaig steam service. 23/7/1989.

  • After a fantastic run to Mallaig 3442 stands at the station and takes water. Gathered at the hydrant are Lindsay Spittal on the left, Alun Rees in the middle and John "Robbo" Robinson on the right. Three men I would later come to know well.

    After a fantastic run to Mallaig 3442 stands at the station and takes water. Gathered at the hydrant are Lindsay Spittal on the left, Alun Rees in the middle and John "Robbo" Robinson on the right. Three men I would later come to know well.

  • The servicing of the loco is complete and it has run round the train and shunted into platform 2 ready for the run back to Fort William. The loco was bought from BR for preservation by David, the Earl Lindsay and it was his great wish to see it running again on the West Highland Line. On the 15th of July 1989 he rode on the footplate from Fort William to Banavie despite being extremely ill, before joining his family and friends in the train for the run to Mallaig. Just 16 days later he died, his wish fulfilled. My later association with this loco came after I joined the A4 60009 support crew and owner John Cameron bought the K4 when the Earl Lindsay's family sold the engine. 23/7/1989

    The servicing of the loco is complete and it has run round the train and shunted into platform 2 ready for the run back to Fort William. The loco was bought from BR for preservation by David, the Earl Lindsay and it was his great wish to see it running again on the West Highland Line. On the 15th of July 1989 he rode on the footplate from Fort William to Banavie despite being extremely ill, before joining his family and friends in the train for the run to Mallaig. Just 16 days later he died, his wish fulfilled. My later association with this loco came after I joined the A4 60009 support crew and owner John Cameron bought the K4 when the Earl Lindsay's family sold the engine. 23/7/1989

  • A general view of Fort William shed with 37424, 37428, 08630 and 75014 all present. The standard class 4 4-6-0 is being prepared for the day's trip to Mallaig. 27/6/1997

    A general view of Fort William shed with 37424, 37428, 08630 and 75014 all present. The standard class 4 4-6-0 is being prepared for the day's trip to Mallaig. 27/6/1997

  • The empty coaching stock move from the shed to the station takes place with 75014 running tender first as 5Y61 0850 Fort William shed - Fort William station ECS.

    The empty coaching stock move from the shed to the station takes place with 75014 running tender first as 5Y61 0850 Fort William shed - Fort William station ECS.

  • In the station 75014 has run round its train using platform 2 and shunted the stock into platform 1 to await its 1035 departure time.

    In the station 75014 has run round its train using platform 2 and shunted the stock into platform 1 to await its 1035 departure time.

  • Out on the road 75014 crosses the viaduct over the River Lochy beside the ruins of Inverlochy Castle. The train ID for the steam turn is 2Y61.

    Out on the road 75014 crosses the viaduct over the River Lochy beside the ruins of Inverlochy Castle. The train ID for the steam turn is 2Y61.

  • Further out the railway runs along the northern shore of Loch Eil. Here the standard class 4 is seen at Fassfern.

    Further out the railway runs along the northern shore of Loch Eil. Here the standard class 4 is seen at Fassfern.

  • The approach to Glenfinnan station is severe on a 1 in 50 climb. Despite the loco working hard, the fireman will be starting to cool his fire down for the 20 minute wait at the station.

    The approach to Glenfinnan station is severe on a 1 in 50 climb. Despite the loco working hard, the fireman will be starting to cool his fire down for the 20 minute wait at the station.

  • Departing Glenfinnan station, the line continues to climb for a further 2 1/2 miles. 75014 is seen about half a mile from the summit going well, sounding and looking superb.

    Departing Glenfinnan station, the line continues to climb for a further 2 1/2 miles. 75014 is seen about half a mile from the summit going well, sounding and looking superb.

  • The other side of the summit has the line dropping down at a ruling gradient of 1 in 48 for just under 3 miles. 75014 coasts down the lower part of the descent on the south side of Loch Eilt.

    The other side of the summit has the line dropping down at a ruling gradient of 1 in 48 for just under 3 miles. 75014 coasts down the lower part of the descent on the south side of Loch Eilt.

  • A classic shot on the Mallaig extension is the chapel at Polnish. This little white painted building was made famous in the film "Local Hero".

    A classic shot on the Mallaig extension is the chapel at Polnish. This little white painted building was made famous in the film "Local Hero".

  • At Mallaig fireman Stevie Fraser looks down the train to look for the tip from Florence the guard to say that the points have been set for the train to drop into the down platform and be shut in to await its departure time.

    At Mallaig fireman Stevie Fraser looks down the train to look for the tip from Florence the guard to say that the points have been set for the train to drop into the down platform and be shut in to await its departure time.

