This is the first of three steam workings to pass through Markinch in the space of just over two hours. Ex LNER K4 61994 takes its support coach from Thornton to Inverness as 5Z30 1210 off Thornton shed. 19/5/2012
This is a positioning move as the K4 was taking the train from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh and back the following day.
The main event and The Cathedrals Explorer railtour crosses Markinch Viaduct behind another ex LNER loco, A4 pacific 4464 Bittern.
The train started at Durham at 0815, 1Z22 for Inverness. 4464 is fitted out in valances and garter blue livery as originally built. It will come off the train at Perth then run back to Thornton shed for servicing and staying for a few days.
On the back of the train is EWS type 5 67025, just in case whilst on the ECML. It was not providing any traction power and came off the train at Perth.
45 minutes after 4464 went north, the last of the days steam movements appear. Ex LNER design class A1 pacific 60163 takes it support coach from Millerhill to Perth as 5Z42 1246 off the DBS yard.
At Perth it will replace 4464 and take the tour over Druimuachdar Summit to Inverness and journey's end. 19/5/2012
Thornton shed on a warm spring evening and the familiar sight of an A4 rests on shed. 21/5/12
When Bittern was preserved it did not have a corridor tender, but the current owner, Jeremy Hoskins, had one built when the loco was overhauled. It carries LNER Garter Blue livery and full side valances.
The evening sun glints off the top of the streamlined casing.
The loco was kept in light steam during its layover at Thornton. The valances certainly give it a different look and makes oiling up all the more interesting!!
Home again. K4 61994 slowly reverses towards the shed having returned from Inverness as 5Z34 1507 off.
The sun glints off the coach and loco as it is waved back in by Jamie.
The two Gresley designed locos together on shed.
A night time shot of 4464 and 61994 both in steam. This is with the flash.
This is without the flash and only the shed lights. The dust on the sides of both tenders really stand out.
This is a quick turn round for the K4 as it was to be out again the next day for an engine and coach run to Fort William.
The front end of both locos with the flash.
And without.
The steam from 61994 is back lit by the shed light behind it and it also glints off the casing of 4464 by the firebox.
The same view being lit from the front with the flash.
Changing the angle with the flash.
And without and much more atmospheric.
A1 new built pacific 60163 "Tornado" climbs the 1 in 108 gradient past Little Couston between Aberdour and Dalgety Bay with 1Z37, 1742 Aberdeen to Edinburgh leg of The Cathedrals Explorer. 22/5/2012
The tour left Inverness at 1113 for Aberdeen as 1Z35. On arrival there is was serviced and the tour departed with a different reporting number. Despite the sun having gone there is still sufficient ambient light for the shot.
Back in 1987/8 this loco spent a period of time on static display as 2509 "Silver Link" the first of the A4 class. I saw it at the NRM. It has also run on the mainline in the guise of 4492 Dominion of New Zealand, I did not see it. 23/5/2012
In glorious May sunshine Jeremy Hoskins' A4 Bittern stands outside Thornton shed awaiting its booked departure time to run light to Edinburgh to pick up its train.
Departure time and the driver blows the whistle for the off. The white steam contrasts with the black smoke.
Thick black smoke lifts out of the double kylchap chimney as the driver opens the regulator and steam blasts from the cylinder drain cocks. This is 5Z41 1300 Thornton Shed to Millerhill.
The loco and support coach slowly departs Thornton.
The garter blue livery is shown to perfection as the sun lights the loco.
A quick drive to Little Couston between Aberdour and Dalgety Bay and 4464 climbs the 1 in 108 away from Aberdour.
A broadside shot of the valances fitted A4, just how they looked when first built. The valances were removed during the war to ease maintenance.
Later afternoon and 4464 clears the north portal of the Forth Bridge with 1Z42 1558 Edinburgh to Edinburgh via the Forth Circle.
There is a speed restriction on the bridge of 15 mph so the regulator will be just cracked with very little exhaust.
The train uses the SRPS stock and the whole train is on the north viaduct.
A closer look at 4464 Bittern as is comes off the Forth Bridge. Now for a drive to Cowdenbeath.
A quick drive to Cowdenbeath and a location I have never done before, looking towards Lochgelly. The train comes into view on a section of line with a 40 mph speed restriction due to former mining subsidence.
The line takes a sharp turn to the left in the direction of travel and the loco is caught head on.
The line continues the turn and will pass the site of Cowdenbeath North Junction where the line to Perth via Kinross branched off. It closed in 1971. Now to relocate again.
The train stopped at Torryburn on the line from Dunfermline to Alloa via Longannet and took water. After a lengthy stop the train gets underway again and approaches Culross.
The line at Culross skirts the north shore of the River Forth and is a popular spot for walkers and to photograph passing trains.
The line passes over a foot crossing and the whistle is given a short blast. There was a very good turnout of people to watch the train pass by.
A final shot of 4464 Bittern on the Cathedrals Explorer. From Alloa the train went through Stirling and onto Edinburgh via Linlithgow.
