Steam in Scotland

My first visit to Scotland for main line steam happened on 1st October 1983.
I had been told on many occasion about the exploits of 60009 'Union of South Africa', a loco which I already had a soft spot for as it was the first A4 I ever saw, at York in 1964!
On this occasion the A4 was booked to work from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and back with a charter which started at Newcastle. A rather long day out as it turned out to be. In this recording made during the outward journey the loco has just passed its home base of Markinch and is climbing the gradient to the summit at Lochmuir Box. And if you think that No. 9 sounds a little off beat then you are absolutely right - and it got worse as the day went on!

Just two weeks later I was back in Scotland for more main line steam, this time with J36 0-6-0 673 'Maude'. Carrying that number I should really refer the loco as an NBR Class C goods!
On 15th October 1983 this 1921 veteran worked a four coach train from Falkirk to Perth and back out via Stirling and back via the Forth Bridge.
During most of the day the loco never seemed to be steaming well and in this recording, made passing Dunblane during the outward journey we have just passed through the short tunnel where a speed restriction was in force. The driver decides to put on some speed and opens the loco up. Perhaps it was the sight of the descending pressure gauge that soon brings him to his senses!

Aside from occasional runs to Aberdeen and Perth main line steam was a pretty rare commodity in Scotland in the early 80's but in 1983 the Glasgow & South Western route from Carlisle to Kilmarnock and then on to Ayr was opened up to steam.
'Flying Scotsman' had to be the first loco to cover the route and after a successful northbound run 4472 returned from Ayr on 12th November 1983. In this recording 4472 is heard leaving Kilmarnock.

46229 'Duchess of Hamilton' worked a train north from Carlisle over the G&SW which ran through to Glasgow on 6th July 1996 but instead of returning south the same way we used the Caledonian route over Beattock.
46229 didn't actually work the train into Glasgow Central and was attached for the return journey at Braidhurst loop alongside Motherwell loco shed. In this recording the Duchess passes Motherwell and starts on the long climb to Craigenhill.

The one route in Scotland that cried out for steam haulage was the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig and in 1984 a regular steam hauled service began to operate on this highly scenic line. The fact that almost 20 years on this very successful operation is still running bears witness to the popularity service.
The regular summer service was inaugurated by running a special train from the south for a weekend staying in Fort William with steam hauled runs to Mallaig on two days over the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend in 1984.
The NBR Class C 0-6-0, 673 'Maude' took part and the original intention had been to use the loco on just 4 coaches for the afternoon run to Mallaig and back on Sunday 27th May with half the passengers travelling on the train one way while the other half used lineside buses, with passengers swapping over at Mallaig. However, although 'Maude' had made it to Fort William, there had been doubt over this due to coal supplies, the engine had run hot during the journey north and was not available. So Black 5 4-6-0 5407, the other loco involved, did another round trip using the full 6 coach set which meant that, unless we really wanted to, there was no need to travel by bus! After problems in the morning the loco was driven with a bit more vigour going into the banks and no unexpected stops ensued. As this recording starts the loco has just crossed the viaduct at the head of Loch nam Uamh where the steep ascent of Beasdale Bank begins and ends soon after reaching easier gradients passing Beasdale station.
'Maude' did work a train on the following day but what happened then is a story for another edition!

For the 1984 season as well as Black 5 5407 another Black 5, 44767 shared the work through the summer.
Ten years later 44767 was back at work on the West Highland and is heard in this recording made on 29th August 1994 at Corpach.
44767 passes over the level crossing before accelerating west alongside Loch Eil.

For quite a few years I always looked forward to paying a visit each December to Edinburgh when the SRPS ran at least one weekend of Santa Specials around the Edinburgh Suburban Line.
Although these trains were not really intended for the enthusiast market there was plenty of entertainment to be had on this steeply graded route. There were also six or more opportunities each day to ensure that Santa knew what was required down ones chimney a few weeks later. I seem to recall a southbound run with steam from Fort William was one request for a Christmas present. This actually happened, although we had to wait a couple of years for it, so perhaps there really is a Santa Claus!
A favourite engine for these trains was the NBR Class C Goods 0-6-0 'Maude' and this loco is heard in this recording made on 15th December 1985 passing Niddrie West Jc. during a clockwise run around the 'Sub'.
It is a really pity that these trains no longer run each year. Perhaps I'll write to Santa and see what happens!

After the recording of the loco that I included among those on page one of this edition I am very pleased to be able to include this one as well.
On 22nd March 1997 60532 'Blue Peter' worked a train north from Carlisle heading for Ayr not via the G&SW but via Beattock!
As this was the first time I had been steam hauled over Beattock I had decided that I would be more than happy if we reached the summit at somewhere near 30 mph.
After a maximum of a little over 70 mph we passed Beattock Station at 65 mph then on the rising gradients beyond the engine, with over 400 tons behind the tender, was gradually opened out until, at a reported 50% and full regulator the summit is passed at a magnificent 44 mph!