Waverley Line

[gerarddwatts]

So tomorrow...Weds...the Waverley Line from Embra to Tweedbank will be re-opened officially by HM Q at Tweedbank, after she's travelled there from Embra in the Royal Train hauled by Gresley A4 60009 Union of South Africa.

Thought I might tour about on the A7, which more or less runs paralell, and get some pictures.

'The Royal steam train is passing through the towns at the following times, subject to change on the day:
11.24am Heriot
11.35pm Fountainhall
11.56am Stow
12.07pm Galashiels
12.18pm Tweedbank'

If your'e not busy.

 

[Voyager]

after she's travelled there from Embra in the Royal Train hauled by Gresley A4 60009 Union of South Africa.

It will be 'double-headed' with the "Tornado" - just in case .

(I doubt Clarkson will be stoking it this time ).

Bob.

 

[Voyager]

There was a bit on "Reporting Scotland" about it . . . .

The Reporter went to the 'Union's' footplate where there was a chap in overalls, Railwayman's cap and with his face covered in soot . . .

The conversation went:

Q: "What's it like to drive ??"

A: "I don't know - I'm the Fireman"




Bob.

 

[gerarddwatts]

60009 is owned by a retired farmer...John Cameron...at one time he was the biggest sheep farmer in Europe....he owned the land between the top of Glen Lyon and Killin. When he left school he wanted to work for the railway, but his dad, also a farmer, made him go into farming. He was very successful, but also ended up being on the board of British Rail, and Scotrail. He'll be the white haired tall chap on the footplate. Fancy having your own full size trainset! He's got another engine too!

 

[Blackal]

I hope the line has been built to support the weight of those engines!

I'm looking forward to the line operating, and hopefully succeeding. The schedule looks good, and I can see me using the service for work.

Worth going on the route - just for the new scenery it opens up.

Al

 

[gerarddwatts]

Quite a lot of folk about....mullyons of polis. I suppose lots of high value targets......and Nicola....

Good to see fine British engineering still in action



A7 not too bad a road...especially when you know all the plods are tucked up at Tweedbank with Her Maj and all the gathered populace

 

[gerarddwatts]

Another...

 

[Grizzly]

C'mon Gerry, you can be honest on here - it was really Nicola you wanted to see wasn't it

Cheers...................Grizzly

 

[gerarddwatts]

You know me so well......

 

[Edward]

Gerard, have you anymore photos of the train to post please?

 

[gerarddwatts]

 

[Jazbee]

Great pics Gerry

 

[Edward]

Thanks for the extra photos.

 

[Voyager]

My mistake . . . I guess it was only 'double headed' for its trip to Edinburgh on the BR Mainline (it would have the Borders route to itself yesterday).

Is 'Tornado' out and about anywhere ??

Bob.

 

[gerarddwatts]

My mistake . . . I guess it was only 'double headed' for its trip to Edinburgh on the BR Mainline (it would have the Borders route to itself yesterday).

Is 'Tornado' out and about anywhere ??

Bob.

Its being kept as reserve in case of failure of 60009, which is to do a series of runs over the next month or so from Embra to Tweedbank. The diesel being towed along at the back is to bring the whole shebang back, as they never thought to build a run around at Tweedbank. The timetables in my anorak!

 

[Grizzly]

Saw 60009 Unloaded at Crail

I was on my way to Crail karting track with my mate in 1967(?) and we were held up for a while as we entered Crail on the St Andrews road because the "Union of South Africa" had arrived there on a low-loader and was getting craned onto John Cameron's 1 mile long private track.
Not sure if the track is still there? - it was only about 100m north of the edge of Crail on the west side of the road. I think it was specially constructed for the arrival of this engine?
As somebody said, if your gonna have a train set it might as well be a big one!

Cheers................Grizzly

 

[Posh Pete]

Moving number 2 daughter to Leeds or I'd have joined you for that Gerry. Last train I remember on that line was a steam train at Eskbank station. I reckon a wee jaunt down to the Borders is in order, leaving the bike at home for a change.

 

[Tinytim]

you lucky bastid. Great pics and thanks for posting.

 

[DANE]

Great pictures brings back memories of autumn 1977 when I got a 20 minute mainline ride on Flying Scotsman footplate heading from Carnforth to Leeds.

I'd finished peeling the spuds in the galley for the paying guests and was told I best go up front then.

Would have done them quicker if I'd known that was coming, what a memory - wish I could find the pictures I took.

 

[gerarddwatts]

Moving number 2 daughter to Leeds or I'd have joined you for that Gerry. Last train I remember on that line was a steam train at Eskbank station. I reckon a wee jaunt down to the Borders is in order, leaving the bike at home for a change.

Have a look at the Scotrail timetable...the A4 is doing several trips a week into October. I've got tickets for 7 Oct for me and ancient pa who used to work at Kings X. Ist Class of course.

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotland-by-rail/steam-trains-update