West Highlander

So, anyone any inside info on whether Scots Guardsman will be ready or not?. If not perhaps we could have Lizzie instead.....

 

Spoke to Nigel who understands 46115 should be repaired in time. Excellent. At present Lizzie on Friday Scarboro so handy for those going( Crewe) York-Oban with LMS steam locos. 6201-a fantastic loco-might be challenged with parts of the W. Highland line.........
And yes--bookings are generally strong this summer incl some of the very long distance overseas trips whilst others have been quieter esp where the situation has been challenging ( Middle East etc )

 

I have been informed that the damaged parts on the scot are currently being replaced with those off Galatea to get the scot back up and running asap. I understand the scot should be available for the West Highland trip.

 

Can your informant tell you the state of play with 46115, as time is moving on and test runs will obviously need to be done. What were the parts damaged? I gather it was similar problems to last time but can't find details.

 

I am sorry but I know no more at the moment. I am on the train and expecting the scot to appear but I'm sure there is a contingency in place if it is not available.

 

Thanks anyway, we will find out more in the fullness of time. Just received my tickets etc for this and hotels. Interestingly I've been allocated the Moorings Hotel at Banavie which I am assured is a hotel within walking distance from the town centre. I THINK NOT!

 

It is within walking distance....just it would take about 3 weeks! Probably quicker to swim.

 

Very handy for the canal and of course Banavie station! Seriously, it's just another case of loose ends waving about when all that sort of stuff is so easy to tie off. General wooliness is on duty again.

 

Very nice hotel, just spent 5 nights there. But yes, it's a very long walk to Fort Bill town centre !!

 

Could provide push bikes?

 

So, who's going?

Just got our tickets through - Coach A, hotels are Marriott, Alexandra, Radisson Blu.

Train is diesel hauled Crewe to Carnforth and back again, 46115 takes over at Carnforth

 

Blimey, you're in THREE hotels. Must be a first class passenger. I'm only in two and none match with yours and if I'm right your FW hotel is 2 mins from the station.

 

The Alexandra is across the road from the station so yes,you are right.

 

Do you have to sleep on the cushions for the third night then? Glad we booked Posh Class :behindsofa:

 

I guess it means I'm in the same hotel in Glasgow for both nights. Either that or be dossing down under the Highlanders Umbrella!

 

Should have looked before posting just now but I see times are up for last two days. Looks like someone has taken pity on us and we are not going to be subjected to that awful long wait at Kingmoor as last time. Gives us a decent break in Carlisle too.

 

I would be most grateful for any advice on photographic spots between Tyndrum and Oban for the double headed black 5's and Crianlarich to Fort William for the Scot. Any help would be appreciated.

 

In the absence of any replies on photo locations, if you search on YouTube for the 2010 West Highlander, there are quite a lot of videos from various places along the line, that might help you choose where to go for photographs. Plus there are a couple of places listed on www.trainspots.co.uk that look promising

 

One of the popular spots betweeen Crianlarich and Fort William is just below County March summit north of Upper Tyndrum. Depending on where the light is you'll want to be either on the West Highland Way or on the road that runs adjacent to the railway line (the railway line runs in the middle - you have the road, railway and then footpath). It's probably 2 miles out of Tyndrum village itself.

I'm sure there are lots of spots on Rannoch Moor on the climb up to Corrour - others can advise you.

 

Judging by the fact it will be evening by the time its over County March i think the best side to be,if the sun is out will be the road side of the line,as that is where the sun will be?

As for the Oban line,on the outward run,if doing vid a good bit for sound at least will be the 1 in 49 out of Tyndrum Lower going towards Oban,from a stand.