Sun shines on Strathspey Railway’s diesel gala

THE Strathspey Railway’s (SR) March 18-20 diesel gala was blessed with marvellous weather all three days. As well as timetabled trains, the railway also offered brake van rides at both Aviemore and Boat of Garten. At Aviemore, these ran as required from the coal bench in the yard, top-and-tailed by Queen Anne (48DS Ruston & Hornsby 265618 of 1948) and 4wDH Thos Hill 277V of 1977. Brake van rides at Boat of Garten station were operated by Class 08 No. D3605 (08490) and North British 0-4-0DM No. D2774. The Scottish Railway Preservation Society’s (SRPS) ‘Imperial Speysider’ railtour visited the SR with WCR Class 37 No. 37685 Loch Arkaig and SRPS’s preserved main line-certified No. 37403 Isle of Mull on the Saturday. The two Type 3s then top-and-tailed 2½ services on the Speyside line with resident No. 37674.

IAN LOTHIAN Class 37 No. 37403 Isle of Mull waits with the SRPS’s excursion at Broomhill on March 19, as Strathspey’s Class 27, No. D5394 (27050), is ready to depart on the 12.10 to Boat of Garten. Class 31 No. 31327 (D5862) is in the platform dock while Class 08 No. D3605 is in the yard on brake van ride duty.