Invergarry museum’s ‘shopping list’to make a start on service trains
THE Invergarry & Fort Augustus Railway Museum has issued a rolling stock ‘shopping list’ to allow regular trains to begin running at its restored station in the Highlands.
On the want list are a BR Mk.1 corridor composite and a Mk.1 buffet or mini-buffet, although the museum would consider similar LMS or LNER versions, while the hunt is also on for ballast hopper and a box van, ideally LMS or LNER, though a BR version would also be welcome.
A small diesel shunter or similar to help out the line’s existing Ruston 88DS 4wDM is also wanted to haul the passenger coaches, as well as providing the motive power for a permanent way train.
If the passenger coaches can be sourced, the line will be able to operate its first services with an on-site catering facility to help boost visitor numbers and further make Invergarry station a must-see attraction for Great Glen tourists and railway enthusiasts alike.
Director and trustee Christopher Ellis said: “As a small organisation with limited resources, we are keen to hear from the owners of engines or rolling stock that they are unable to operate at their present locations and who might be interested in relocating the items here.
“We are looking for ‘runners’ that could be made serviceable with the minimum of expense and anyone who’d like to discuss the idea will be very welcome to contact me at invergarrystation@gmail.com as a first step.
“Any relocation will be subject to the standard Heritage Railway Association agreement, modified to allow for local circumstances.”
The museum is currently relaying sidings and applying for a grant to allow a carriage shed to go ahead, while the permanent way train will come into its own as there are plans to lease or asset transfer a half-mile extension over the original trackbed from Forest Scotland.
The new sidings and carriage shed will be alongside the restored station building and appear on the museum’s development plan, published in 2019 but delayed by the Coved-19 shutdown.