2. Railways

Loco hauled on the West Highland Railway

Classic type 1, type 2 and type 3 traction on the West Highland Line when it used to be great.
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  • Eastfield's 37424 waits at Bridge of Orchy with a Fort William to Mossend freight. It will cross the passenger train I am on, 0540 Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William. 13/8/1987

    Eastfield's 37424 waits at Bridge of Orchy with a Fort William to Mossend freight. It will cross the passenger train I am on, 0540 Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William. 13/8/1987

  • Tulloch now and 37409 with the 0540 from Glasgow to FOrt WIlliam waits for 37422 to clear the single line section. The up train is 0830 off the Fort for Glasgow Queen Street.

    Tulloch now and 37409 with the 0540 from Glasgow to FOrt WIlliam waits for 37422 to clear the single line section. The up train is 0830 off the Fort for Glasgow Queen Street.

  • The weather at Fort William was very wet amd miserable. 37413 sits in platform 2 with the 1003 departure for Mallaig.

    The weather at Fort William was very wet amd miserable. 37413 sits in platform 2 with the 1003 departure for Mallaig.

  • Heading back south now and the 1740 from Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street enters Rannoch station. Waiting for the train is 37413 with a rake of loaded alumina tanks from North Blyth for the aluminium plant at Fort William.

    Heading back south now and the 1740 from Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street enters Rannoch station. Waiting for the train is 37413 with a rake of loaded alumina tanks from North Blyth for the aluminium plant at Fort William.

  • Once the passenger train has returned the radio token for the section from Tulloch to Rannoch it can be issued to the driver of 37424 and he can be on his way.

    Once the passenger train has returned the radio token for the section from Tulloch to Rannoch it can be issued to the driver of 37424 and he can be on his way.

  • The next station south is Bridge of Orchy and here I find 37423 waiting with the 1650 from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William.

    The next station south is Bridge of Orchy and here I find 37423 waiting with the 1650 from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William.

  • An overnight stop was had in Oban and looking down on the station is 37403 and a rake of six mkI and mkII coaches. This worked in with the 1820 off Glasgow Queen Street. Another class 37 is trying to hide in the other platform road. In the right foreground is class 104 DMU 53434, 53424 in its unique maroon and white livery, it was known as the "Mexican Bean"! 13/8/1987

    An overnight stop was had in Oban and looking down on the station is 37403 and a rake of six mkI and mkII coaches. This worked in with the 1820 off Glasgow Queen Street. Another class 37 is trying to hide in the other platform road. In the right foreground is class 104 DMU 53434, 53424 in its unique maroon and white livery, it was known as the "Mexican Bean"! 13/8/1987

  • The next morning and 37403 is ticking over and waiting for its 0800 departure back to Glasgow Queen Street. McCaig's Folly stands on the hillside watching over Oban. 14/8/1987

    The next morning and 37403 is ticking over and waiting for its 0800 departure back to Glasgow Queen Street. McCaig's Folly stands on the hillside watching over Oban. 14/8/1987

  • 37424 stands at Crianlarich at the head of an S.R.P.S. railtour from Edinburgh to Fort William. The tour would return south behind ex LMS Black Five 5305. Due to problems with the R.E.T.B. equipment the train was running very late and the steam came forward to Tulloch to take over the train. 9/12/1989

    37424 stands at Crianlarich at the head of an S.R.P.S. railtour from Edinburgh to Fort William. The tour would return south behind ex LMS Black Five 5305. Due to problems with the R.E.T.B. equipment the train was running very late and the steam came forward to Tulloch to take over the train. 9/12/1989

  • InterCity liveried 37404 is coupled to a short rake of two oil tanks in Oban station. Three more tanks are in an adjacent siding. This traffic is long lost to rail. 19/8/1990

    InterCity liveried 37404 is coupled to a short rake of two oil tanks in Oban station. Three more tanks are in an adjacent siding. This traffic is long lost to rail. 19/8/1990

  • A Sunday drive with my young son Ross found us at the end of a 20 odd mile long cul-de-sac! Rannoch station is at the end of that road and it is deep in Rannoch Moor. A well timed surprise is 37401 heading south with a ballast train. 14/10/1990

