Bo'ness Steam Gala

October started with a visit to see 60009 on the borders railway, and ended with a visit to Bo'ness Heritage Railway for their Autumn Steam Gala.

Along with the resident locos we were hoping to see Ian Riley's Black 5, 44871 and a special visitor from Furness.

The day did not disappoint with 44871 hauling along with 62712 Morayshire, which is due to go out of service for overhaul.

The star of the day was No 20, a beautiful 0-4-0 tender engine built in 1863.No 20 is Britain's oldest working standard gauge steam loco.

Borders Railway

After many years of campaigning and hard work, the Borders railway line has reopened from Edinburgh to Tweedbank, reversing Dr Beeching's closure of the line in the 60's.

Work began on the 31 mile route in 2010 and opened for the first public train journey last month.

A4 class steam loco Union of South Africa has been creating a lot of interest in the railway and providing a welcome influx of visitors to the area. The steam tours are due to stop on 18th October.

Hopefully a deal can be reached to resume steam on the line next year.