2. Railways

The Great Britain Rail tours

In April of 2007 the Railway Touring Company, with West Coast Railways, ran an ambitious series of separate railtours which covered the whole country hauled by several different steam locomotives on consecutive days, they called it "The Great Britain". What started out as a one off has repeated itself every year since. I have been involved with several of them as support crew with A4 60009 and K4 61994 and photographed others when able.
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  • Newly outshopped Gresley K4 61994 "The Great Marquess" simmers in light steam at the Crewe Heritage Centre. It was bought by John Cameron, owner of A4 60009 "Union of South Africa" and overhauled here at Crewe. 4/4/2007

    Newly outshopped Gresley K4 61994 "The Great Marquess" simmers in light steam at the Crewe Heritage Centre. It was bought by John Cameron, owner of A4 60009 "Union of South Africa" and overhauled here at Crewe. 4/4/2007

  • The afternoon sun glints off the nameplate.

    The afternoon sun glints off the nameplate.

  • The loco will be heading north to Mossend, near Glasgow in a couple of days time to take part in The Great Britain railtour. It will pilot the A4 from Perth to Inverness then the following day will go to the Kyle of Lochalsh and back before heading back to Perth from Inverness with No9 a few days later.4/4/2007

    The loco will be heading north to Mossend, near Glasgow in a couple of days time to take part in The Great Britain railtour. It will pilot the A4 from Perth to Inverness then the following day will go to the Kyle of Lochalsh and back before heading back to Perth from Inverness with No9 a few days later.4/4/2007

  • Stanier Princess Coronation class pacific 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" has arrived in the yard of PD Stirling, Mossend and the support crew get to work servicing it and preparing it for the light engine run south later in the day. It worked the Preston to Glasgow Central leg of The Great Britain into Glasgow the previous day and now the baton was handed over to No9. 10/4/2007

    Stanier Princess Coronation class pacific 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" has arrived in the yard of PD Stirling, Mossend and the support crew get to work servicing it and preparing it for the light engine run south later in the day. It worked the Preston to Glasgow Central leg of The Great Britain into Glasgow the previous day and now the baton was handed over to No9. 10/4/2007

  • 61994 stands in the warm morning sunshine at Millburn Yard, Inverness the day after taking 8 bogies to the Kyle of Lochalsh as an additional trip as part of the round the country The Great Britain railtour. 12/4/2007

    61994 stands in the warm morning sunshine at Millburn Yard, Inverness the day after taking 8 bogies to the Kyle of Lochalsh as an additional trip as part of the round the country The Great Britain railtour. 12/4/2007

  • The A4 and K4 top and tail the support coach and stand in front of the cement silo in Millburn Yard. The A4 has still to be turned and that would take place the following day.

    The A4 and K4 top and tail the support coach and stand in front of the cement silo in Millburn Yard. The A4 has still to be turned and that would take place the following day.

  • 60009 sits facing north and out of steam but still very warm, it has been coaled and watered ready for the trip south in two days time.

    60009 sits facing north and out of steam but still very warm, it has been coaled and watered ready for the trip south in two days time.

  • Another view of John Cameron's locos at Inverness. 12/4/2007

    Another view of John Cameron's locos at Inverness. 12/4/2007

  • A dash to the loo at 06.40 am and I was greeted to the sunrise. After a pee I got my camera and recorded the sunrise over the gasholder and empty OTA wagons in Millburn Yard. Then I went back to bed for another couple of hours, yawn!! 13/4/2007

    A dash to the loo at 06.40 am and I was greeted to the sunrise. After a pee I got my camera and recorded the sunrise over the gasholder and empty OTA wagons in Millburn Yard. Then I went back to bed for another couple of hours, yawn!! 13/4/2007

  • Much later that day and a remarkable sight to behold in Millburn Yard and 61994 and 60009 are joined by David Smith's 8F 48151. The Black Eight had come back from Thurso this day having gone north the previous day.