    A Sunday drive with my young son Ross found us at the end of a 20 odd mile long cul-de-sac! Rannoch station is at the end of that road and it is deep in Rannoch Moor. A well timed surprise is 37401 heading south with a ballast train. 14/10/1990

  • Myself and fellow 60009 support crew member Mike Mather took a trip to Fort William to ride the steam to Mallaig before it became "The Jacobite". On shed at Fort William is 37428 in Rail Freight Petroleum sub sector livery. 30/6/1991

    Myself and fellow 60009 support crew member Mike Mather took a trip to Fort William to ride the steam to Mallaig before it became "The Jacobite". On shed at Fort William is 37428 in Rail Freight Petroleum sub sector livery. 30/6/1991

  • An unidentified InterCity liveried class 37 heads towards Bridge of Orchy with a Mossend to Fort William freight comprising of 3 bogie bolsters and a solitary tank wagon. 2/9/1991

    An unidentified InterCity liveried class 37 heads towards Bridge of Orchy with a Mossend to Fort William freight comprising of 3 bogie bolsters and a solitary tank wagon. 2/9/1991

  • The classic location of The County March and in glorious sunshine too, a class 37 on a loaded southbound freight, what more could you want? 37413 wears the Railfreight Distribution subsector decals and brings a heavy load of rolls of paper from the Arjo Wiggins plant at Corpach on the Mallaig branch.

    The classic location of The County March and in glorious sunshine too, a class 37 on a loaded southbound freight, what more could you want? 37413 wears the Railfreight Distribution subsector decals and brings a heavy load of rolls of paper from the Arjo Wiggins plant at Corpach on the Mallaig branch.

  • Oban station now and 37401 sits in platform 2 with three oil tanks on the drawbar. Next to it is 156445 which will form the next service to Glasgow Queen Street.

    Oban station now and 37401 sits in platform 2 with three oil tanks on the drawbar. Next to it is 156445 which will form the next service to Glasgow Queen Street.

  • Out on the road and 37401 is about to enter the cramped Pass of Brander with its empty oil tanks. Ahead of the loco can be seen double facing semaphore signals which warn of any rock falls. Taut wires run the length of the Pass linked to counter weights and signals. If a rock fall occurs and breaks a wire it will cause the connected signal to fall to danger and therefore preventing a derailment. It is called "Anderson's Piano" after the inventor John Anderson, the secretary of the Callander and Oban Railway. The screen was first brought into use in January 1882 and over 135 years later it is still protecting the railway, truly remarkable.

    Out on the road and 37401 is about to enter the cramped Pass of Brander with its empty oil tanks. Ahead of the loco can be seen double facing semaphore signals which warn of any rock falls. Taut wires run the length of the Pass linked to counter weights and signals. If a rock fall occurs and breaks a wire it will cause the connected signal to fall to danger and therefore preventing a derailment. It is called "Anderson's Piano" after the inventor John Anderson, the secretary of the Callander and Oban Railway. The screen was first brought into use in January 1882 and over 135 years later it is still protecting the railway, truly remarkable.

  • A move to Ardlui and 37410, in InterCity colours, rolls in with a mixed freight from Fort WIlliam to Mossend. The consist is made up of empty oil tanks, empty china clay slurry tanks and bogie bolsters loaded with rolls of paper. 2/9/1991

    A move to Ardlui and 37410, in InterCity colours, rolls in with a mixed freight from Fort WIlliam to Mossend. The consist is made up of empty oil tanks, empty china clay slurry tanks and bogie bolsters loaded with rolls of paper. 2/9/1991

  • Having spent the night in my car at Tyndrum Upper, my early morning alarm call appears in the morning mist! 37423 fronts the Euston to Fort William sleeper in the days when it was a separate train from the Inverness and Aberdeen sleepers. 3/9/1991

    Having spent the night in my car at Tyndrum Upper, my early morning alarm call appears in the morning mist! 37423 fronts the Euston to Fort William sleeper in the days when it was a separate train from the Inverness and Aberdeen sleepers. 3/9/1991

  • The day is turning out to be a scorcher and in full unbroken sun I have walked into the Horseshoe Curve and stand on an occupation bridge between the two viaducts. 37423 lifts its heavy load of aluminium ingots up the 1 in 55 slog. Beinn Dorain rises 3523 feet above sea level and forms the dramatic backdrop. Bloody wonderful, sun, scenery and a class 37 on full chat!!

