The Great Britain IX

I am delighted for those on board as they will get pure steam on one of the most scenes lines in Britain.

 

Thoroughly enjoyed the line to Thurso. Steam did it's fair share over this beautifully bleak route. Bar staff at Commercial Hotel in Thurso had quote of the day: 'where have all these people come from?'. A sad thought that steam may not make it this far again.

 

I also have to say that yesterday's trip was attended by a diesel basher who was probably equally worried about the risk of steam assistance from Georgemas Jc...

 

Excellent shots Scott gives a real feel of Scotland Have to agree with you that without The Riley team there would have been no steam up there

 

Thanks for clarifying Ralph.

James

 

I was lucky enough to be on a couple of the legs of the trip and while enthusiasts may bemoan the presence of diesels thereby not giving steam a chance to really be tested I have to say that the mood on board was excellent. Weather good, scenery good all viewed from the comfort of a warm train. It should be remembered that the passengers are not all diehard enthusiasts and they are the ones paying for the trip.

 

Video of 45699's leg from Thursday:

 

Great stuff David, the second clip reminds me of an epic Santa special in 1982 to Sellafield with 5690 when she had 13 on, in atrocious weather, and an everything forward and pray to the lord assult on Lindal.

 

I was on that Chris. The recording I got of 5690 taking those 13 up to Lindal was unbelievable. Unfortunately it has been lost in the mists of time and more than one house move.

 

http://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/News/Famous-steam-train-heading-for-Thurso-29042016.htm

Famous steam train heading for Thurso
Published: 30/04/2016 08:26 - Updated: 01/05/2016 19:28

TRAINSPOTTERS in the far north are in for a treat when one of the nation’s most famous steam engines arrive on part of a nationwide tour.

The Great Britain IX stopped in Thurso during its nine-day itenerary chugging the length and breadth of the country.
The tour began on Tuesday afternoon when it left London Victoria and travellled to Plymouth before passing through Cornwall, Wales, Cumbria, and Edinburgh.
It will travel from Aberdeen to Inverness on Saturday before making its way up the far north line to arrive at Thurso at 2:20pm.
It will then depart Thurso at 3:48pm.

 

It was unbelievable, one of my favourite all time recordings, the sound through Ulveston was pure magic, click the link and you should be able to hear it

http://crjennings.com/Railway Structures Scotish/port road/large thumbs/port road Index.html

 

Kyle is always a treat but today was particularly excellent! 44871 working very well, a great onboard atmosphere with many HIGHLY knowledgeable patrons.
A bit poignant as it is maybe the final steam from Kyle - at least for awhile
Ray Mason

 

Ray you are such a tease.

 

Superb! Thanks for sharing.

 

Glad you liked Alan, happy days!

 

Weren't they just!

 

Well, I enjoyed a day off the rails staring at three Royal Scot nameplates at Fort George. Got soaked at one point, though. Kyle is always a good run, but having done it in the past two years, felt I was justified in giving my wallet a rest and do something else I might not have done otherwise.

 

WOW really enjoyed following that, fantastic thanks for sharing it.
Alan

 

I was right - we got wet today, though the rain held off while I was filming, so someone up there loves me. We started at the swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal at Clacknaharry, on the edge of Inverness. Soon after the steam had passed, they opened the bridge to let a tug through, but I'd put my camera away by then (Hi James!) It took a while to get out of Inverness, so didn't get a shot at Fodderty this time, but did get to Garve ahead of the train, and we were treated to a very strong and steady climb up the 1-in-50 bank. Then off to Loch Gowan, above Achnasheen, where the challenge was to keep the camera upright in its tripod, let alone steady! For the return, we saw the train climb out of Glen Caron and across the plain above towards Luib summit, then a shot across the water at Loch a Chuilin, again fighting to keep the tripod upright. The train was just pulling out of Garve as we got there. I thought about driving alongside the loco, but a glance in the mirror showed a bunch of cars and vans coming up behind, so we scooted up the hill and got a final shot of the train heading up the valley towards Raven Rock. Finally, we rolled into Dingwall just as the train was crossing the road by our B&B.

BTW, I'm enjoying a bottle of Yellowhammer this evening, a pale bitter made with cascade hops, from the Black Isle Brewery. My pal has a bottle of Red Kite from the same establishment. Very tasty indeed - and they're organic!