    Much later that day and a remarkable sight to behold in Millburn Yard and 61994 and 60009 are joined by David Smith's 8F 48151. The Black Eight had come back from Thurso this day having gone north the previous day.

  • Another different angle and then back to work. I went with the A4 to turn on the triangle in the station, a very interesting move and quite an experience. The A4/K4 pair would take the train south to Perth the following day where it would hand over to a diesel loco. 13/4/2007

    Another different angle and then back to work. I went with the A4 to turn on the triangle in the station, a very interesting move and quite an experience. The A4/K4 pair would take the train south to Perth the following day where it would hand over to a diesel loco. 13/4/2007

  • And just to prove I was there!! 61994 and 60009 wait at Perth for their departure time to Thornton and I have the headboard off the A4 to put on the class 47 that is taking the train onwards. Photo Mike Mather

    And just to prove I was there!! 61994 and 60009 wait at Perth for their departure time to Thornton and I have the headboard off the A4 to put on the class 47 that is taking the train onwards. Photo Mike Mather

  • Support crew member John Lynch is reflected in one of the windows on 158734 as it passes the light engine move from Perth to Thornton via Stirling. We were held at Polmont Junction in the up passenger loop. 14/4/2007

    Support crew member John Lynch is reflected in one of the windows on 158734 as it passes the light engine move from Perth to Thornton via Stirling. We were held at Polmont Junction in the up passenger loop. 14/4/2007

  • The Great Britain tour of the UK did not run in 2008, instead a five day tour of Scotland was operated called "The North Briton", but in 2009 it was back. The Glasgow to Inverness portion of "The Great Britain II" tour, 1Z25 1056 off Glasgow Central, passes Forgandenny with Black Five's 45231 piloting 45407. 10/4/2009

    The Great Britain tour of the UK did not run in 2008, instead a five day tour of Scotland was operated called "The North Briton", but in 2009 it was back. The Glasgow to Inverness portion of "The Great Britain II" tour, 1Z25 1056 off Glasgow Central, passes Forgandenny with Black Five's 45231 piloting 45407. 10/4/2009

  • Both locos carry names which are not prototypical to their LMS and BR service. 45231 is named "The Sherwood Forester" whilst 45407 carries "The Lancashire Fusilier". The line is carried on an embankment above the River Earn floodplain and runs level here.

    Both locos carry names which are not prototypical to their LMS and BR service. 45231 is named "The Sherwood Forester" whilst 45407 carries "The Lancashire Fusilier". The line is carried on an embankment above the River Earn floodplain and runs level here.

  • The train passes over the low viaduct over the ground to the side of the river which in times of flood carries the water safely avoiding pressure on the embankment. The train will stop in Perth for water.

    The train passes over the low viaduct over the ground to the side of the river which in times of flood carries the water safely avoiding pressure on the embankment. The train will stop in Perth for water.

  • The bow string viaduct carries the line over the river proper and the deck is split with three lines of bow string girders to carry the weight.

    The bow string viaduct carries the line over the river proper and the deck is split with three lines of bow string girders to carry the weight.

  • Running a few minutes behind the steam train is 47760 light as a rescue loco if required. The Brush type 4 crosses the Earn Viaduct, built by the Caledonian Railway.

    Running a few minutes behind the steam train is 47760 light as a rescue loco if required. The Brush type 4 crosses the Earn Viaduct, built by the Caledonian Railway.

  • After a delayed water stop at Perth, the two 4-6-0's get away and head for the Highlands.

    After a delayed water stop at Perth, the two 4-6-0's get away and head for the Highlands.

  • The line is climbing here at 1 in 153 and approach the over bridge at Denmarkfield which was always a popular spot for photographers in steam days recording Inverness and Aberdeen bound trains.

    The line is climbing here at 1 in 153 and approach the over bridge at Denmarkfield which was always a popular spot for photographers in steam days recording Inverness and Aberdeen bound trains.