    The day is turning out to be a scorcher and in full unbroken sun I have walked into the Horseshoe Curve and stand on an occupation bridge between the two viaducts. 37423 lifts its heavy load of aluminium ingots up the 1 in 55 slog. Beinn Dorain rises 3523 feet above sea level and forms the dramatic backdrop. Bloody wonderful, sun, scenery and a class 37 on full chat!!

  • Another InterCity liveried type 3 sees 37401 drift downgrade with two loaded china clay slurry tanks for the paper mill at Corpach and oil tanks for the either Mallaig or the depot at Fort William Junction.

    Another InterCity liveried type 3 sees 37401 drift downgrade with two loaded china clay slurry tanks for the paper mill at Corpach and oil tanks for the either Mallaig or the depot at Fort William Junction.

  • 37401 passes over Auch Gleann Viaduct with its mixed rake of tanks. I am unsure of what the third and fourth tanks could be for. 3/9/1991

    37401 passes over Auch Gleann Viaduct with its mixed rake of tanks. I am unsure of what the third and fourth tanks could be for. 3/9/1991

  • A year or so later and I'm in Glen Falloch, south of Crianlarich. An Edinburgh to Oban railtour coughs and splutters its way up the ruling 1 in 60 gradient with a pair of class 26 locos in charge. D5300 and D5301 make very heavy weather of it. 23/8/1992

    A year or so later and I'm in Glen Falloch, south of Crianlarich. An Edinburgh to Oban railtour coughs and splutters its way up the ruling 1 in 60 gradient with a pair of class 26 locos in charge. D5300 and D5301 make very heavy weather of it. 23/8/1992

  • Out on the Oban road and the line skirts the edge of Lochan Na Bi in the stunningly beautiful Glen Lochy.

    Out on the Oban road and the line skirts the edge of Lochan Na Bi in the stunningly beautiful Glen Lochy.

  • D5301 became 26007 under TOPS and D5300 became 26001 and the pair were repainted into BR green and renumbered to celebrate the closure of Eastfield Depot, where the work was carried out. The pair bring the train out of the Pass of Brander.

    D5301 became 26007 under TOPS and D5300 became 26001 and the pair were repainted into BR green and renumbered to celebrate the closure of Eastfield Depot, where the work was carried out. The pair bring the train out of the Pass of Brander.

  • During a brief but heavy rain shower, the two type 2 locos approach Connel station which was the junction for the Ballachulish branch.

    During a brief but heavy rain shower, the two type 2 locos approach Connel station which was the junction for the Ballachulish branch.

  • A dark sky contrasts with the bright sun on the houses of North Oban as the train descends from the summit at Glencuitten Crossing at 301 feet to sea level at the station in just three miles.

    A dark sky contrasts with the bright sun on the houses of North Oban as the train descends from the summit at Glencuitten Crossing at 301 feet to sea level at the station in just three miles.

  • Still dropping down, the train passes the turnout which led to a small freight yard. The yard was built on the site of Oban steam shed and old goods yard.

    Still dropping down, the train passes the turnout which led to a small freight yard. The yard was built on the site of Oban steam shed and old goods yard.

  • ON arrival at the station, ScotRail chairman John Cameron watches the uncoupling of the locos from the stock whilst the driver looks on.

    ON arrival at the station, ScotRail chairman John Cameron watches the uncoupling of the locos from the stock whilst the driver looks on.

  • The return driver looks back as the pair cross onto the other platform road. When it rejoins the stock the train will be shunted into this platform leaving platform 1 for the service train.

    The return driver looks back as the pair cross onto the other platform road. When it rejoins the stock the train will be shunted into this platform leaving platform 1 for the service train.

