The Grampian Highlander railtour from November 84 remembered , part 2
Amazing
that its 27 years since this tour now! A few memories from “TC”with thanks
My first trip to Scotland was on RESL's "Easter Highlander" in
April 1984. Having done a couple of "Freedom of Scotland" tickets in
between, the "Grampian Highlander" was a tour that had to be done.
I remember there was large turnout of Bedford cranks (at least 4!), for
this tour. 25057 was well recieved, a clawback for a couple after it burst at
Bedford on the "Easter Highlander". The 40's had only months left in
service, and the 46's had even less, so the use of 46026 from Derby was appreciated,
although I would have preferred required 46045, which was at York. The Peak men
advised that 46026 had come from Severn Tunnel to work this train. On arrival
at Newcastle, 46026 retired to Gateshead Depot, and was withdrawn.
With 31175+31106 now in charge, sleep beckoned, tomorrow was going to be
a long day! The
consist of many RESL tours included the inevitable buffet with hard orange
seats plus and a restaurant car. I remember crashing out on one of those RESL
tours in the restaurant car, no one was booked in there, so you could stretch
out a bit. All I remember was the rattling of the crockery and cutlery. Might
even have been this tour.
Stumbling off the train at Edinburgh to be greeted by 26003+26005 was a
bit like still being in a dream. This is because there is a chap from Bedford,
who at the time was down to two 26's for haulage. Trouble is, he was still in
Bedford!
26003+26005 were superb over the Highland mainline, although I don't
think Inverness appreciated getting a pair of NB 26's in November. With the
return being overnight, Inverness had to supply some power for us.
27008 took us from Inverness to Dufftown, Burghead, and Elgin East
Goods, and back to Inverness. We lost loads of time on the Dufftown branch as
we kept slipping. Back at Inverness, we all headed for the chippy!
26026+27004 were both dud for me, although others in our group were
quite happy. Personally I would have preferred 26034+26041 which were on the
Aberdeen route, but we passed them.
After a fitfull nights sleep, we ended up at Glasgow Central, having ran
via Aberdeen and Edinburgh. 26026+27004 followed the 20's to Gourock, and then
worked back to Edinburgh. Mega mileage of this mixed pair!
Back at Edinburgh, 47009 took over for the run south. The lack of a
driver trained on 31's meant we were getting the 47 to Newcastle, Haymarket
wanted it back though. I was hoping 46045 might appear at Newcastle, and
although we got a Peak forward, it was 45042. I later found out 46045 was on
the Leeds - Portsmouth to Birmingham, with a sizeable crowd of Peak men
aboard!
I was impressed with 31404 forward from Derby as it was my last 31/4 for
haulage, although it was in steam heat mode on this tour.
Verdict: one of the classics, even better when they pick up / set down
at your local station as well!
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From Neil Evans “Here's a memory form the Grampian Highlander tour for you. 46026 backs on at DY, on it's last run, and someone from Leighton Buzzard shouts out "Wagon!" Can't think who........???!!!”
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2 depot logs from the trip
Inverness depot ect, 171184
08568, 08621, 08717, 08754, 20125, 26026, 26031, 26032, 26034, 26035,
26038, 26040, 27004, 27005, 27008, 27050, 27063, 37031, 37035, 37264,
47012, 47118, 47206, 47517, 47520, 47541, 47614
Eastfield, 181184 Su (we
were all bussed to ED from Central)
08343, 08348, 08564, 08575, 08721, 08738, 08755, 08938, 08952,
20009, 20022, 20039, 20048, 20064, 20095, 20111, 20115, 26021
27026, 27043, 27051, 27103, 27206, 37011, 37027, 37033, 37037,
37039, 37081, 37085, 37090, 37112, 37147, 37149, 37157, 37164
37175, 37184, 37188, 37190, 37237, 47005, 47469, 47586, 47604,
47610, 47710, 97250, 97251, 97252 (all 3 Ethels)
More Grampian Highlander phots
26003
and 26007 swing onto Culloden Viaduct on the descent from Daviot into
Inverness, 171184
37031
is a long way from home at Inverness
The
late Neil Webster, 20015 and 303108 at the blocks at Gourock, 181184
08938
getting the attention of the 65A paint crew, 181184
Grampian Highlander Part 1 link