shredder1
Established Member
Yes well worth a visit, it was a great event, very busy on the saturday.
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Shred`s UK trips.
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shredder1
Established Member
Manchester Victoria and Bolton. Friday 30th January 2026.
Just a short trip today, I needed some sleeper fencings for my latest model railway and the only model shop I could find to sell them at the price I was prepared to pay was Nuffy`s Models, so I decided to have a train ride up there. I’m not sure about the parking in Bolton these days, so I drove to my nearest Metrolink station, catching to the tram into Manchester Victoria and then a train to Bolton, less hassle than driving and probably quicker.
I couldn’t however resist timing a few freights through Victoria, which were GBRF 66722 and 66693, GB Railfreight, in Railfreight Grey Construction sector livery. It’s always worth taking a few snaps of the Sprinters, as I’m not sure how much longer they will be around. A cold day though, too cold for hanging around station platforms and a portion of chip in Bolton was much welcomed on the way home.
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Just a short trip today, I needed some sleeper fencings for my latest model railway and the only model shop I could find to sell them at the price I was prepared to pay was Nuffy`s Models, so I decided to have a train ride up there. I’m not sure about the parking in Bolton these days, so I drove to my nearest Metrolink station, catching to the tram into Manchester Victoria and then a train to Bolton, less hassle than driving and probably quicker.
I couldn’t however resist timing a few freights through Victoria, which were GBRF 66722 and 66693, GB Railfreight, in Railfreight Grey Construction sector livery. It’s always worth taking a few snaps of the Sprinters, as I’m not sure how much longer they will be around. A cold day though, too cold for hanging around station platforms and a portion of chip in Bolton was much welcomed on the way home.
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shredder1
Established Member
Thanks Chris, yes Victoria was far better with its 17 platforms, most of my family holidays started there in the late 50s, through the 60s I spent much time of the platforms between trips around Newton Health sheds, great days, thanks for the memories..
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First time I've heard Victoria and wonderful in the same sentence.
For many years it was a grim, dirty, dump. Its only redeeming feature was the architecture and the ornamental tiles, plus destinations, and booking office frontage.
D6130
Established Member
....not to mention the much more interesting selection of motive power on display than at Piccadilly. Still plenty of steam until August 1968....which of course was one of the reasons why it was so grim and dirty - as well as the extensive modifications carried out by the Luftwaffe in 1940-42.
shredder1
Established Member
I must admit I liked the grim, dirty atmospheric and historic look of Victoria and Exchange back in the 50s and 60s, the rebuilt version is terrible and probably more of a health issue than it ever was, all you can smell is diesel fumes on the through platforms, Im not sure the extractors have ever worked properly.
shredder1
Established Member
East Lancs Railway, Winter Warmer, Diesel Running Day. Saturday 7th February 2026.
The first gala of the year and some members of the home fleet were operating We also had the addition of the Heywood Model Railway Club putting on two displays in the transport museum. I was down at Bolton Street station, early doors, and soon spending money with the Class 50 Valiant stand on books, (they always seem to have a few rarer ones), and I later spent another £40s worth on model railway bits, so despite not riding, I did contribute. After spending a few hours around Bolton Street and the museum, I drove up to Ramsbottom to catch some more action, the new housing adjacent to Ramsbottom railway station certainly give the place a different look, however, the old Mondi Paper Mill chimney, has been demolished to a third of its original height, but remains as a feature of the new housing development, although I’m not convinced that I would buy a new house overlooked by a feature of that type.
I later drove down to Heywood for some final phots of the day. It was nice to catch up with so many friends today, some who had travelled over from Yorkshire. I also met a couple of lovely lads who follow me on Facebook. The weather was dull and overcast, with just some very light rain at times and I certainly endorse the pies at Ramsbottom station. There seemed to be plenty of people around both on and off the trains, and several stalls occupied Bolton Street station. It appeared to be a good and well organised event, and a big well done to all involved, I had a great day as usual on the East Lancs Railway.
Locomotives rostered, The Co-Bo class 28 D5705, was again wheeled out for viewing and attached to class 08 diesel shunter 13594, class 50, 50015 Valiant, Warship class 832 in corporate blue, class 40, 40106, class 24 D5054, in the guise of two tone D5053, and Scotrail class 47, 47765.
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
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The first gala of the year and some members of the home fleet were operating We also had the addition of the Heywood Model Railway Club putting on two displays in the transport museum. I was down at Bolton Street station, early doors, and soon spending money with the Class 50 Valiant stand on books, (they always seem to have a few rarer ones), and I later spent another £40s worth on model railway bits, so despite not riding, I did contribute. After spending a few hours around Bolton Street and the museum, I drove up to Ramsbottom to catch some more action, the new housing adjacent to Ramsbottom railway station certainly give the place a different look, however, the old Mondi Paper Mill chimney, has been demolished to a third of its original height, but remains as a feature of the new housing development, although I’m not convinced that I would buy a new house overlooked by a feature of that type.
I later drove down to Heywood for some final phots of the day. It was nice to catch up with so many friends today, some who had travelled over from Yorkshire. I also met a couple of lovely lads who follow me on Facebook. The weather was dull and overcast, with just some very light rain at times and I certainly endorse the pies at Ramsbottom station. There seemed to be plenty of people around both on and off the trains, and several stalls occupied Bolton Street station. It appeared to be a good and well organised event, and a big well done to all involved, I had a great day as usual on the East Lancs Railway.
Locomotives rostered, The Co-Bo class 28 D5705, was again wheeled out for viewing and attached to class 08 diesel shunter 13594, class 50, 50015 Valiant, Warship class 832 in corporate blue, class 40, 40106, class 24 D5054, in the guise of two tone D5053, and Scotrail class 47, 47765.
Winter Warmer Diesel Running Day - The East Lancashire Railway
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
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shredder1
Established Member
East Lancs Railway, Small Engine Gala. Saturday 21st February 2026.
My last trip before my first European trip of the year and it was nice to have another gala day on the East Lancs railway. It was a great turn out and nice to catch up with a few friends both locally and from different parts of the country. I spent most of my time at Bolton Street station as the doors opened, and managed to spend £60 on books and DVDs. I later drove up to Summerseat, for both the viaduct and station areas, later moving up to Ramsbottom where I finished my day off.
The weather was still a bit on the cold side in the morning, but with some sunny spells towards the afternoon, but later turning to light rain, with lightening at times in the distance.
Roster, two guest Wells tank locomotives, No. 3036 ‘Willy the Well Tank’ is featuring courtesy of Bill & Dick Parker and the Flour Mill.
No. 48 ‘The King’ is featuring courtesy of Phil Steer and the Ribble Steam Railway. Plus, home fleet,
Steam
0-4-0 1969 ‘J N Derbyshire’
0-4-0 L&Y Pug 19 – No. 11243
0-6-0 L&Y 752 – No. 51456
0-6-0 Hudswell Clarke No. 32 “Gothenburg”
0-6-0 LMS ‘Jinty’ 47298
Diesel
MSC Hudswell Clarke D4002 “Arundel Castle”
Class 01 – D2956
Class 03 – D2062
Class 08 – 08479
Class 09 – 09024
Class 14 – D9531 “Ernest”
An amazing show of traction, which must have taken quite some organising, a really big well done to all involved, another successful gala.
