The Lancashire Fusilier

I hadn't realised how long it's been since our last trip up the West Highland Line.

The rain had almost put off our trip but the forecast was for drier weather by early evening.

Hopefully, we set off for up the A82 and made it to Tyndrum before steam loco 45407 "The Lancashire Fusilier" was due through Upper Tyndrum Station.

The rain had about ease off by the time we arrived, however, the dreaded midges had also come out to enjoy the still evening air.

After a short stop at Tyndrum, she made her way to Crianlarich where the tour ended. As 45407 headed back to Fort William, the coaches were hauled back south by West Coast Railway's own diesel loco "Loch Laidon" 

Steam loco 62005

The Jacobite steam tour season has started between Fort William and Mallaig.

Last weekend two Black 5's went up and this weekend K1 class loco 62005 came up from Yorkshire to join them.

She traveled to Dumbarton on Saturday and continued to Fort William on Sunday morning.

I watched as the loco operated by the North Eastern Loco Preservation Group came into Dumbarton Central station and backed slowly in to a siding to lie overnight.

On the Sunday morning we headed to Garelochhead to catch her on the West Highland Line, free of overhead power lines and pylons.

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.

'The Great Marquess' 61994 - Steam tour

With hopes of an improvement in the weather today, we headed up the West Highland Line to see steam loco 61994 "The Great Marquess" hauling a tour up the line to Fort William.

We followed her up from Garelochhead to Tyndrum, via Arrochar and Crianlarich.

Having left Arrocaher on time, we headed up to Crianlarich, only to learn an hour later that she had been delayed further down the line.

Well, most of that hour was spent standing in the rain which had decided to spoil our day.

61994 pulls out of Garelochhead hauling the West Highlander tour

Steam loco 61994 passing Arrochar

Crianlarich station is a popular place for steam lovers

Steam loco 61994 "The Great Marquess" sitting at Crianlarich

61994 climbing out of Tyndrum

61994 on the West Highland Line heading for Fort William

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