Strathspey Railway

Whilst on holiday in Scotland I took the opportunity to visit The Strathspey Railway for the first time. I was there on the Saturday of the Mixed Traction Event. I too was surprised at the low number of people attending the gala on the day I visited. I hope the other days were better attended and the railway made a profit. I took the 10.00 from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and then walked back to Aviemore taking photos lineside. This section of the line was lined by trees making photography difficult (should have done some homework first!). The section from Boat of Garten to Broomhill is very open and with wonderful views. Well worth the ride.
Here's a link to my album on Flickr with a few photos from the day, nothing special, just a record from my visit.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/hemerdon/albums/72177720307423420

 

Hi Charles, I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit, the railway is pleased with the overall attendance over the weekend. I have seen an email stating that the attendance exceeded that of last year’s diesel gala. It was always going to be difficult when, having advertised it as a diesel gala, which was then changed to a mixed traffic event. There were diesel fans saying that they wouldn’t attend and the same from steam only fans, however those that did attend had a good time.

See the unofficial face book group, lots of pictures on there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/349320227402345

Regarding the carriages, or lack of them on set A. The railway made a decision to concentrate on mark one carriages, unfortunately they sold three operational mark two TSO’s before any replacements were obtained. There is another RU which has been undergoing a long-drawn-out refurbishment which will provide a second catering vehicle, however for now on set A catering has to be provided by using the dining train. This is mainly electrically operated so the three vehicles, generator van, pantry car and kitchen must come as a set of three. There are two TSO’s, the Officers saloon and a BSK under repair which should be available soon.

 

Glad to hear the railway was happy, it was a fab event.

 

I did spot a CK from the Churnet valley rounding out the maroon set as well.

 

Loaned to provide desperately needed cover.

 

A few photographs from our 'In Search Of Steam' photo charters on Monday and Tuesday featuring resident Ivatt No. 46512 on a short rake of maroons. Our fourth set of two day events with the engine, and she seems just as popular as ever!

Three of the four shots are from the same location, demonstrating that even just the one area of the railway can appear entirely different due to the geography of the landscape offering many varying viewpoints.

Ivatt No. 46512 - Croftnahaven by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

Ivatt No. 46512 - Kinchurdy by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

Ivatt No. 46512 - Croftnahaven by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

Ivatt No. 46512 - Croftnahaven by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

 

Looks like the line is the location featured in Mimi Webb's latest music video

 

Two of mine from the two days of the charter.

Thanks to Jonny, Andrew and the Strathspey Railway for putting this together. And great to meet everyone who was there.

 

The Strathspey has a Barclay DH shunter no.517/1966, which is currently undergoing restoration. This locomotive was supplied new to the South of Scotland Electricity Board and sent to Kincardine power station. It later came under the ownership of Scottish Power, who gave it a not very edifying pale purple livery. Does anyone know it's livery when first supplied to Kincardine, or at least before the SSEB became Scottish Power?
it is fairly unusual in having a Shotts built Cummins engine, which in itself has made life interesting.
many thanks.
Alan

 

Not many pictures I can find online of it before it was painted like a 90's ski jacket. Based off this photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/15295...y-ggi3zb-2kAHYpt-2eAHQfz-8gCX5Y-4YwZ6W-NgV3TE , I'd say a AB standard green looks like the order of the day.

 

Paul
Many thanks for the clearest photo I have seen of 517/1966 at Kincardine. I think you are right saying AB standard green is the way to go. One thing which did come to light whilst researching this loco is that in 2018 someone on a railway auction site sold a Barclay makers plate of 517/1966, although there are still two on the loco. The two on the loco have been moved at some point, so whether they are original who knows.
Alan

 

Those images are superb, especially the final one!

 

The railway has acquired a 9F - hopefully able to see here:

Facebook

If not then find the 'Unofficial Strathspey Railway Group'. Not sure of the number - 92219 - Edit, corrected.

 

Already mentioned here: https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/92219-on-the-move.1418971/page-3#post-2816155
The loco is reported as going for storage at Boat of Garten ahead of a possible contract overhaul at Aviemore.
No mention that the railway has acquired the loco, I think it remains privately owned.

 

My read is that it is an acquisition insofar as its coming to the railway rather than the railway outright buying it. Speculating out loud, is 20169 joining next?

 

That's a bit of a rash conclusion. That would mean Riley's have acquired 34007, Vera Lynn's tender and numerous boilers and LMS Loughborough have acquired 76077 and Tornado. I think you're reading too much into the statement!

 

Not for nothing but Neil is the son of a director of the Strathspey who also is active around the railway so to extrapolate from the comments it sounds like its to be restored at Aviemore for use at Aviemore.

 

He appears to also own the class 37 that arrived last year, so pretty safe assume restoration and use on same basis as that loco.
Great location for it, lovely line - however, it's even more powerful than that beautiful Black 5!

 

Caley blue 9f anyone

I'll get my coat.....


*Edit* hang on just a second <click>

 

A 9F will be useful when they extend the line over Dava Moor.