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
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My last trip before my first European trip of the year and it was nice to have another gala day on the East Lancs railway. It was a great turn out and nice to catch up with a few friends both locally and from different parts of the country. I spent most of my time at Bolton Street station as the doors opened, and managed to spend £60 on books and DVDs. I later drove up to Summerseat, for both the viaduct and station areas, later moving up to Ramsbottom where I finished my day off.
The weather was still a bit on the cold side in the morning, but with some sunny spells towards the afternoon, but later turning to light rain, with lightening at times in the distance.
Roster, two guest Wells tank locomotives, No. 3036 ‘Willy the Well Tank’ is featuring courtesy of Bill & Dick Parker and the Flour Mill.
No. 48 ‘The King’ is featuring courtesy of Phil Steer and the Ribble Steam Railway. Plus, home fleet,
Steam
0-4-0 1969 ‘J N Derbyshire’
0-4-0 L&Y Pug 19 – No. 11243
0-6-0 L&Y 752 – No. 51456
0-6-0 Hudswell Clarke No. 32 “Gothenburg”
0-6-0 LMS ‘Jinty’ 47298
Diesel
MSC Hudswell Clarke D4002 “Arundel Castle”
Class 01 – D2956
Class 03 – D2062
Class 08 – 08479
Class 09 – 09024
Class 14 – D9531 “Ernest”
An amazing show of traction, which must have taken quite some organising, a really big well done to all involved, another successful gala.
Small Engines Gala - The East Lancashire Railway
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
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shredder1
Established Member
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Steam Gala, Thursday 19th March to Saturday 21st March 2026.
I missed last years steam gala as I was out of the country at the time, so made sure I attended this year’s event, it is a railway I do enjoy visiting and as well as being a member, I am also a lineside pass holder and the Worth Valley Railway do put on some excellent events.
Locomotive rosters, visiting engines include 5029 Nunney Castle and 34046 Braunton from Locomotive Services Group. Also joining is 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier from Ian Riley. Local motive power on the timetable includes 41241, 52044, 1054, 78022, Ann and Dora.
Day 1. I made an early start on Thursday morning, driving over the hill to Haworth for my obligatory shed visit. I later drove down to Ingrow West parked the car up and walked down the track bed to Keighley, spending most of the morning in the station area and at the top of the bank. I took breakfast in the excellent Old Parcels Office, a full English, and a coffee, very filling and not a bad price at just under £11 quid. After a satisfying morning in Keighley, I walked back up to Ingrow West and collected the car. I noticed at the top of Keighley bank, the tree cutting gang have removed the trees around the former good warehouse access tunnel, nice to see the bridge and underpass, but I’m not sure why they have done this?
I collected the car from Ingrow West, first however checking out the books and DVDs in the museum, and leaving with only one book, (the Coniston Railway, Oakwood Press), I guess I must have them all now. A portion of chip at the local chippie, (£2.75, what happened to a 6 pence worth of chips), and I was soon driving up the line to Oakworth and taking phots around the usual locations. I saw the cameras near the tunnel entrance for the first time, quite an amazing piece of kit and gives the railway that extra bit of protection. It must be on some sort of movement sensor, for when I was looking at it, it suddenly spun around and looked directly at me, we are not alone.
My first day finished by a return visit to Haworth sheds, a few snacks for the night from the Spar shop and then I drove to my bed for the night, I had a private room booked in Haworth Youth Hostel £35 quid, roughly the same price I was paying in Helsinki. I have stayed in the hostel before, but not in a private room, it’s a lovely old building, but you would definitely struggle swinging a mouse around in the private rooms. The weather had been glorious for March, with bright sun much of the time and this lasted for the whole three days I was over there. I slept well in the hostel, and although you couldn’t swing a mouse around in the private rooms, you could swing an elephant around in the shower, so there was none of that bending down for the soap and pushing the door open with your backside malarky.
Day 2. After a restful night in the hostel, I headed back down to Haworth sheds for some early morning phots and to capture the freight and the locos moving off shed. The Ironclad brought the goods up the line and the Black 5, which was facing south, took the freight train back down to Keighley. I then drove down to Keighley for breakfast again at the Old Parcel Office, (the diet was well out of the window on this trip). Another few hours was spent around Keighley station and bank before driving up to Oakworth for the bank and bridges phots. I had a chip shop tea in Haworth, I couldn’t find anything realistically priced to stay for the Friday night, so I decided to sleep in the car and it was fine, I guess I’m one of those lucky people that can sleep anywhere and often do, I once fell asleep in a disco, but that’s another story.
Day 3. I was up slightly early on the Saturday and caught the dawn breaking over the sheds, always very atmospheric the twilight periods. The temperatures had increased by the Saturday. I parked up in the car park at Spar hoping to get a coffee once it opened, I was in the car park for 06.00, after an half hour, a member of the store came out and told me the store didn’t open until 07.00 and that I would get a parking ticket if I stayed over an hour, so I left the car park and gave my business to another store.
I watched a few locos leave the shed and this time decided to catch up with the freight train at Haworth, the Ivatt tank brought the freight up and the Black 5 again took the freight train back to Keighley, and I drove down again to the Old Parcels Office for breakfast and again spent some time around Keighley railway station.
I decided to get above the tunnels; I usually obtain some excellent phots looking down on the viaducts from there. I followed the footpath which goes above the tunnels, but its all been refenced and sealed off, I then drove around the opposite side of the hill, but couldn’t find any access from that side either, just signage saying no right of way, although I did see people on top of the tunnel, I’m not sure if they were there legally or not?
I drove back down to Oakworth and parked up, walking up the track for the viaduct phots, and later driving up to the top of the line at Oxenhope to finish the day off. I left the railway at around 17.00 and drove home via Hebden Bridge and Blackstone Edge, It had been a good three days for me, the gala was operating over four days, but I had got in all I wanted to and it had been a great trip. Its was nice to catch up with a few old and new friends from different parts of the country. The Worth Valley Railway is only an hours drive away from me, but with the prospect of a two drive each day, plus petrol costs, it was simpler to stay around the railway, so all worked out fine.
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I missed last years steam gala as I was out of the country at the time, so made sure I attended this year’s event, it is a railway I do enjoy visiting and as well as being a member, I am also a lineside pass holder and the Worth Valley Railway do put on some excellent events.
Locomotive rosters, visiting engines include 5029 Nunney Castle and 34046 Braunton from Locomotive Services Group. Also joining is 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier from Ian Riley. Local motive power on the timetable includes 41241, 52044, 1054, 78022, Ann and Dora.
Day 1. I made an early start on Thursday morning, driving over the hill to Haworth for my obligatory shed visit. I later drove down to Ingrow West parked the car up and walked down the track bed to Keighley, spending most of the morning in the station area and at the top of the bank. I took breakfast in the excellent Old Parcels Office, a full English, and a coffee, very filling and not a bad price at just under £11 quid. After a satisfying morning in Keighley, I walked back up to Ingrow West and collected the car. I noticed at the top of Keighley bank, the tree cutting gang have removed the trees around the former good warehouse access tunnel, nice to see the bridge and underpass, but I’m not sure why they have done this?
I collected the car from Ingrow West, first however checking out the books and DVDs in the museum, and leaving with only one book, (the Coniston Railway, Oakwood Press), I guess I must have them all now. A portion of chip at the local chippie, (£2.75, what happened to a 6 pence worth of chips), and I was soon driving up the line to Oakworth and taking phots around the usual locations. I saw the cameras near the tunnel entrance for the first time, quite an amazing piece of kit and gives the railway that extra bit of protection. It must be on some sort of movement sensor, for when I was looking at it, it suddenly spun around and looked directly at me, we are not alone.
