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.

West Highland Line

With autumn well and truly upon us and summer long gone, the Jacobite syteam trains once again return  south for winter.

First stop of the day was at Garelochhead station. 62005 was due down but unfortunately she was hiding behind the diesel loco that hauled her. 

As this would be my last chance to see steam this year we took a trip to Tyndrum and Crianlarich to see double header Black Fives, 45407 and 44871 coming down.

Double header steam tour - The West Highlander

With the end of the Jacobite season now over ont the Fort William to Mallaig line, two of the engines returned to their base in Lancashire.

Once again the weather has not been with us as there have been several heavy showers this afternoon.

However there have been enough dry spells to allow some photos.

44871 approaching Crianlarich station

45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier'

44871 flying a pair of saltires

Double header taking on water at Crianlarich station

The 'West Highlander' approaching Arrochar station

45407 sitting at Arrochar

Steam loco 44871 at Garelochhead

Last Friday was another attempt to catch a steam loco on the West Highland line.

The plan was to catch her coming into Helensburgh Upper station where she was scheduled for a 3 minute stop.

That fell through when the train arrived before we did but we managed to catch her while she was sitting waiting for the southbound sprinter to clear the line.

Success at last and here are someof my pictures from that day.

Steam loco 44871 sitting at Garelochhead station

Class 33 diesel loco hauling 44871 to Fort William

Crew happy to be on their way

Catching both engines pulling away