2. Railways

The reopened Borders Railway - The Waverley Route

On Sunday 6th of September 2015 the Borders Railway opened to passenger traffic. Three days later on 9th September it was officially opened by HM The Queen travelling in a special train hauled by John Cameron's A4 60009 "Union of South Africa". This is a rebuilt railway on the route of the North British Railway's famous "Waverley Route". The line runs to a terminus at Tweedbank, a new station between Galashiels and Melrose. There is talk of extending the route to Hawick, the last town of any great size along the former Edinburgh to Carlisle railway closed on 6/1/1969.
This is a journey in a southerly Up direction from Edinburgh to Tweedbank so will jump about with dates and rolling stock.
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    For the return working from Tweedbank to Edinburgh I return to Falahill and put myself in the spot I wanted for the outward trip. 67026 comes into view leading 1Z23 1438 off Tweedbank.
    On the back and 60009 has a wisp of steam at the chimney meaning the regulator is just cracked to allow steam through the valves and pistons meaning they are being lubricated.
    In simply glorious light the train drops down grade at Falahill and looks stunning. Just a shame I didn't manage this exact spot earlier, still this is a good second bite of the cherry.