2021 Jacobite

Hi John,

I've mapped the walking route we took, it was wet underfoot with a bit of bog dodging.

Walking route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1kaKRLjKaOhJsHtFJDjRmxzpuGJcF7JxG&usp=sharing

 

That's very useful, thanks. I've only done the lower route for the westbound shot

 

Many thanks Shep

 

A few of mine from last week, I've tried to avoid duplicating what's already been posted
45212 storms away from Mallaig with the return morning train


44871 crossing Morar Viaduct with the afternoon train


After a chase the same train at Kinloid


And again at the start of the climb to Glenfinnan Summit by Loch Eilt


45212 leaving Malliag with the Sound of Sleat and the Isle of Skye in the background


45212 at a familiar location at Glenfinnan, a minute earlier and there would have been a rainbow in shot


Trying something a bit different 45212 tops Borrowdale Summit, a 500mm lens shows the change in gradient to good effect. The position of the headboard is really naff, when I have an afternoon to spare I may try and Photoshop it out!


The afternoon train leaving Mallaig


45212 at the bottom of Borrowdale Bank

A big thank you to drivers John 'Chushty' Rogers, Steve Chipperfield and Matt Earnshaw along with fireman Pete James and the others whose names I unfortunately don't have

 

Nice set but then again I was at most of those spots with you. The Borrodale shot is impressive, especially as you had a real struggle to forge a path through the undergrowth to get there.

 

Having joined the masses in the highlands last week here's a small selection of mine.

Others at https://www.flickr.com/photos/146487151@N02/

 

I think that is Peter Walker driving on the Borrowdale summit shot.

 

Yes it is

 

John, the morning fireman all week was Alex Johnson, a stalwart of this season's Jacobite. He passed for firing at the start of the season and has been firing there almost continiously since then. I won't mention that he is almost 50 years my junior.

The Borrowdale summit shot is an unusual perspective. For those who do not know it changes from 1 in 50 up to 1 in 50 down - you really have to watch your boiler water level there!

Your week up there clearly was not waisted as there are some lovely shots here. It was a very enjoyable week for all of us. Who knows, we might be able to do it all again next year.

Peter

 

Should also be extra thanks to all crews both footplate and on train, including yourself Peter, for putting up with the requests from ourselves all week. I'm glad that everybody enjoyed it.

It was challenging with the weather, but I think everybody came away with something memorable, which is testament to the operation as a whole. You can be anywhere along that 40 mile stretch, and the view will never get boring!

At least the firemen are getting some views out to sea for a change though

 

I have to put my hand up and say the Borrowdale shot was not my idea, Cushty suggested it might make an unusual picture. You said you were getting a bit old for the job now but I’m older than you and if I can hack my way through the jungle to get to that location I’m sure you can fire a Black 5.
Ideally locos facing both ways would be good for next year but I know why west facing is preferred.
Good to see so many familiar faces up there again. Im already designing an all terrain Zimmer frame for when life dies finally catch up with me!

 

Our preference is always to have the loco facing the right way (ie. chimney-first), at the start of the journey, so this season has been something of an anomaly. Normal service will be resumed, next year.

Lucky gricers, this week, and some excellent results - you've done far better than me this season!

JS

 

Out of interest, is there anything to suggest the passengers prefer it that way? While I was up there, there was the usual crowd getting their snaps/selfies of the loco even though it was tender first.

 

Should be 45407, with I.Riley driving and C.Titley firing.

 

My comment was a ‘wouldn’t it be nice’ remark, I understand that the loco facing West I’d better fit the passengers who can get a picture of the front of the engine.
When I win the Euromillions I’ll pay for a turntable at Mallaig!

 

Thanks

Thanks John - turning twice a day would probably only add another hour on the crew's day, but I'm sure we can take it.

Peter

 

It was a throw away remark. I was expecting you to say; 'what about time for my fish and chips at Mallaig'!

 

Some great shots from last week have been posted. Good to see folk again. I think that the best of the sunny locations have already been shown by others so here are some that 'got away' - so many times the sun was immediately before or after the shot. Clearance of the Anderson shot looking down on Nan Uamh viaduct was long overdue. Thanks to the crews for helping make it a memorable period, and of course WCR who do such a magnificent job.


44871 Mallaig 24-9-2021


45212 Mallaig 26-9-2021


45212 Kinloid 27-9-2021


44871 & rainbows, Mallaig 27-9-2021


45212 Loch Eilt 28-9-2021


44871 Mallaig 28-9-2021

Dave C.