My first day finished by a return visit to Haworth sheds, a few snacks for the night from the Spar shop and then I drove to my bed for the night, I had a private room booked in Haworth Youth Hostel £35 quid, roughly the same price I was paying in Helsinki. I have stayed in the hostel before, but not in a private room, it’s a lovely old building, but you would definitely struggle swinging a mouse around in the private rooms. The weather had been glorious for March, with bright sun much of the time and this lasted for the whole three days I was over there. I slept well in the hostel, and although you couldn’t swing a mouse around in the private rooms, you could swing an elephant around in the shower, so there was none of that bending down for the soap and pushing the door open with your backside malarky.
Day 2. After a restful night in the hostel, I headed back down to Haworth sheds for some early morning phots and to capture the freight and the locos moving off shed. The Ironclad brought the goods up the line and the Black 5, which was facing south, took the freight train back down to Keighley. I then drove down to Keighley for breakfast again at the Old Parcel Office, (the diet was well out of the window on this trip). Another few hours was spent around Keighley station and bank before driving up to Oakworth for the bank and bridges phots. I had a chip shop tea in Haworth, I couldn’t find anything realistically priced to stay for the Friday night, so I decided to sleep in the car and it was fine, I guess I’m one of those lucky people that can sleep anywhere and often do, I once fell asleep in a disco, but that’s another story.
Day 3. I was up slightly early on the Saturday and caught the dawn breaking over the sheds, always very atmospheric the twilight periods. The temperatures had increased by the Saturday. I parked up in the car park at Spar hoping to get a coffee once it opened, I was in the car park for 06.00, after an half hour, a member of the store came out and told me the store didn’t open until 07.00 and that I would get a parking ticket if I stayed over an hour, so I left the car park and gave my business to another store.
I watched a few locos leave the shed and this time decided to catch up with the freight train at Haworth, the Ivatt tank brought the freight up and the Black 5 again took the freight train back to Keighley, and I drove down again to the Old Parcels Office for breakfast and again spent some time around Keighley railway station.
I decided to get above the tunnels; I usually obtain some excellent phots looking down on the viaducts from there. I followed the footpath which goes above the tunnels, but its all been refenced and sealed off, I then drove around the opposite side of the hill, but couldn’t find any access from that side either, just signage saying no right of way, although I did see people on top of the tunnel, I’m not sure if they were there legally or not?
I drove back down to Oakworth and parked up, walking up the track for the viaduct phots, and later driving up to the top of the line at Oxenhope to finish the day off. I left the railway at around 17.00 and drove home via Hebden Bridge and Blackstone Edge, It had been a good three days for me, the gala was operating over four days, but I had got in all I wanted to and it had been a great trip. Its was nice to catch up with a few old and new friends from different parts of the country. The Worth Valley Railway is only an hours drive away from me, but with the prospect of a two drive each day, plus petrol costs, it was simpler to stay around the railway, so all worked out fine.
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shredder1
Established Member
Nene Valley Railway, Wansford and Peterborough East. May 2026.
It was my son`s birthday in May, so I had booked a week with him to catch up. It takes me 3 hours to drive from Manchester to his house in East Peterborough and I always break my journey at the Nene Valley Railway before leaving the A1. I visited the railway 3 times while I was down there and here are a selection of images from each day, Saturday 23rd, Monday 25th and Sunday 31st May. I know the railway have been struggling recently, and do hope they get back on track sooner than later. I know many have been concerned.
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It was my son`s birthday in May, so I had booked a week with him to catch up. It takes me 3 hours to drive from Manchester to his house in East Peterborough and I always break my journey at the Nene Valley Railway before leaving the A1. I visited the railway 3 times while I was down there and here are a selection of images from each day, Saturday 23rd, Monday 25th and Sunday 31st May. I know the railway have been struggling recently, and do hope they get back on track sooner than later. I know many have been concerned.
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shredder1
Established Member
Hereward Line, the Fens. May 2026.
It was my son`s birthday in May, so I had booked a week with him to catch up, while I also treated him to a new acoustic guitar, a Martin D1X as he likes to do a few open mike nights.
He lives besides the Hereward Line, between Peterborough and March on the edge of the Fenlands. The Hereward line is one of the busiest freight lines in the UK at present, with traffic coming from Felixstowe and East Anglia, through to the Midlands and Northwest.
My locations for photography are usually Peterborough East, Kings Drain, Whittlesea crossings, Eastrea, Beggars Bridge, Three Horseshoes, and Turves. The Fens is flat alluvium plain and you can often see trains coming from miles away and within this area are 8 flat crossings and apart from Beggars Bridge, there are very little engineering structures in the Fens.
I spent three days on this trip at the various lineside locations, from Tuesday 26th May to Thursday 28th May 2026. Always a region I enjoy visiting and nice to catch up with my son of course.
Locomotives observed, class 37, 37407 and 37611, class 66, 66734, 66745, 66602, 66078, 66791, 66143, 66542, 66764, 66066, 66723, 66733, 66306, 66126, 66601, 66764, 66096, 66533, 66534, 66078, 66713, class 70 70005.
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It was my son`s birthday in May, so I had booked a week with him to catch up, while I also treated him to a new acoustic guitar, a Martin D1X as he likes to do a few open mike nights.
He lives besides the Hereward Line, between Peterborough and March on the edge of the Fenlands. The Hereward line is one of the busiest freight lines in the UK at present, with traffic coming from Felixstowe and East Anglia, through to the Midlands and Northwest.
My locations for photography are usually Peterborough East, Kings Drain, Whittlesea crossings, Eastrea, Beggars Bridge, Three Horseshoes, and Turves. The Fens is flat alluvium plain and you can often see trains coming from miles away and within this area are 8 flat crossings and apart from Beggars Bridge, there are very little engineering structures in the Fens.
I spent three days on this trip at the various lineside locations, from Tuesday 26th May to Thursday 28th May 2026. Always a region I enjoy visiting and nice to catch up with my son of course.
Locomotives observed, class 37, 37407 and 37611, class 66, 66734, 66745, 66602, 66078, 66791, 66143, 66542, 66764, 66066, 66723, 66733, 66306, 66126, 66601, 66764, 66096, 66533, 66534, 66078, 66713, class 70 70005.
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shredder1
Established Member
Scotland, (Day1). Friday 12th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
I travelled up from Manchester Victoria just after the peak period had ended, changing trains at Salford Crescent as I wanted to see the new platform that is due to be commissioned, and what a good job they have done at it. I then headed for Preston, split ticketing to Carlisle where I purchased the Spirit of Scotland 4 over 8 days ticket at £103 with a railcard. I found a guest house within an 8-minute walk from Aberdeen railway station for £145 for 4 nights and that was with a basic buffet breakfast, it was a great place, ensuite bathroom and a nice television which an exceptionally comfortable bed.
From Carlisle I caught a direct Pendolino into Glasgow Central, walked across the city to Glasgow Queen Street station and then caught the first train up to Perth, a class 158, where I caught up with the first of the HSTs, I spent a few hours on the platforms at Perth, before catching my first HST of the week up to Aberdeen, and was nicely surprised to see two more HST sets already on the platforms.