  • Arisaig is a service stop to exchange the radio token. With the valves lifting driver Calum McRaild gets 75014 away from the small station and loop. The signalbox is now empty other than the lever frame. The ID for the return trip is 2Y62 1410 off Mallaig.

    Arisaig is a service stop to exchange the radio token. With the valves lifting driver Calum McRaild gets 75014 away from the small station and loop. The signalbox is now empty other than the lever frame. The ID for the return trip is 2Y62 1410 off Mallaig.

  • 75014 and its train drifts through a cut in the rock as it comes towards Glenfinnan. Sgurr a Mhuidhe fills the picture to a height of 1,826 feet.

    75014 and its train drifts through a cut in the rock as it comes towards Glenfinnan. Sgurr a Mhuidhe fills the picture to a height of 1,826 feet.

  • At Banavie the line crosses the Caledonian Canal by means of a swing bridge, 75014 slowly eases onto the bridge. Beyond it is Neptunes Staircase which raises the Caledonian Canal 62 feet via 8 locks over a distance of a quarter of a mile. 27/6/1997

    At Banavie the line crosses the Caledonian Canal by means of a swing bridge, 75014 slowly eases onto the bridge. Beyond it is Neptunes Staircase which raises the Caledonian Canal 62 feet via 8 locks over a distance of a quarter of a mile. 27/6/1997

  • On shed at Fort William is Ian Storey's 1947 built Black Five 44767. It is unique in that it has Stephenson's link motion, it also has Timken roller bearings. The engine had been repainted for the 1997 season. I was on shed to start two weeks of support crew with the Black Five. 28/6/1997

    On shed at Fort William is Ian Storey's 1947 built Black Five 44767. It is unique in that it has Stephenson's link motion, it also has Timken roller bearings. The engine had been repainted for the 1997 season. I was on shed to start two weeks of support crew with the Black Five. 28/6/1997

  • The Paddle Steamer Waverley whistles up for the steam loco as it steams in Loch Eil at Corpach. The boat was built for the LNER in 1947 and is the last ocean going paddle steamer in the World. 30/6/1997

    The Paddle Steamer Waverley whistles up for the steam loco as it steams in Loch Eil at Corpach. The boat was built for the LNER in 1947 and is the last ocean going paddle steamer in the World. 30/6/1997

  • On shed in the evening as the sun drops down. Meall an t-Suidhe broods over Fort William shed in this long lens shot of 44767. 4/7/1997

    On shed in the evening as the sun drops down. Meall an t-Suidhe broods over Fort William shed in this long lens shot of 44767. 4/7/1997

  • 44767 moves around the shed passing 75014 and one of the two snowploughs built on a steam tender chassis. 8/7/1997

    44767 moves around the shed passing 75014 and one of the two snowploughs built on a steam tender chassis. 8/7/1997

  • Beasdale Bank is a most formidable piece of railway line, it twists and turns for a distance of 1 1/2 miles and a gradient of 1 in 48, a real test of man and machine. 44767 gives its all with thick black smoke from the front end as it tackles the bank with the late Dave Judd firing to the late Calum MacRaild under instruction from Stevie Fraser.

    Beasdale Bank is a most formidable piece of railway line, it twists and turns for a distance of 1 1/2 miles and a gradient of 1 in 48, a real test of man and machine. 44767 gives its all with thick black smoke from the front end as it tackles the bank with the late Dave Judd firing to the late Calum MacRaild under instruction from Stevie Fraser.

  • The end of the line is the fishing village of Mallaig and 44767 basks in the hot sun of a July day. The loco has been refilled with water and the coal brought forward and is ready to run round the train and shunt to the other platform. 8/7/1997

    The end of the line is the fishing village of Mallaig and 44767 basks in the hot sun of a July day. The loco has been refilled with water and the coal brought forward and is ready to run round the train and shunt to the other platform. 8/7/1997

  • Fort William station and a chasing run to Mallaig with Richard Campbell driving. 44767 has run round its train in the station and is moving off to shunt into platform 1. 10/7/1997

    Fort William station and a chasing run to Mallaig with Richard Campbell driving. 44767 has run round its train in the station and is moving off to shunt into platform 1. 10/7/1997

  • A classic shot and a classic location, 44767 comes round the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Like all the bridges and viaducts on this line it is built of reinforced concrete.

    A classic shot and a classic location, 44767 comes round the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Like all the bridges and viaducts on this line it is built of reinforced concrete.

  • Climbing at 1 in 50 near to Polnish, the white of the safety valves contradicts the black of the exhaust. The polarising filter on the camera brings out the strong colours.

    Climbing at 1 in 50 near to Polnish, the white of the safety valves contradicts the black of the exhaust. The polarising filter on the camera brings out the strong colours.

