April shower saves first day of ‘Jacobite’ steam

WEST Coast Railways'‘Jacobite' season was able to start with a steam haulage, as planned – thanks to a case of ‘better late than never' for April showers.

The early spring in the West Highlands is often dry and noted for frequent moorland fires, albeit usually nothing to do with the steam train. This year, despite a very wet winter, sunshine and a lack of rain throughout March and April had left the moorland tinder-dry, prompting fears that the first train of the season, on April 26, would need diesel assistance, with steam merely acting as a so-called ‘show pony.'

However, steady overnight drizzle alleviated the fire-risk, allowing K1 No. 62005 to head the first public train from Fort William to Mallaig, as planned. ‘Black Five No. 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier hauled the afternoon trip.

Since the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, more than a thousand tickets a day have been booked for the summer. ‘The Jacobite' is scheduled to run twice-daily until October.

KALLUM BUCKLEY West Coast Railways Class 57 No. 57001 leads LMS ‘Black Fives’ No. 45212 and No. 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier with the Carnforth to Fort William empty coaching stock for ‘The Jacobite’ on April 12 at Greenholme, Shap.