After taking tea in the shopping centre attached to Aberdeen railway station, I walked out to my guest house, checked in and dropped off the rucksack, before returning to the railway station in time to see the Caledonian Sleeper shunting out of Clay hills yard and backing the sleeper coaches into the platforms behind a pair of class 73 locomotives. The weather had been good on the way up and I slept well for the first night, all was good with the world.
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Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
I travelled up from Manchester Victoria just after the peak period had ended, changing trains at Salford Crescent as I wanted to see the new platform that is due to be commissioned, and what a good job they have done at it. I then headed for Preston, split ticketing to Carlisle where I purchased the Spirit of Scotland 4 over 8 days ticket at £103 with a railcard. I found a guest house within an 8-minute walk from Aberdeen railway station for £145 for 4 nights and that was with a basic buffet breakfast, it was a great place, ensuite bathroom and a nice television which an exceptionally comfortable bed.
From Carlisle I caught a direct Pendolino into Glasgow Central, walked across the city to Glasgow Queen Street station and then caught the first train up to Perth, a class 158, where I caught up with the first of the HSTs, I spent a few hours on the platforms at Perth, before catching my first HST of the week up to Aberdeen, and was nicely surprised to see two more HST sets already on the platforms.
After taking tea in the shopping centre attached to Aberdeen railway station, I walked out to my guest house, checked in and dropped off the rucksack, before returning to the railway station in time to see the Caledonian Sleeper shunting out of Clay hills yard and backing the sleeper coaches into the platforms behind a pair of class 73 locomotives. The weather had been good on the way up and I slept well for the first night, all was good with the world.
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shredder1
Established Member
Scotland, (Day 2). Saturday 13th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
I was up early at the “Lost guest House” in Aberdeen, the breakfast room opened at 06.00, so a far better time than many. After breakfast, I made my way to the railway station and caught a Sprinter class 158 to Inverness. On passing the former site of Inverurie paper mills at Port Elphinstone, I observed class 14 D9500 alongside CCT 94698 and Ferry Van 889022, which I believe were bought some time ago by a private owner, but they don’t appear to be having any work done to them presently.
I was soon stepping onto the platforms at Inverness and it was nice to see the Caledonian sleeper coaches and locomotives class 73 968 and class 66 737, resting in the platforms. I didn’t see any HSTs in the station on this visited however. I had a walk around the centre and returned to the railway station and later caught a class 170 down to Perth, where I caught up with HSTs again. Most of the Scottish HST workings pass through Perth apart from the direct ones from Edinburgh to Aberdeen across the Fife.
I was heading to the new line to Leven, so from Perth I caught a class 170 to Kirkcaldy, with a change for an Edinburgh to Leven service, with a 45-minute connection time at Kirkcaldy.
The Leven line was an interesting one, the railway takes you down the old power station branch, and the new station, which is close to the bus station. The original Leven station was a through station, on the Fife Coast Railway, part of the North British Railway Company, which circled the coast to St Andrews, but I could find no evidence of the original line at Leven. The Fife Heritage Railway do however operate from Kirkland yard just north of the present Leven railway station, much of which can be viewed from the train, but I didn’t have time to visit on this particular day, but did go back later in the week.
I returned from Leven on a direct service to Edinburgh Waverley, before catching an HST back up to Aberdeen, it had been another good day.
www.fifeheritagerailway.co.uk
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Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
I was up early at the “Lost guest House” in Aberdeen, the breakfast room opened at 06.00, so a far better time than many. After breakfast, I made my way to the railway station and caught a Sprinter class 158 to Inverness. On passing the former site of Inverurie paper mills at Port Elphinstone, I observed class 14 D9500 alongside CCT 94698 and Ferry Van 889022, which I believe were bought some time ago by a private owner, but they don’t appear to be having any work done to them presently.
I was soon stepping onto the platforms at Inverness and it was nice to see the Caledonian sleeper coaches and locomotives class 73 968 and class 66 737, resting in the platforms. I didn’t see any HSTs in the station on this visited however. I had a walk around the centre and returned to the railway station and later caught a class 170 down to Perth, where I caught up with HSTs again. Most of the Scottish HST workings pass through Perth apart from the direct ones from Edinburgh to Aberdeen across the Fife.
I was heading to the new line to Leven, so from Perth I caught a class 170 to Kirkcaldy, with a change for an Edinburgh to Leven service, with a 45-minute connection time at Kirkcaldy.
The Leven line was an interesting one, the railway takes you down the old power station branch, and the new station, which is close to the bus station. The original Leven station was a through station, on the Fife Coast Railway, part of the North British Railway Company, which circled the coast to St Andrews, but I could find no evidence of the original line at Leven. The Fife Heritage Railway do however operate from Kirkland yard just north of the present Leven railway station, much of which can be viewed from the train, but I didn’t have time to visit on this particular day, but did go back later in the week.
I returned from Leven on a direct service to Edinburgh Waverley, before catching an HST back up to Aberdeen, it had been another good day.
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Discover railway history at Fife Heritage Railway. Plan your visit to one of the top visitor attractions in Leven for an unforgettable experience. Running Days on the last Sunday of each month (Mar-Oct). Open to visitors Tue, Fri & Sat every week.
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Morayshire
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Not quite.
it is Inter7city because they serve(d) 7 of Scotlands cities.
Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Stirling, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh.
They were originally going to be a mix of 4 and 5 coach sets. No idea what they are planned to be now.
I'll be interested to hear what you thought of the coal mining museum. Its on my to do list.
shredder1
Established Member
Ah yes, one of the lads on WNXX was telling me that, but thanks for the info, that makes sense. The mining museum, yes I think you should visit it, it has two old steam locos set up, but they are difficult to photograph because of the location of them, I spent a good hour in the museum, I could have spent a little longer, they have plenty to see including an underground mine section to a coal face, probably not as good as the Yorkshire or Welsh Big Pit similar museums, but still very good.
shredder1
Established Member
Scotland, (Day 3). Sunday 14th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
I was again up for my 06.00 breakfast at the guest house and again back down on the platforms of Aberdeen and travelling south on an HST and alighting at Dundee this time as I wanted a few phots around the railway station. I later caught a class 158 across the Fife and into Edinburgh, as I initially wanted to sample the new tram extension to Leith, Newhaven. I found it quite impressive and see they have a few more extensions in the longer-term plans. I managed to find the remains of an overbridge, which once led to Leith Central, although the station proper has long gone, the beautiful terminus building once houses the suburban dmu fleet along with a few small diesel shunters, as it was converted into a depot after its closure as a railway station. I visited Leith Central a few times in the early 1970s and also managed to get down to St Margarets MPD before it closed.
I returned by tram to St Andrews Square and walked across the gardens to Scotland’s only Hard Rock Café for tea, before returning to Waverley station and catching a class 385 to Stirling and then a class 170 back up to Aberdeen for the night.
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Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
I was again up for my 06.00 breakfast at the guest house and again back down on the platforms of Aberdeen and travelling south on an HST and alighting at Dundee this time as I wanted a few phots around the railway station. I later caught a class 158 across the Fife and into Edinburgh, as I initially wanted to sample the new tram extension to Leith, Newhaven. I found it quite impressive and see they have a few more extensions in the longer-term plans. I managed to find the remains of an overbridge, which once led to Leith Central, although the station proper has long gone, the beautiful terminus building once houses the suburban dmu fleet along with a few small diesel shunters, as it was converted into a depot after its closure as a railway station. I visited Leith Central a few times in the early 1970s and also managed to get down to St Margarets MPD before it closed.