  • Shunting complete, the train waits its departure time. The station is viewed from high up on a road. 23/8/1992

    Shunting complete, the train waits its departure time. The station is viewed from high up on a road. 23/8/1992

  • The Fort William to Euston sleeper was under threat of withdrawal after the summer 1995 timetable so I headed to Rannoch for a couple of days to photograph it. 37430 in Transrail livery rolls off the viaduct approaching Rannoch station dropping at 1 in 53. 18/6/1995

    The Fort William to Euston sleeper was under threat of withdrawal after the summer 1995 timetable so I headed to Rannoch for a couple of days to photograph it. 37430 in Transrail livery rolls off the viaduct approaching Rannoch station dropping at 1 in 53. 18/6/1995

  • Rannoch station is about to become busy with a second train approaching. 37423 comes in with the northbound Royal Scotsman, 1H98 1435 SuO Edinburgh to Spean Bridge. I was not expecting this so was a real bonus.

    Rannoch station is about to become busy with a second train approaching. 37423 comes in with the northbound Royal Scotsman, 1H98 1435 SuO Edinburgh to Spean Bridge. I was not expecting this so was a real bonus.

  • 37430 carries the Welsh name "Cwmbran" and stands deep in the Scottish Highlands. It makes its Rannoch station stop with 1M15 1900 Fort William to Euston sleeper. Radio tokens are exchanged between the respective drivers and the signalman at Banavie. 18/6/1995

    37430 carries the Welsh name "Cwmbran" and stands deep in the Scottish Highlands. It makes its Rannoch station stop with 1M15 1900 Fort William to Euston sleeper. Radio tokens are exchanged between the respective drivers and the signalman at Banavie. 18/6/1995

  • After a night in the car, the dog and myself trekked across the bog below the viaduct to get to the other side before the northbound sleeper appeared. 37430 return to the Fort with 1S07 2025 Euston to Fort William sleeper. The driver has the English Electric 12CSVT 1,750HP powerplant on full chat as it lifts the 315 tonne train up the 1 in 53 gradient. I got a cheery wave from the guard as the train passed. 19/6/1995

    After a night in the car, the dog and myself trekked across the bog below the viaduct to get to the other side before the northbound sleeper appeared. 37430 return to the Fort with 1S07 2025 Euston to Fort William sleeper. The driver has the English Electric 12CSVT 1,750HP powerplant on full chat as it lifts the 315 tonne train up the 1 in 53 gradient. I got a cheery wave from the guard as the train passed. 19/6/1995

  • The first up freight train of the day rolls to a stop at Rannoch station. 37409 and 37152 power 7D19 0940 Corpach Pulp Mill to Mossend North Yard, a mixed rake of loaded aluminium ingots from the alcan plant at Fort William and rolls of paper from the paper mill at Corpach.

    The first up freight train of the day rolls to a stop at Rannoch station. 37409 and 37152 power 7D19 0940 Corpach Pulp Mill to Mossend North Yard, a mixed rake of loaded aluminium ingots from the alcan plant at Fort William and rolls of paper from the paper mill at Corpach.

  • A few hours later and the first down freight appears to the south of Rannoch behind 37428. The train is 7Y45 0915 Mossend North Yard to Fortg William and is running early. It consists of a single loaded china clay slurry tank and empty bogie bolsters for paperr rolls and aluminium ingots.

    A few hours later and the first down freight appears to the south of Rannoch behind 37428. The train is 7Y45 0915 Mossend North Yard to Fortg William and is running early. It consists of a single loaded china clay slurry tank and empty bogie bolsters for paperr rolls and aluminium ingots.

  • 37423 brings the southbound Royal Scotsman over Rannoch Viaduct towards the station. 1H98 MO 1127 Mallaig to Taynuilt is running about 20 minutes late due to a late running service train.

    37423 brings the southbound Royal Scotsman over Rannoch Viaduct towards the station. 1H98 MO 1127 Mallaig to Taynuilt is running about 20 minutes late due to a late running service train.

  • 37423 and the luxury land cruise train comes to a stand at Rannoch to exchange radio tokens. The first coach is a mkII Pullman with the vestibule removed and converted to an observation balcony allowing the passengers big lung fulls of Scottish air and diesel fumes!!

