The trains we did, from 1981- the “Stranraer – Kilmarnock” remembered….

2B05 1035 Stranraer - Kilmarnock    

2A39 1343 Kilmarnock – Stranraer

This was a train I wish I did, many thanks  to “GJ” for gen on a train few of us  sampled.

This classic, but short lived,  “wiggly line” train ran Monday to Saturdays only during the 1981 Summer timetable and from 1 June – 26 September only. Stock was normally 5 or 6 dual heat, dual braked Mk 1’s from off 1S06 Euston- Stranraer overnight.

We believe this train “never” got an EH loco, as the 47’4 off  S06 did the daytime Mk IIe  1315 Stranraer – Euston and return to and from Carlisle. Power for the 1035 Stranraer – Kilmarnock and 2A39 return was very much off a freight turn (possibly from Kingmoor) to Stranraer.

GJ advises of 25/26/27/40/47’0 and 47’3 (no tractor’s!)” all working 2B05/2A39 making it a classic, solid South West Scottish train in terms of power, consist and route. Despite this quality power, few bashers covered it, as a blind 4 hour fester at Stranraer off S06 deterred many. It was more accessible to Ayr based men though. The train hardly gets a mention in “Timewarp” or in the mags.    

The “Maybole move” – DMU’s still monopolised the Stranraer  - Glasgows at this time so to think a loco hauled Maybole leap was possible is pretty outrageous.

The standard Maybole move was 2A39 from Ayr arr Maybole 1431. This would cross the 1315 Stranraer  Euston (dep Maybole 1444) 4 miles further South at Kilkerran making it a safe plus 13.

Calling pattern…2B05 - Stranraer H-1035, Barrhill-1116, Girvan-1137, Maybole-1155, Ayr-1211/1225, Prestwick -1230, Troon -1236, Kilmarnock- 1252. (GSW connections here)

2A05 – Kilmarnock-1343, Troon – 1359, Prestwick-1405, Ayr 1416/1418, Maybole 1431, Girvan 1447, Barrhill – 1511, Stranraer 1601

Sample power – thanks to “GJ” for this unique gen

030681  27211

090681  26036

130681  25184

080781  40101

220781  47280           

290781  27030

030881  27029

010981  25226

050981  25254

120981  27034

180981  25234

2B05/2A39 Phot Spot…click on the thumbnail for a larger image

Kilmarnock’s bays do not feature in many 80’s hauled phots, “GJ’s” view of Bescot’s’25184 with 2A39 1343 Kilmarnock-Stranraer on 130681.

Postscript

Sadly 2B05/2A05 lasted just one Summer season, but in the Summer of 82 came the equally classic 2A98 1035 Stranraer – Ayr (load 5 Mk 1’s) returned emcars, but that’s another tale….

Ta to “GJ” for the gen and fascinating memories