I returned by tram to St Andrews Square and walked across the gardens to Scotland’s only Hard Rock Café for tea, before returning to Waverley station and catching a class 385 to Stirling and then a class 170 back up to Aberdeen for the night.
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shredder1
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Scotland, (Day 4). Monday 15th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
Up at 05.30 showered and breakfast for 06.00, I must admit to enjoying the breakfasts at the Lost Guest House. It was only basic, a selection of breads, toast, jams and marmalades, honey, flakes, yogurts and fresh fruit juice, but I managed to stuff myself to excess, every morning. However, I was soon back again on Aberdeen`s platforms, this time heading on an HST directly to Perth for an hour or so, before waiting for an HST to take me up to Inverness, as I hadn’t taken an HST on that route this trip.
It was nice to see the Ivatt out on the Strathspey Railway on passing Aviemore, I did intend getting off and trying out the funicular, but didn’t really have time and was unsure where it was located.
I arrived into Inverness in lovely bright sunshine and this time there was another HST already on the platforms, so it was nice to see two in at once, while in addition, another HST arrived before I departed. The Caledonia sleeper was also in a better position for photography this time, lit up nicely in the late morning sun, and behind class 66 737 and class 73 968. After taking some lunch at Inverness I caught a local train, a class 158 out to Elgin, I noticed the starts of the branch was still in place on the former Lossiemouth line.
From Elgin I later boarded another class 158 Sprinter back into Aberdeen, and after a walk around the granite City, I retired to my guest house, it had been another great day roaming around Scotland.
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Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
Up at 05.30 showered and breakfast for 06.00, I must admit to enjoying the breakfasts at the Lost Guest House. It was only basic, a selection of breads, toast, jams and marmalades, honey, flakes, yogurts and fresh fruit juice, but I managed to stuff myself to excess, every morning. However, I was soon back again on Aberdeen`s platforms, this time heading on an HST directly to Perth for an hour or so, before waiting for an HST to take me up to Inverness, as I hadn’t taken an HST on that route this trip.
It was nice to see the Ivatt out on the Strathspey Railway on passing Aviemore, I did intend getting off and trying out the funicular, but didn’t really have time and was unsure where it was located.
I arrived into Inverness in lovely bright sunshine and this time there was another HST already on the platforms, so it was nice to see two in at once, while in addition, another HST arrived before I departed. The Caledonia sleeper was also in a better position for photography this time, lit up nicely in the late morning sun, and behind class 66 737 and class 73 968. After taking some lunch at Inverness I caught a local train, a class 158 out to Elgin, I noticed the starts of the branch was still in place on the former Lossiemouth line.
From Elgin I later boarded another class 158 Sprinter back into Aberdeen, and after a walk around the granite City, I retired to my guest house, it had been another great day roaming around Scotland.
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shredder1
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Scotland, (Day 5). Tuesday 16th June 2026.
Scotland, (Day 5). Tuesday 16th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Mining Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
Another early start at the Lost Guest House, Aberdeen, for the last time, and I was again in the breakfast room for 06.00 and down on Aberdeen station platforms for 06.45, this time I was catching a direct train to Glasgow Queen Street, which was only a Sprinter though, I then had a change to Edinburgh on a class 385, this was the quickest route into Edinburgh at that time. It was also my last day in Aberdeen as I was moving to the central area of Scotland.
I was heading for the National Mining Museum, Scotland, a place I had never visited, its location is at Newtongrange. The museum is located in the old Lady Victoria NCB mine and well worth a visit. I paid £6 on entry, although you can pay extra for guided tours. There was certainly plenty to do and see, which included two static industrial steam locomotives, although these were difficult to photograph being below the washers. Lots of exhibitions to see and sit through, including a small craw hole that imitated a shaft that they used to send small children down to work, (I nearly got stuck in that one). They also had an underground section leading to a coal face, while the magnificent engine house was also open to the public, a very enjoyable visit.
I returned to Newtongrange railway station and decided to take a ride down the Borders Line, it had been a few years since I had travelled on the line and it is lovely to travel down part of the old Waverley route to Tweedbank. I later returned to Edinburgh Waverley..
I had booked a bed in a hostel in the old town for the night. I don't normally like sleeping i dormitories these days, but it was cheap and convenient
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Scotland, (Day 5). Tuesday 16th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Mining Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
Another early start at the Lost Guest House, Aberdeen, for the last time, and I was again in the breakfast room for 06.00 and down on Aberdeen station platforms for 06.45, this time I was catching a direct train to Glasgow Queen Street, which was only a Sprinter though, I then had a change to Edinburgh on a class 385, this was the quickest route into Edinburgh at that time. It was also my last day in Aberdeen as I was moving to the central area of Scotland.
I was heading for the National Mining Museum, Scotland, a place I had never visited, its location is at Newtongrange. The museum is located in the old Lady Victoria NCB mine and well worth a visit. I paid £6 on entry, although you can pay extra for guided tours. There was certainly plenty to do and see, which included two static industrial steam locomotives, although these were difficult to photograph being below the washers. Lots of exhibitions to see and sit through, including a small craw hole that imitated a shaft that they used to send small children down to work, (I nearly got stuck in that one). They also had an underground section leading to a coal face, while the magnificent engine house was also open to the public, a very enjoyable visit.
I returned to Newtongrange railway station and decided to take a ride down the Borders Line, it had been a few years since I had travelled on the line and it is lovely to travel down part of the old Waverley route to Tweedbank. I later returned to Edinburgh Waverley..
I had booked a bed in a hostel in the old town for the night. I don't normally like sleeping i dormitories these days, but it was cheap and convenient
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shredder1
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Scotland, (Day 6). Wednesday 17th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Mining Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
I slept reasonably well in the hostel, but they are not ideal of course, and surprisingly no one woke me up because of my snoring, but it did the job. It was a rainy start in Edinburgh next morning, as I made my way down from the old town towards Waverley station and took breakfast in the city. My Spirit of Scotland ticket had finished on Monday so I was then on a 3-day Central Scotland rover ticket, yesterday I had to book an extra ticket to get me into the area from Aberdeen to Dunblane, which was only £14 in advance, the Central Scotland rover ticket cost £37 on a railcard, so good value. This was the second day of my Central Scotland rover ticket.
My plan was to head back down the Leven line and visit the Fife Heritage Railway, but I somehow got my days mixed up and the railway was closed when I arrived. I did however walk around the outside of the site and managed to photograph most of the locomotives in the yard, through the railings. I must revisit next time I’m in the region.
I returned from Leven to North Queensferry, for I intended spending a few hours around the Forth Bridge. I walked down the hill from North Queensferry railway station and found a great location with a bench overlooking the bridge, but the sun and light wasn’t really in the right direction, so after around 30 minutes at that location, I walked back up the hill to North Queensferry station and caught a train across the bridge to Dalmeny, which is on the south bank of the river. A 30-minute walk takes you down through some lovely woodlands to the banks of the river with some excellent views of the bridge from the south bank.
I spent a few hours around the bridge and was rewarded with a number of HSTs making the crossing, plenty of local traffic, plus the Royal Scotsman behind class 66 743 travelling northbound, so I was quite pleased with that result. I later made my way back up the hill, and through the woods to Dalmeny railway station. Whilst removing my rucksack on the station platforms, I experienced a stabbing pain in my lower back, I looked down at my rucksack and noticed a bee stuck to the back of it. The bee must had somehow got between me and my rucksack, before being crushed and stinging me in the process, why it picked on me to string is unknown, and I would have preferred it to sting the rucksack, which was the one that caused its demise.
