The Royal Scotsman

Luxury train travel has arrived in Gourock, but not for commuters.

Costing over £3000 for a four day journey around Scotland, The Royal Scotsman provides the highest levels of comfort available.

Her locomotives for this journey were a pair of class 66 GB Railfreight diesel engines, which I had not seen before on this train.

The Royal Scotsman hauled by GBRf loco 66735 through Greenock Central Station

66735 sitting at Gourock Station

Observation car's veranda provides a unique way to enjoy the journey

The Royal Scotsman's Observation carriage

66732 arrived in the afternoon to haul the train on the next part of her journey

GB Railfreight loco 66732

66732, named after GBRf's first managing director

Luxury

66735 preparing for departure

Passing through Fort Matilda station

The Royal Scotsman heading for her next destination

Garelochhead 30/5/2011

I had a change to take a trip to Garelochhead last night for a rare glimpse of a Deltic 55 diesel-electric loco.

This class operated on Britain's railways from the 1950's until the early 80's and this fine engine has brought out of retirement.

Deltic loco 55022 - Royal Scots Grey

Royal Scots Grey sitting at Garelochhead station

Inside a deltic cab with real dials and levers and no sign of computer controls

One of two airhorns at either end of the loco

With this section of line being single track, the deltic had to wait for the more modern engine clearing the line before she was able to proceed