2021 Jacobite

Happened on both morning trains, not sure about the afternoon. There is no stop at Glenfinnan at the moment as they cannot leave the train, this means they leave Glenfinnan anything from 10 to 28 minutes early morning and afternoon.

 

Thanks Macko.

 

Conditions are still mixed up here, the breeze is quite strong and unusually blowing north easterly so causing issues with steam blowing down. But its a minor issue, the sight and especially sound from 45407 is helping put memories of 2020 and losing this great entertainment behind us. The trains are still quiet but growing a little every day, won't be long before hopefully they are packed out.

Another small selection:


Rain means steam can come out to play by Phoenix Images, on Flickr


Nearing Glenfinnan summit in the parched Highlands by Phoenix Images, on Flickr


Steam between the mountains and the sea ... by Phoenix Images, on Flickr

 

Having been on annual leave all week, but funnily avoiding trains, today was my first chance to get up for this season's Jacobite excursions. A rather quiet West Highlands in comparison to usual, made to feel even more strange by the retimed afternoon train throwing off my perception of how the day felt. Congratulations for WCRC and all involved for persevering, and hoping it pays off as the season continues.

Peppercorn K1 No. 62005 - Loch Eilt Horseshoe by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

 

Why do we keep coming back to the Highlands? For days like this ...


Splendour of the Highlands in Spring by Phoenix Images, on Flickr


A bucket list moment at Kinloid by Phoenix Images, on Flickr

I must pay a special debt of gratitude to John Hunt, driver of K1 62005, who laid on the steam at Kinloid at my request. It is a shot I have wanted to get with the K1 for a long time so was very special to achieve today. Apparently he had a long list of requests this morning, I am so pleased he still remembered mine towards the end of the trip!

 

Presume it’s a long hike to get to that spot.

 

Not massively. Park about 3/4 way down the hill (Bends in the Road sign). From there, option is to either cross the river immediately or further down where there are rocks able to be traversed in lower water levels. Climb up the other side towards a rough track, follow to the underbridge and onto the other side of the railway into the Horseshoe.

 

So a wet feet job unless you have suitable footwear and attire?

 

I believe that is the warning for every location in the West Highlands...

 

Sadly diesel assistance has been mandated today as there was no rain overnight, so both trains "assisted" from the rear by a Class 37. No rain forecast for tonight so presumably it will be the same tomorrow, but then the weather becomes much more unsettled so hopefully no issues next week. Tourist numbers have been literally growing by the day, I would say the train was half full this morning.

 

Is the afternoon Jacobite tomorrow diesel hauled?

 

Presumably they mean that a 37 is on the back to help the steam not produce as much soot by assisting

 

Remember the afternoon Jacobite still leaves at 2:45 on a Saturday.

 

Impossible to say, we have had a little bit of rain but probably not enough. If it is like today the diesel will be assisting.

 

Cloudier today as I head home after a great week. As much as the Highlands have been as beautiful as ever, I think its just as much been about getting back to doing something you love, being able to socialise again, even sitting in pubs and restaurants with mates (but sadly no beer ).
Many thanks to West Coast railways for persevering and getting the Jacobite season up and running. The town has literally been filling up day by day so hopefully it won't be long before the trains will be running closer to capacity.
If you are looking for a staycation alternative this year come spend a few days up here, it's good for the soul, eyes and ears


Climbing the ledge at Glenfinnan ... by Phoenix Images, on Flickr


A new location for me: Leachabuidhe tunnel by Phoenix Images, on Flickr

 

Any idea what the problem was with 2Y68 on Saturday? Shown as terminating at Glenfinnan.
Cancellation code MC - which from memory is diesel loco defect.

Cheers, Neil

 

The 37 failed at Glenfinnan. The 37 from the morning train returned to Glenfinnan to take them back to FW.

 

Thanks, you can't rely on this modern technology..........

Cheers, Neil

 

There must be a short stop in the morning to let the unit pass