I caught the next train from Dalmeny back into Edinburgh, spent some time on the station, but found out I had a camera issue. The auto focus had, for some reason stopped working, so for the rest of the trip I had to manage on manual focussing, reminding me of the days back in the 1960s, when this is all we had, and realising how much easier auto focussing made taking pictures, something we take for granted these days. This was on a Nikon D810, but it’s been a good workhorse and I do have two more for back up at home, so maybe it was time for a change, and luckily it didn’t let me down on a European trip.
My next move was to take a ride over to Glasgow on the pair of class 334s, taking the longer route underneath the city to Partick for the rush hour traffic. Nice to see plenty of old suburban units still operating around Glasgow including classes 334s, 320s, and 318s, I did struggle a little without auto focus and the platforms at Partick in rush hour which is an extremely busy, the station also has a severe canter which shows how all the train learn on the sharp curves, on photographs.
I later returned to Edinburgh Waverley and waited for the Caledonia sleeper to arrive on the platforms, which was behind class 92 014, who ran around her train, in readiness for her southbound journey.
I hadn’t booked anywhere for the night, the cheaper hostels had sold out and I didn’t fancy paying over £100 for an hotel, so decided instead to stay around the station and central area for the night, like a homeless person.
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Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Mining Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
I slept reasonably well in the hostel, but they are not ideal of course, and surprisingly no one woke me up because of my snoring, but it did the job. It was a rainy start in Edinburgh next morning, as I made my way down from the old town towards Waverley station and took breakfast in the city. My Spirit of Scotland ticket had finished on Monday so I was then on a 3-day Central Scotland rover ticket, yesterday I had to book an extra ticket to get me into the area from Aberdeen to Dunblane, which was only £14 in advance, the Central Scotland rover ticket cost £37 on a railcard, so good value. This was the second day of my Central Scotland rover ticket.
My plan was to head back down the Leven line and visit the Fife Heritage Railway, but I somehow got my days mixed up and the railway was closed when I arrived. I did however walk around the outside of the site and managed to photograph most of the locomotives in the yard, through the railings. I must revisit next time I’m in the region.
I returned from Leven to North Queensferry, for I intended spending a few hours around the Forth Bridge. I walked down the hill from North Queensferry railway station and found a great location with a bench overlooking the bridge, but the sun and light wasn’t really in the right direction, so after around 30 minutes at that location, I walked back up the hill to North Queensferry station and caught a train across the bridge to Dalmeny, which is on the south bank of the river. A 30-minute walk takes you down through some lovely woodlands to the banks of the river with some excellent views of the bridge from the south bank.
I spent a few hours around the bridge and was rewarded with a number of HSTs making the crossing, plenty of local traffic, plus the Royal Scotsman behind class 66 743 travelling northbound, so I was quite pleased with that result. I later made my way back up the hill, and through the woods to Dalmeny railway station. Whilst removing my rucksack on the station platforms, I experienced a stabbing pain in my lower back, I looked down at my rucksack and noticed a bee stuck to the back of it. The bee must had somehow got between me and my rucksack, before being crushed and stinging me in the process, why it picked on me to string is unknown, and I would have preferred it to sting the rucksack, which was the one that caused its demise.
I caught the next train from Dalmeny back into Edinburgh, spent some time on the station, but found out I had a camera issue. The auto focus had, for some reason stopped working, so for the rest of the trip I had to manage on manual focussing, reminding me of the days back in the 1960s, when this is all we had, and realising how much easier auto focussing made taking pictures, something we take for granted these days. This was on a Nikon D810, but it’s been a good workhorse and I do have two more for back up at home, so maybe it was time for a change, and luckily it didn’t let me down on a European trip.
My next move was to take a ride over to Glasgow on the pair of class 334s, taking the longer route underneath the city to Partick for the rush hour traffic. Nice to see plenty of old suburban units still operating around Glasgow including classes 334s, 320s, and 318s, I did struggle a little without auto focus and the platforms at Partick in rush hour which is an extremely busy, the station also has a severe canter which shows how all the train learn on the sharp curves, on photographs.
I later returned to Edinburgh Waverley and waited for the Caledonia sleeper to arrive on the platforms, which was behind class 92 014, who ran around her train, in readiness for her southbound journey.
I hadn’t booked anywhere for the night, the cheaper hostels had sold out and I didn’t fancy paying over £100 for an hotel, so decided instead to stay around the station and central area for the night, like a homeless person.
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shredder1
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Scotland, (Day 7). Thursday 18th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Mining Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
After spending sometime around Edinburgh Waverley railway station, I retired to the local McDonalds for a later supper, and since it stayed open until 02.00 the next morning, I settled in and had a few coffees and updated my notes. After McDonalds closed I went around the corner and found an hotel entrance with undercover padded benches outside, so I spent the next 2 hours just nodding off on those, anything to save a few quid.
I returned to Edinburgh Waverley at 04.00 and was about 5 minutes late as the Fort William Caledonian sleeper was just pulling out of the platforms behind 2 class 73 locomotives. I did however catch up with the class 92 that brought the sleeper up from London, 92023. I spent some time in the rush hour and also caught a pair of class 385s down to North Berwick, it was class 370s last time I travelled the line.
Returning to Edinburgh Waverley railway station, took a train into Haymarket and then the longer route into Glasgow Central. The station area is presently being rebuilt because of the fire, but I walked around to St Enochs underground station, to take my first ride on the new Glasgow underground trains, built by Stadler and Ansaldo driverless units, which look like giant worms running around under the city. I travelled to a few stations, at least one which had platform end doors, although I preferred the old Clockwork Orange units, these do make for quite an impression.
I returned to St Enoch`s and walked back to Glasgow Central and later took a train to Larkhill, after which I returned to Hamilton Central with a change for another train to Motherwell, before returning to Glasgow Central. My next move was a return to Edinburgh Waverley again. I later returned to Glasgow Central and caught a class 380 to East Kilbride, the last time I was at East Kilbride it was Sprinters operating the line, so it was nice to see the line now electrified and a new railway station having been built.
I returned to Glasgow Central and took a few rides around the Cathcart Circle, before returning to see the Caledonia Sleeper arrive behind class 92014, with class 92023 being attached to the front. I did photograph both class 92s, but they were all out of focus, so sadly had to be deleted, I had forgotten my autofocus had stopped working.
I hadn’t booked a bed again for the night, as I was travelling home at 04.30 on the Friday morning, so spent some time around the railway station and all-night cafes, I also got chatting to a great pair of drunken Scots, one of who, had a guitar, so we had a bit of a musical chat outside Glasgow Central at 03.30 in the morning, as you do.
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Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Mining Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
After spending sometime around Edinburgh Waverley railway station, I retired to the local McDonalds for a later supper, and since it stayed open until 02.00 the next morning, I settled in and had a few coffees and updated my notes. After McDonalds closed I went around the corner and found an hotel entrance with undercover padded benches outside, so I spent the next 2 hours just nodding off on those, anything to save a few quid.
I returned to Edinburgh Waverley at 04.00 and was about 5 minutes late as the Fort William Caledonian sleeper was just pulling out of the platforms behind 2 class 73 locomotives. I did however catch up with the class 92 that brought the sleeper up from London, 92023. I spent some time in the rush hour and also caught a pair of class 385s down to North Berwick, it was class 370s last time I travelled the line.
