Strathspey Railway

That is very impressive and excellent news. Had a run behind this loco last year and knew its ticket was up soon, I must admit I thought it would be a while before I saw it again, glad I was mistaken! Any chance of a mini steam gala with the soon to return black 5 and 46512?!

 

The bottom end was overhauled not that long ago, so wouldn't have needed much work doing I'd have thought.

 

46464 wont be that far behind either will it? (2022?)

 

Looks like the work has picked up pace since the large parts left Bridge of Dun. Work groups have been working at both sites on various parts. 2022 is plausible but I'd safely say 2023.

 

As we can see in their pway blog and signalling blog, the siding to morley hut is actually finished.
In addition the disused footbridge at the interim station of Aviemore got dismantled. They don't right now, how this bridge will be reeused.
Here you can find their exiting blogs:
http://ontrackatstrathspey.blogspot.com/
https://signallingstrathspey.blogspot.com/

I actually wonder whether they will also remove the old platform and use the space to remodel the whole yard in Aviemore?

Cheers

 

Saw a comment on the Aviemore Engine Shed page that the longer term plan for the old platform space is to remodel with a loop and new shed entrance.

 

Can anyone advise which loco is out today and which way it’s facing please?

James

 

Just heard from a reliable source that Strathspey are planning to start running trains next week on a limited schedule.
(So thought I'd give them a little plug as they are one of those railways that don't often get a mention on NP )

 

You've been able to book on line for a while now, booked last week for early June https://strathspeyrailway.cloudvenue.co.uk/aviemoretobroomhillreturn2021

 

My wife and I had a trip on the evening diner at the Strathspey Railway yesterday evening. It was my first experience of a dining train, and her first experience of a steam train full stop (blame COVID for it not happening sooner). Very, very enjoyable experience. 828 was on the front and in fine form. The coaches were very well presented. All the staff were very smart and very helpful. Both my wife and I are unable to eat Dairy and my wife is a Coeliac as well which puts gluten off the menu too, but the person we spoke to in advance of booking was very helpful, and the menu is designed in such a way that it's easy to adapt it for our dietary difficulties. I personally can thoroughly recommend the chicken stuffed with Haggis! 3 courses (including some very nice Vegan ice cream for us), a Leisurely journey of just under 2 and a half hours with a couple of strategic stops at pleasant viewpoints, as well as a spirited run from Broomhill to Boat of Garten. Oh, and it was probably the most Covid secure dining experience I've had in the last year. For £46 a head, to get a 3 course meal and a 20 miles round trip behind a Caledonian steam loco is a pretty good deal, and I would thoroughly recommend it to anybody, steam enthusiast or not

 

Picture borrowed from the 46464 Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/452604844784030) but the team at Strathspey wasting no time following the completion of 5025 with the Ivatt now back on her drivers!

 

And in the opposite direction, 46512 is having the rear wheel set removed https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10220335198917675&set=pcb.4396226893755119

 

What news of the Rails to Granton project? Has there been any word from Transport Scotland on this as yet?

 

A friend of mine is on holiday in September and was wondering about a trip on the Strathspey. Checking the web site, there is a timetable there for July and August, but nothing later. Does anyone on here know whether they will be running in September at all? If not I'll suggest she phones them. Thanks in advance.

 

We will be running in September and October, it will probably be Thursday to Sunday inclusive. It should be confirmed at the next board meeting, also whether to go back to a more normal time table, i.e. one without an hour cleaning time between services.

 

I have asked the question but haven't been given an answer yet, when (if) I do I will post.

 

Confirmed and now up on the website, Thursday through to Sunday with departures at 10.30, 12.45 and 15.00

 

I am hoping to visit in November, is there any way to know what locomotives will running in advance? As I am hoping to see 828 for the very first time.

 

Previous years the railway has taken a break beteeen the last operating weekend of October, typically the weekend that the clocks go back and the last weekend of November. That weekend is usually the commencement of the Santa Specials, the four week closure gives everybody involved some restbite and preparations towards the latter's operation.