  • The following day 45407 would work to the Kyle of Lochalsh and back then the pair would return south the day after that. 10/4/2009

    The following day 45407 would work to the Kyle of Lochalsh and back then the pair would return south the day after that. 10/4/2009

  • 2010 and The Great Britain III passes along the level grades on the River Earn flood plain heading for Perth. 1Z91 0910 Springburn to Inverness via Aberdeen has BR Standard pacific 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" at the head of 11 mkI maroon coaches. 11/4/2010

    2010 and The Great Britain III passes along the level grades on the River Earn flood plain heading for Perth. 1Z91 0910 Springburn to Inverness via Aberdeen has BR Standard pacific 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" at the head of 11 mkI maroon coaches. 11/4/2010

  • A closer look at the National Collection loco, 70013 is one of the class 7P6F 4-6-2 standard class introduced in 1951. This loco was the last to be overhauled by BR at Crewe in February 1967 and was used extensively on railtour duties. It took part on the final BR steam tour, the "15 Guinea Special" on 11 August 1968 then went for preservation at Bressingham Gardens, Diss. It was extradited and overhauled in 2004.

    A closer look at the National Collection loco, 70013 is one of the class 7P6F 4-6-2 standard class introduced in 1951. This loco was the last to be overhauled by BR at Crewe in February 1967 and was used extensively on railtour duties. It took part on the final BR steam tour, the "15 Guinea Special" on 11 August 1968 then went for preservation at Bressingham Gardens, Diss. It was extradited and overhauled in 2004.

  • The attractive lines of the BR Standard class is shown as 70013 powers on to Perth and a water stop. 11/4/2010

    The attractive lines of the BR Standard class is shown as 70013 powers on to Perth and a water stop. 11/4/2010

  • I had wanted to do this shot since 1988 and in 2010 I finally got it. BR Standard pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell heads south with 1Z49 0923 Inverness to Edinburgh via Perth and Dundee as part of the Great Britain III railtour. In a perfect world the wind direction would have been slightly different and taken the steam onto the other side of the train. But despite the 22 year wait I am pleased with the shot.

    I had wanted to do this shot since 1988 and in 2010 I finally got it. BR Standard pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell heads south with 1Z49 0923 Inverness to Edinburgh via Perth and Dundee as part of the Great Britain III railtour. In a perfect world the wind direction would have been slightly different and taken the steam onto the other side of the train. But despite the 22 year wait I am pleased with the shot.

  • 70013 puts out a fine exhaust as it heads for Edinburgh and the end of the trip for this day.

    70013 puts out a fine exhaust as it heads for Edinburgh and the end of the trip for this day.

  • Originally this leg of the tour was to be hauled by 70013 with K4 61994 as pilot, then at Perth the K4 was to run round the train and haul it tender first to Dundee where 70013 would take it back to Edinburgh with 61994 following a short while later. But due to problems with the K4 it was put inside the Britannia and the class 47 standby loco stayed on the back of the tour and hauled it between Perth and Dundee.

    Originally this leg of the tour was to be hauled by 70013 with K4 61994 as pilot, then at Perth the K4 was to run round the train and haul it tender first to Dundee where 70013 would take it back to Edinburgh with 61994 following a short while later. But due to problems with the K4 it was put inside the Britannia and the class 47 standby loco stayed on the back of the tour and hauled it between Perth and Dundee.

  • 47780 runs a few minutes behind the tour as a rescue loco if required.

    47780 runs a few minutes behind the tour as a rescue loco if required.

  • Shortly after the class 47 passed comes the K4, 61994 and its coach, passing the site of Dairsie station which closed on 20/9/1954. All that remains is the small brick building with the chimney just left of centre.

    Shortly after the class 47 passed comes the K4, 61994 and its coach, passing the site of Dairsie station which closed on 20/9/1954. All that remains is the small brick building with the chimney just left of centre.