Returning to Edinburgh Waverley railway station, took a train into Haymarket and then the longer route into Glasgow Central. The station area is presently being rebuilt because of the fire, but I walked around to St Enochs underground station, to take my first ride on the new Glasgow underground trains, built by Stadler and Ansaldo driverless units, which look like giant worms running around under the city. I travelled to a few stations, at least one which had platform end doors, although I preferred the old Clockwork Orange units, these do make for quite an impression.
I returned to St Enoch`s and walked back to Glasgow Central and later took a train to Larkhill, after which I returned to Hamilton Central with a change for another train to Motherwell, before returning to Glasgow Central. My next move was a return to Edinburgh Waverley again. I later returned to Glasgow Central and caught a class 380 to East Kilbride, the last time I was at East Kilbride it was Sprinters operating the line, so it was nice to see the line now electrified and a new railway station having been built.
I returned to Glasgow Central and took a few rides around the Cathcart Circle, before returning to see the Caledonia Sleeper arrive behind class 92014, with class 92023 being attached to the front. I did photograph both class 92s, but they were all out of focus, so sadly had to be deleted, I had forgotten my autofocus had stopped working.
I hadn’t booked a bed again for the night, as I was travelling home at 04.30 on the Friday morning, so spent some time around the railway station and all-night cafes, I also got chatting to a great pair of drunken Scots, one of who, had a guitar, so we had a bit of a musical chat outside Glasgow Central at 03.30 in the morning, as you do.
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shredder1
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Scotland, (Day 8). Friday 19th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Mining Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
Glasgow Central railway station opened at 04.00, I was travelling on the 04.30 Pendolino as far as Carlisle, I had a return ticket, off peak, but for some reason I was allowed to use as I think all off peak tickets are no longer used in Scotland.
At Carlisle it was nice to see a pair of class 321 former Anglian emus parked against the wall, these were 321 428 and 429, with Varamis Rail on the sides. My next train was a Transpennine, again I had an off peak return which I bought a week previous as I travelled up, but I was allowed to travel on this in the peak period. At Preston, it was nice to see a DRS class 66 423 parked on the platforms, facing southbound, but stopped. All southbound trains were stopped as there was a fatality on the line, so I left the station and went for some breakfast in the city.
I returned to Preston railway station and trains were running again, I needed to buy a ticket to get me back into the Greater Manchester areas for my pass, so bought a single to Bolton on a railcard, which I thought was expensive at just under £9. I was travelling to Manchester Piccadilly, but the train only made it as far as Manchester Oxford Road, apparently it was trespassers on the line this time. After waiting in the train for about 15 minutes, they decided to cancelled the train, so it was all change and over the footbridge to the middle platforms for a train into Manchester Piccadilly, followed by a tram and bus home for around 12.00 noon. Nice to reflect though on a great trip around Scotland chasing, mainly, HSTs, lovely countryside and lovely people, thank you Scotland for a great week.
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Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Mining Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
Glasgow Central railway station opened at 04.00, I was travelling on the 04.30 Pendolino as far as Carlisle, I had a return ticket, off peak, but for some reason I was allowed to use as I think all off peak tickets are no longer used in Scotland.
At Carlisle it was nice to see a pair of class 321 former Anglian emus parked against the wall, these were 321 428 and 429, with Varamis Rail on the sides. My next train was a Transpennine, again I had an off peak return which I bought a week previous as I travelled up, but I was allowed to travel on this in the peak period. At Preston, it was nice to see a DRS class 66 423 parked on the platforms, facing southbound, but stopped. All southbound trains were stopped as there was a fatality on the line, so I left the station and went for some breakfast in the city.
I returned to Preston railway station and trains were running again, I needed to buy a ticket to get me back into the Greater Manchester areas for my pass, so bought a single to Bolton on a railcard, which I thought was expensive at just under £9. I was travelling to Manchester Piccadilly, but the train only made it as far as Manchester Oxford Road, apparently it was trespassers on the line this time. After waiting in the train for about 15 minutes, they decided to cancelled the train, so it was all change and over the footbridge to the middle platforms for a train into Manchester Piccadilly, followed by a tram and bus home for around 12.00 noon. Nice to reflect though on a great trip around Scotland chasing, mainly, HSTs, lovely countryside and lovely people, thank you Scotland for a great week.
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shredder1
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Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Diesel Gala. Saturday 20th June 2026.
Locomotives rostered, 47715 “Rail Engineering Solutions-Quality Assured”, Class 31 31108, class 31 31210, EWS class 37 250, Deltic class 55 55009 “Alycidon” class 08 08993, class 50 50049 “Defiance”, class 37 37217, class 14 BR class D9520, and class 08 08266.
It was a bit of a rush getting ready for the gala and I had just got back from 8 days in Scotland the day before and the focuses had given up the ghost on my Nikon D810. Fortunately, I had a spare Nikon D810 in the house, so just changed everything over. I was doing the driving and picking my mate Onemanc up at 06.30 on the Saturday morning, and we make the trip to Haworth over Blackstone Edge and Hebden Bridge.
We visited the depot at Haworth in the first instance and I later went for breakfast in the café opposite Haworth station, which was open again and appears to be under new management. It cost me just under £10 for an egg and sausage and muffin and a coffee, which convinced me not to go again.
We then drove down to Keightley and spent some time around the railway station and on the bank, before returning to Ingrow West for a visit to the museum and bookshop. We next drove up to Oakworth using various locations each side of the railway station. Later moving to Haworth to see the class 37 and class 50 moving back on shed. Our final move was to drive to Oxenhope to catch up with class 37 217 in its environmental livery. A brew in the station coach was in order before setting off on the journey back over the hill to the civilised side of the Pennines, it had been a great day.
Footnote, Ive just tried the other Nikon D810 now again and its working, so I can only think something must have been on the contact, between the lens and the body, even though I cleaned it at the time.
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Locomotives rostered, 47715 “Rail Engineering Solutions-Quality Assured”, Class 31 31108, class 31 31210, EWS class 37 250, Deltic class 55 55009 “Alycidon” class 08 08993, class 50 50049 “Defiance”, class 37 37217, class 14 BR class D9520, and class 08 08266.
It was a bit of a rush getting ready for the gala and I had just got back from 8 days in Scotland the day before and the focuses had given up the ghost on my Nikon D810. Fortunately, I had a spare Nikon D810 in the house, so just changed everything over. I was doing the driving and picking my mate Onemanc up at 06.30 on the Saturday morning, and we make the trip to Haworth over Blackstone Edge and Hebden Bridge.
We visited the depot at Haworth in the first instance and I later went for breakfast in the café opposite Haworth station, which was open again and appears to be under new management. It cost me just under £10 for an egg and sausage and muffin and a coffee, which convinced me not to go again.
We then drove down to Keightley and spent some time around the railway station and on the bank, before returning to Ingrow West for a visit to the museum and bookshop. We next drove up to Oakworth using various locations each side of the railway station. Later moving to Haworth to see the class 37 and class 50 moving back on shed. Our final move was to drive to Oxenhope to catch up with class 37 217 in its environmental livery. A brew in the station coach was in order before setting off on the journey back over the hill to the civilised side of the Pennines, it had been a great day.
Footnote, Ive just tried the other Nikon D810 now again and its working, so I can only think something must have been on the contact, between the lens and the body, even though I cleaned it at the time.