    37423 and the luxury land cruise train comes to a stand at Rannoch to exchange radio tokens. The first coach is a mkII Pullman with the vestibule removed and converted to an observation balcony allowing the passengers big lung fulls of Scottish air and diesel fumes!!

  • 37428 grinds up the 1 in 50 gradient on the flank of Ben Odhar towards the County March summit whist working a private charter under the title "The West Highlander". 21/4/1996

    37428 grinds up the 1 in 50 gradient on the flank of Ben Odhar towards the County March summit whist working a private charter under the title "The West Highlander". 21/4/1996

  • The train passes over one of the many streams which flow off the mountain.

    The train passes over one of the many streams which flow off the mountain.

  • A quick drive to the County March and here the train starts the long descent to Crianlarich. The privately owned "Statesman" stock includes mkII Pullman vehicles. The lead coach is a former Great Western Railway observation coach and tghe second coach is LNER tourist livery of green and cream was named "Glenfinnan" at that station the previous day.

    A quick drive to the County March and here the train starts the long descent to Crianlarich. The privately owned "Statesman" stock includes mkII Pullman vehicles. The lead coach is a former Great Western Railway observation coach and tghe second coach is LNER tourist livery of green and cream was named "Glenfinnan" at that station the previous day.

  • 37428 entersCrianlarich station and passes over the turnout for the Oban branch.

    37428 entersCrianlarich station and passes over the turnout for the Oban branch.

  • After a brief stop to exchange tokens, 37428 powers away from Crianlarich through Glen Falloch and onto its destination in England somewhere. 21/4/1996

    After a brief stop to exchange tokens, 37428 powers away from Crianlarich through Glen Falloch and onto its destination in England somewhere. 21/4/1996

  • Fort William depot and on shed is 37403 but still wearing BR green livery and its preTOPS number D6607. It carries the name Ben Cruachan. 15/7/1996

    Fort William depot and on shed is 37403 but still wearing BR green livery and its preTOPS number D6607. It carries the name Ben Cruachan. 15/7/1996

  • A nice hot sunny day beckons and the morning sun shines down on 37294 and 37430 passing by the Jacobite stock with 7Y31 0730 Fort William Junction Yard - Corpach Paper Mill, a trip freight of a china clay slurry wagon. 17/7/1996

    A nice hot sunny day beckons and the morning sun shines down on 37294 and 37430 passing by the Jacobite stock with 7Y31 0730 Fort William Junction Yard - Corpach Paper Mill, a trip freight of a china clay slurry wagon. 17/7/1996

  • Class 20's were once a common sight at Fort William and today a pair are back. 20901 is part of the Nomix-Chipman Weed Killing train which worked over the West Highland line earlier in the day. The loco carries the name "Nancy". 19/7/1996

    Class 20's were once a common sight at Fort William and today a pair are back. 20901 is part of the Nomix-Chipman Weed Killing train which worked over the West Highland line earlier in the day. The loco carries the name "Nancy". 19/7/1996

  • At the other end of the rake of four coaches and three tank wagons is 20904 "Janet". Hunslet Barclay bought four class 20 locos, refurbished them and hire them to Nomix-Chipman for weed killing duties. 19/7/1996

    At the other end of the rake of four coaches and three tank wagons is 20904 "Janet". Hunslet Barclay bought four class 20 locos, refurbished them and hire them to Nomix-Chipman for weed killing duties. 19/7/1996

  • A general view of Fort William depot with 37424, 37428, another unknown class 37 and 08630 all visible. This was the start of a fortnight of support crew duties with Black Five 44767. 27/6/1997

    A general view of Fort William depot with 37424, 37428, another unknown class 37 and 08630 all visible. This was the start of a fortnight of support crew duties with Black Five 44767. 27/6/1997

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    Heading back south now and the 1740 from Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street enters Rannoch station. Waiting for the train is 37413 with a rake of loaded alumina tanks from North Blyth for the aluminium plant at Fort William.
    Once the passenger train has returned the radio token for the section from Tulloch to Rannoch it can be issued to the driver of 37424 and he can be on his way.
    The next station south is Bridge of Orchy and here I find 37423 waiting with the 1650 from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William.