  • This was taken from the front of Richard's Land Rover doing about 50mph. 44767 crosses Loch nan Uamh viaduct right at the bottom of Beasdale Bank, get the power on NOW!

    This was taken from the front of Richard's Land Rover doing about 50mph. 44767 crosses Loch nan Uamh viaduct right at the bottom of Beasdale Bank, get the power on NOW!

  • Beasdale station is at the top of the bank, 1 1/2 rail miles from the previous shot. 44767 comes over the summit at a little more than a walking pace and was barking away in sensational style. It could be heard long before it came into view. Note the headboard.

    Beasdale station is at the top of the bank, 1 1/2 rail miles from the previous shot. 44767 comes over the summit at a little more than a walking pace and was barking away in sensational style. It could be heard long before it came into view. Note the headboard.

  • On the approach to Mallaig the line drops down to sea level. A small feather of steam fizzles from the safety valves and a a light haze of smoke drifts from the chimney as Stevie Fraser cools the fire down for the stop over at Mallaig.

    On the approach to Mallaig the line drops down to sea level. A small feather of steam fizzles from the safety valves and a a light haze of smoke drifts from the chimney as Stevie Fraser cools the fire down for the stop over at Mallaig.

  • A night shot of 44767 on Fort William shed, the time is 11.50pm and the exposure was for 1 minute. 10/7/1997

    A night shot of 44767 on Fort William shed, the time is 11.50pm and the exposure was for 1 minute. 10/7/1997

  • The firemans view of the bottom of Beasdale Bank. The train is crossing Loch nan Uamh vidauct and the line starts the climb at the tunnel ahead. It rises straight into 1 in 48 and the line disappears into the roof of the tunnel. 11/7/1997

    The firemans view of the bottom of Beasdale Bank. The train is crossing Loch nan Uamh vidauct and the line starts the climb at the tunnel ahead. It rises straight into 1 in 48 and the line disappears into the roof of the tunnel. 11/7/1997

  • Something different is in steam on Fort William shed and my first trip with a class 8F loco, 48151.

    Something different is in steam on Fort William shed and my first trip with a class 8F loco, 48151.

  • Back at Fort William for another stint as support crew on the Mallaig steam. David Smith's exLMSR 8F 2-8-0 48151 sits in platform 1 of Fort William station with 2Y61 1035 to Mallaig. The "private parking" sign was found on the service platform and put on the loco for a laugh. 26/6/1998

    Back at Fort William for another stint as support crew on the Mallaig steam. David Smith's exLMSR 8F 2-8-0 48151 sits in platform 1 of Fort William station with 2Y61 1035 to Mallaig. The "private parking" sign was found on the service platform and put on the loco for a laugh. 26/6/1998

  • 48151 sits at Mallaig. The loco carries the name "Gauge O Guild". The loco is about to carry out the shunt and run round the stock and reposition into platform 2 so the service train can use the main platform 1. The Black Eight first worked to Mallaig in 1995, it is unsure if the class ever worked the Mallaig extension in steam days.

    48151 sits at Mallaig. The loco carries the name "Gauge O Guild". The loco is about to carry out the shunt and run round the stock and reposition into platform 2 so the service train can use the main platform 1. The Black Eight first worked to Mallaig in 1995, it is unsure if the class ever worked the Mallaig extension in steam days.

  • Also at Fort William for the 1998 season is Riddles Standard class 4 4-6-0 75014. 26/6/1998

    Also at Fort William for the 1998 season is Riddles Standard class 4 4-6-0 75014. 26/6/1998

  • Former LNER class B1 4-6-0 61264 stands at Mallaig after running round the train and being locked into platform 2 to allow the service train to arrive. Ross and I had a superb run from Fort William. The train will depart at 1410 as 2Y62 back to the Fort.

    Former LNER class B1 4-6-0 61264 stands at Mallaig after running round the train and being locked into platform 2 to allow the service train to arrive. Ross and I had a superb run from Fort William. The train will depart at 1410 as 2Y62 back to the Fort.

  • Back at Fort William and the loco has run round and the fireman is coupling the loco to the stock for the short run back to the yard as 5Y62 1620 off the station. Ross and I had a free ride thanks to Florence the guard. I have known Florence for many years and it was great to see her again and catch up. 16/8/2002.

    Back at Fort William and the loco has run round and the fireman is coupling the loco to the stock for the short run back to the yard as 5Y62 1620 off the station. Ross and I had a free ride thanks to Florence the guard. I have known Florence for many years and it was great to see her again and catch up. 16/8/2002.