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway - Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Steam & Heritage Diesel Journeys Through Brontë Country! From industrial Keighley to the wild landscapes of Brontë Country, this five-mile heritage railway brings Yorkshire’s past to life. Travel behind steam or diesel locomotives, relax, and enjoy the journey. Book ahead or on the day and save...
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WesternLancer
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I’ve enjoyed reading these Scottish reports! Thanks for posting them and they gave me some good ideas too.Scotland, (Day 4). Monday 15th June 2026.
Scotland`s High Speed Trains, (Intercity 125s), are due to finish soon, I was told December this year, but having spoken to a few people up there, they may now survive until mid-2027. They appear to be marketed under the name of Inter7city, they consist of a shortened version of the original HSTs, 7 cars including both power cars, but I’m reliably informed that’s not the reason for the branding. I decided to spend 8 days in the country, the first 4 days I was basing myself in Aberdeen, which gave me access to the lines between Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is the areas the HSTs operate. I also wanted to travel on the new Leven line, visit the Fife Railway, travel on the new Edinburgh tram extension to Leith and also visit the Scottish National Coal Museum. The last 3 days of the trip I was using a Centre Scotland rover ticket.
Up at 05.30 showered and breakfast for 06.00, I must admit to enjoying the breakfasts at the Lost Guest House. It was only basic, a selection of breads, toast, jams and marmalades, honey, flakes, yogurts and fresh fruit juice, but I managed to stuff myself to excess, every morning. However, I was soon back again on Aberdeen`s platforms, this time heading on an HST directly to Perth for an hour or so, before waiting for an HST to take me up to Inverness, as I hadn’t taken an HST on that route this trip.
It was nice to see the Ivatt out on the Strathspey Railway on passing Aviemore, I did intend getting off and trying out the funicular, but didn’t really have time and was unsure where it was located.
I arrived into Inverness in lovely bright sunshine and this time there was another HST already on the platforms, so it was nice to see two in at once, while in addition, another HST arrived before I departed. The Caledonia sleeper was also in a better position for photography this time, lit up nicely in the late morning sun, and behind class 66 737 and class 73 968. After taking some lunch at Inverness I caught a local train, a class 158 out to Elgin, I noticed the starts of the branch was still in place on the former Lossiemouth line.
From Elgin I later boarded another class 158 Sprinter back into Aberdeen, and after a walk around the granite City, I retired to my guest house, it had been another great day roaming around Scotland.
I’ll have to plan a return visit to take in some of the interesting attractions you mentioned too.
I got a 4 day spirit of Scotland rover and concentrated on HSTs on longer trips I paid £15 for first class upgrades which was good value when a helpful guard on an Aberdeen to Inverness hst booked the supplement through to my ultimate destination of Glasgow.
Two lengthy HST trips in what must be the most comfortable first class carriages anywhere on the uk network. Worth every penny!
I found the Aberdeen to Inverness route especially interesting, still sections with semaphore signals, and even rarer line side telegraph poles and wires. Plus variety of interesting scenery too.
I’d hoped to do two hst trips on that route, one in either direction but the fewer HSTs on that line meant my timings didn’t work.
One day I did do all HST Glasgow to Aberdeen thence to Inverness then Inverness to Glasgow.
Highly recommended but take some decent packed up food (the trolley serves nothing perishable like a sandwich which I thought was remarkable)
A few images from Aberdeen to Inverness from my HST that may be of interest.
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Rover
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Thanks for posting your reports Shredder and Western I enjoy reading them very much as I'm unable to get out these days.
shredder1
Established Member
Great stuff, so glad you enjoyed it, great pictures too, many thanks for sharing them.
shredder1
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East Lancs Railway, Summer Diesel Gala. Thursday 3rd to Sunday 5th July 2026.
Locomotives rostered, home fleet, class 25 25279, Class 24 D5053, Warship 832, class 56 56006, Hymek 7076, Scotrail class 47 47765 in the guise of 47555, MSC shunter 4002, class 14 D9531, HSTs 43159 and 43025, class 20 20069, visitors, 20303 Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. Class 37 – 37610 courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, 58023 Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR.
It was nice to get out on the East Lancs Railway again, I was mainly trackside and attended for 3 days from Friday to Sunday, in a number of locations. Friday was the better day for the weather, Saturday was a bit overcast with poor light, but Sunday did have a few brighter moments. I didn’t get up there on Friday until 11.30, on the Saturday however I was up there early, Sunday morning saw me first at the gym and then getting a puncture on the car, so a quick trip to the garage, but I was still up there by 12.00.
A great variety as always on the East Lancs with a grand finale at Bury Bolton Street producing a treble-headed set down towards Heywood behind 58023, 37610 and 20303, while northbound to Rawtenstall was Warship 832 and Hymek 7076, hydraulic power. It was great to catch up with a few old and new friends from different parts of the country and a big thank you to all the lads who helped put this amazing gala together, the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into these galas really is something else. I managed a few great bargains from the stalls in books and model railway items, so did put a little back. Here`s looking forward to the next one.
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
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Locomotives rostered, home fleet, class 25 25279, Class 24 D5053, Warship 832, class 56 56006, Hymek 7076, Scotrail class 47 47765 in the guise of 47555, MSC shunter 4002, class 14 D9531, HSTs 43159 and 43025, class 20 20069, visitors, 20303 Courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, the Chopper makes its appearance in its attractive new livery to haul trains across the gala. Class 37 – 37610 courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK, 58023 Appearing courtesy of Edward Stevenson, the Class 58 will be the first of its class to visit the ELR.
It was nice to get out on the East Lancs Railway again, I was mainly trackside and attended for 3 days from Friday to Sunday, in a number of locations. Friday was the better day for the weather, Saturday was a bit overcast with poor light, but Sunday did have a few brighter moments. I didn’t get up there on Friday until 11.30, on the Saturday however I was up there early, Sunday morning saw me first at the gym and then getting a puncture on the car, so a quick trip to the garage, but I was still up there by 12.00.
A great variety as always on the East Lancs with a grand finale at Bury Bolton Street producing a treble-headed set down towards Heywood behind 58023, 37610 and 20303, while northbound to Rawtenstall was Warship 832 and Hymek 7076, hydraulic power. It was great to catch up with a few old and new friends from different parts of the country and a big thank you to all the lads who helped put this amazing gala together, the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into these galas really is something else. I managed a few great bargains from the stalls in books and model railway items, so did put a little back. Here`s looking forward to the next one.
Summer Diesel Gala - The East Lancashire Railway
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
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xotGD
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A few shots of trains I was travelling on there.
But I did give the silly triple header a miss.
But I did give the silly triple header a miss.
WesternLancer
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Thank you! Good to know the points are of interest. Perhaps travels you have undertaken yourself in the past Rover?
WesternLancer
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Glad they were of some interest! You fitted a lot in and I enjoyed reading about your strategy for an all night summer wait over between days of activity.
I managed to go and see the sleeper waiting to leave Glasgow as I was based a short walk away from Central station - and fitted that in after a late evening circle round the subway to see how it was with the new subway trains, and also a trip to the pub.
The section of HST route I didn't manage to fit in (but could have done with more focus) was the Edinburgh to Stirling leg of an Inverness - Edinburgh service (or vice versa) - so I'll have to try and fit in another visit whilst they are still operating - which might be for a fair time period given the delayed and slow roll out of the new trains on EMR midland main line which is what will facilitate the cascade of trains from EMR to replace the Scotrail HSTs, as you probably know.