West Highlander Steam Express 19-21st September

Hope you enjoyed your trip, John. I have managed to catch some great scenes, from the tour. The weather was superb on the Saturday & Sunday, and I hope to have a video up by Wednesday evening, which should be a nice reminder of your Highland tour ! Regards, Liam

 

Very nice indeed.

But, this Scotland you went to with clear blue skies. Is it on planet earth, and if so, where abouts please?

 

Thanks Liam, a great trip all round.
I knew you would get some good video, as the conditions could not have been better.
Look forward to seeing it.

 

Thanks Ralph, a great trip all round.
Glad to be able to share it.

 

61994 from yesterday - Rowell - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p143854893/h1390ce04#h1390ce04
And after the water stop, Morecambe sth Jc - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p143854893/h1390ce04#h1045b821 and http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p143854893/h1390ce04#h121da585

 

Nice shot Shep, i was just around the corner.

 

Hi Guys,this is my shot of the last leg of the West Highlander,taken at Woodacre near Garstang,hope you like it,best wishes Tony

https://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/15136491148/

 

Flickr set from all 4 days: https://www.flickr.com/photos/45407and44871/sets/72157647929876411/
Well done to all involved in running this railtour and thanks for the updates John, came in very useful!

 

I dedicate this video, to all the crew at WCR & the effort put in by RTC.

 

Great footage Liam and Dad , well worth the miles covered to captured such super shots in stunning scenery . Hope Grandad enjoyed himself . Steve

 

Thanks Liam, some really memorable footage.
You captured some typical West Highlands steam locomotive performance.
Made me wish I was back in my seat on the train!

John

 

Brilliant stuff Liam, looks as though you had a cracking few days!

 

Thought I would take a few moments to personally sum up the West Highlander tour.

Firstly, and importantly, the weather was excellent, all round, warm, with blue skies, strong sun, and patches of haze. The views, colours, were brilliant.

Operationally, it generally went as planned, to the timetable, with just a few minutes variation either way against is scheduled arrival time.

There was obviously a risk using a maximum 60mph steam hauled train over 192 miles of the 125mph West Coast main line section, even with booked loops, and the WTT had planned “operational” stops just in case it lost time.

Praise has to be given to the WCRC engine crews, support crew and other staff for managing the operation very successfully.

In particular, how they quickly arranged a diesel substitute, after TGM failed, for the Glasgow to Crainlarich leg, and the Riley Black 5’s for the first leg to Fort William, and back to Glasgow on the Sunday, with thanks to Ian Riley

As we travelled, you began to realise how many WCRC staff were involved in just our trains alone, not forgetting the Riley crews. I was also very impressed with the number of young people employed as part of the engine crews and support staff.

There were also the WCRC crews on the Jacobite; which produced two steam trains at Mallaig at the same time on the Sunday, and the Royal Scotsman train which passed us at Rannoch station.

We were regularly kept up to date on any changes, and apologies for a couple of the long stops, due to NR planning, by the RTC Train Manager and Stewards.

As an aside, a couple of other observations or comments from me.

The level of bushes and tree branches brushing the carriages was very evident, and must be classified as a health and safety hazard, for the engine crews alone. As well as marking the locomotive and rolling stock paint work! NR needs to take action on this point – as well as improving the general views.

The train staff cleaning the carriage windows, following the smears and marks by the same overhanging trackside growth, to improve our views!

The look on the sleeping, relaxing, passenger faces, on The Royal Scotsman de-luxe train, as it pulled into Rannoch station waiting for the token, as they were looked upon by a 100 plus trainload of other passenger, in such a remote location!

Last, but not least, thanks to the seven catering staff from Gravy Train Catering, who provided three freshly cooked meals a day, plus drinks, with excellent service, for 120 plus passengers, who had taken the premier option.

Final comment, for premier “full board and lodging”, over four days, worked out as 744 miles of steam haulage, plus 60 diesel, for the sum of £1.36 per mile.

Pretty good value in my personal opinion, and a thoroughly enjoyable adventure.