  • K4 61994 passes by as 5Z50 1730 Dundee to Thornton running as gently as possible due to technical issues. 13/4/10

    K4 61994 passes by as 5Z50 1730 Dundee to Thornton running as gently as possible due to technical issues. 13/4/10

  • John Cameron's K4 61994 "The Great Marquess" pauses at Pitlochry whilst working 5Z34 1143 Thornton to Inverness engine and support coach. This is a positioning move for its part in the now annual "Great Britain" railtour. The headboard of antlers and red ballcock was made for a Christmas trip with A4 60009 many years previously. 17/4/2011

    John Cameron's K4 61994 "The Great Marquess" pauses at Pitlochry whilst working 5Z34 1143 Thornton to Inverness engine and support coach. This is a positioning move for its part in the now annual "Great Britain" railtour. The headboard of antlers and red ballcock was made for a Christmas trip with A4 60009 many years previously. 17/4/2011

  • The stop at Pitlochry was to allow a southbound ScotRail working to pass on the single line section. 170407 approaches with 1T80 1230 SuO Inverness to Glasgow Queen Street. On the left is the Highland Railway signalbox still doing what it was designed for after more than 100 years.

    The stop at Pitlochry was to allow a southbound ScotRail working to pass on the single line section. 170407 approaches with 1T80 1230 SuO Inverness to Glasgow Queen Street. On the left is the Highland Railway signalbox still doing what it was designed for after more than 100 years.

  • Dropping down from Slochd Summit at 1 in 60 and the view from the support coach is of the approaching Findhorn Viaduct. Below is the River Findhorn and just visible to the left is Tomatin Viaduct.

    Dropping down from Slochd Summit at 1 in 60 and the view from the support coach is of the approaching Findhorn Viaduct. Below is the River Findhorn and just visible to the left is Tomatin Viaduct.

  • Turning round for the shot after passing over it and Findhorn Viaduct is caught in the glorious sunshine. The curved trussed iron structure is 445 yards long and was built between 1894 and 1897 by John Fowler and Murdoch Paterson for the Highland Railway's Direct Line from Aviemore to Inverness direct.

    Turning round for the shot after passing over it and Findhorn Viaduct is caught in the glorious sunshine. The curved trussed iron structure is 445 yards long and was built between 1894 and 1897 by John Fowler and Murdoch Paterson for the Highland Railway's Direct Line from Aviemore to Inverness direct.

  • Fireman John Hunt leans out to photograph the approaching Culloden Viaduct. This impressive structure has 16 spans of 50 foot diameter a single 100 foot diameter span followed by a further ten 50 foot spans, from south to north.The embankment on the left has been strengthened several years ago after the original earthwork slipped causing the line to be shut for repairs.

    Fireman John Hunt leans out to photograph the approaching Culloden Viaduct. This impressive structure has 16 spans of 50 foot diameter a single 100 foot diameter span followed by a further ten 50 foot spans, from south to north.The embankment on the left has been strengthened several years ago after the original earthwork slipped causing the line to be shut for repairs.

  • Note the distinct change in gradient from 1 in 60 falling over the viaduct to 1 in 75 rising as we look north.

    Note the distinct change in gradient from 1 in 60 falling over the viaduct to 1 in 75 rising as we look north.

  • Looking back and the headshunt on the left is all that's left of the original double track from Inverness to Daviot. The very noticeable gradient change is from 1 in 75 down to 1 in 60 up looking south. The viaduct is 118 feet above the valley floor and is 600 yards long. 17/4/2011

    Looking back and the headshunt on the left is all that's left of the original double track from Inverness to Daviot. The very noticeable gradient change is from 1 in 75 down to 1 in 60 up looking south. The viaduct is 118 feet above the valley floor and is 600 yards long. 17/4/2011

  • It is six thirty in the morning at Inverness with a moody sunrise as the morning sun finds a gap in the cloud. 19/4/2011

    It is six thirty in the morning at Inverness with a moody sunrise as the morning sun finds a gap in the cloud. 19/4/2011

  • K4 61994 stands at the head of 1Z35 0632 Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, part of "The Great Britain IV" railtour. Son Ross stands by the tender and looks over.