  • Fort William shed and K4 61994 stands at the head of the Jacobite stock and will take it into the station for the day's run to Mallaig. On the left is West Coast's 37676 which worked up light engine the previous evening. It will be used on the Royal Scotsman. 24/7/2010

    Fort William shed and K4 61994 stands at the head of the Jacobite stock and will take it into the station for the day's run to Mallaig. On the left is West Coast's 37676 which worked up light engine the previous evening. It will be used on the Royal Scotsman. 24/7/2010

  • The Royal Scotsman luxury land cruise train has arrived in Fort William station having spent the night at Spean Bridge. 37676 has coupled on and will take the train out to Mallaig, it runs as 1H86 0823 Spean Bridge to Fort William via Mallaig.

    The Royal Scotsman luxury land cruise train has arrived in Fort William station having spent the night at Spean Bridge. 37676 has coupled on and will take the train out to Mallaig, it runs as 1H86 0823 Spean Bridge to Fort William via Mallaig.

  • The Royal Scotsman departs Fort William for the run to Mallaig, after a short time there 47786 will bring the train back to the Fort.

    The Royal Scotsman departs Fort William for the run to Mallaig, after a short time there 47786 will bring the train back to the Fort.

  • Out on "The Road to the Isles" as the Mallaig extension is known, 61994 puts the power down on the level grade of Glenfinnan Viaduct before the 1 in 50 climb into the station. The K4 is filling in for K1 62005 which had failed and needed to go south for repairs.

    Out on "The Road to the Isles" as the Mallaig extension is known, 61994 puts the power down on the level grade of Glenfinnan Viaduct before the 1 in 50 climb into the station. The K4 is filling in for K1 62005 which had failed and needed to go south for repairs.

  • The day previous was hot and sunny and I should have taken my camera that day but decided not too, big mistake. Glenfinnan station is half a mile away and the line starts the short climb to the platforms and a short wait to cross a service train.

    The day previous was hot and sunny and I should have taken my camera that day but decided not too, big mistake. Glenfinnan station is half a mile away and the line starts the short climb to the platforms and a short wait to cross a service train.

  • At Arisaig the rain was falling quite hard and our train crosses the Royal Scotsman heading back to Fort William behind 47786. The driver of 61994 will return the radio token from Glenfinnan to the signal centre at Banavie and it will be issued to the driver of the Brush type 4.

    At Arisaig the rain was falling quite hard and our train crosses the Royal Scotsman heading back to Fort William behind 47786. The driver of 61994 will return the radio token from Glenfinnan to the signal centre at Banavie and it will be issued to the driver of the Brush type 4.

  • Tailing the train is 37676.

    Tailing the train is 37676.

  • Back at Fort William and in the yard the class 47 and 37 have changed places on the Royal Scotsman stock. 37676 will shortly take the train into the station.

    Back at Fort William and in the yard the class 47 and 37 have changed places on the Royal Scotsman stock. 37676 will shortly take the train into the station.

  • As 61994 runs round the Jacobite stock to then propel it into its siding for the night,, 47786 eases past as it is taken out of the yard to the station where the passengers will rejoin their hotel on wheels.

    As 61994 runs round the Jacobite stock to then propel it into its siding for the night,, 47786 eases past as it is taken out of the yard to the station where the passengers will rejoin their hotel on wheels.

  • Fort William Junction signalbox has been recently repainted an interesting almost salmon pink colour, it also looks like it has been reroofed too. The Royal Scotsman passes behind it with the ECS from the yard to the station. Once all are on board the train will head of to Bridge of Orchy where it will stable for the night.

    Fort William Junction signalbox has been recently repainted an interesting almost salmon pink colour, it also looks like it has been reroofed too. The Royal Scotsman passes behind it with the ECS from the yard to the station. Once all are on board the train will head of to Bridge of Orchy where it will stable for the night.

  • Servicing time for the K4 and an unusual view looking into the ashpan and under the grate as the fire is being cleaned.

    Servicing time for the K4 and an unusual view looking into the ashpan and under the grate as the fire is being cleaned.

  • 61994 inside the single road loco shed at Fort William viewed from the pit which was full of water and ash and clinker.

    61994 inside the single road loco shed at Fort William viewed from the pit which was full of water and ash and clinker.

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    75014 and its train drifts through a cut in the rock as it comes towards Glenfinnan. Sgurr a Mhuidhe fills the picture to a height of 1,826 feet.
    At Banavie the line crosses the Caledonian Canal by means of a swing bridge, 75014 slowly eases onto the bridge. Beyond it is Neptunes Staircase which raises the Caledonian Canal 62 feet via 8 locks over a distance of a quarter of a mile. 27/6/1997
    On shed at Fort William is Ian Storey's 1947 built Black Five 44767. It is unique in that it has Stephenson's link motion, it also has Timken roller bearings. The engine had been repainted for the 1997 season. I was on shed to start two weeks of support crew with the Black Five. 28/6/1997