    K4 61994 stands at the head of 1Z35 0632 Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, part of "The Great Britain IV" railtour. Son Ross stands by the tender and looks over.

  • Out on the road and 61994 slogs up Raven Rock bank, 3 3/4 miles of hard climbing at a ruling gradient of 1 in 50. There is a 15mph speed restriction and sharp left hand bend at the bottom of the bank by Fodderty preventing any form of run at the bank.

    Out on the road and 61994 slogs up Raven Rock bank, 3 3/4 miles of hard climbing at a ruling gradient of 1 in 50. There is a 15mph speed restriction and sharp left hand bend at the bottom of the bank by Fodderty preventing any form of run at the bank.

  • Peter Walker, driver with West Coast Railways, looks from the window as the loco reaches Raven Rock Summit, 458 feet above sea level. Peter Walker will drive the train back from the Kyle to Inverness.

    Peter Walker, driver with West Coast Railways, looks from the window as the loco reaches Raven Rock Summit, 458 feet above sea level. Peter Walker will drive the train back from the Kyle to Inverness.

  • Where does the track go??? A close up of the gradient change from 1 in 50 up to 1 in 85 down. Very dramatic! The 6 1/2 milepost is the distance from Dingwall.

    Where does the track go??? A close up of the gradient change from 1 in 50 up to 1 in 85 down. Very dramatic! The 6 1/2 milepost is the distance from Dingwall.

  • At the Kyle of Lochalsh and the Oban class Royal Naval Fleet tender "SD Oronsay" prepares to come alongside the dock beside the station. This vessel was built in 2000 by McTay Marine of Bromborough for the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service but now it is operated by Serco Denholm. Across the Kyle Akin is the village of Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye.

    At the Kyle of Lochalsh and the Oban class Royal Naval Fleet tender "SD Oronsay" prepares to come alongside the dock beside the station. This vessel was built in 2000 by McTay Marine of Bromborough for the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service but now it is operated by Serco Denholm. Across the Kyle Akin is the village of Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye.

  • John Cameron stands on the track side beside his loco after it arrived at the Kyle and not for the first time on a GB tour.

    John Cameron stands on the track side beside his loco after it arrived at the Kyle and not for the first time on a GB tour.

  • On the trip back, 1Z36 1328 Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness, and 61994 runs tender first crossing a bridge giving access to the tidal inlet on the other side of the embankment at Erbusaig.

    On the trip back, 1Z36 1328 Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness, and 61994 runs tender first crossing a bridge giving access to the tidal inlet on the other side of the embankment at Erbusaig.

  • A person stands on what looks like new stone to protect the embankment and photographs the train. One of the many sheer rock cuttings lie ahead of the train.

    A person stands on what looks like new stone to protect the embankment and photographs the train. One of the many sheer rock cuttings lie ahead of the train.

  • There are numerous points on the ten miles from the Kyle to Strome Ferry where the line is carried on embankments with bridges over inlets, Highland Farm is probably the most photographed one from the lineside.

    There are numerous points on the ten miles from the Kyle to Strome Ferry where the line is carried on embankments with bridges over inlets, Highland Farm is probably the most photographed one from the lineside.

  • The line is carried on the southern shore of Loch Carron here at Fernaig.

    The line is carried on the southern shore of Loch Carron here at Fernaig.

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    61994 stands in the warm morning sunshine at Millburn Yard, Inverness the day after taking 8 bogies to the Kyle of Lochalsh as an additional trip as part of the round the country The Great Britain railtour. 12/4/2007
    The A4 and K4 top and tail the support coach and stand in front of the cement silo in Millburn Yard. The A4 has still to be turned and that would take place the following day.
    60009 sits facing north and out of steam but still very warm, it has been coaled and watered ready for the trip south in two days time.