‘Thunderbird’ for Branch Line Society tour

AHEAD of a three-day charity railtour around Scotland, the Branch Line Society will utilise a GB Railfreight Class 57/3 ‘Thunderbird’ loco as part of a rolling stock positioning move on March 7, for its ‘BWC 2 Scottish’trip.

The ‘Thunderbird’ will work a rake of stock from Derby (09.50) to Linlithgow calling at Chesterfield, Swinton, Castleford, York, Darlington and Newcastle, but will set down additionally at Edinburgh Waverley. The route will include several goods and passenger loops. Rolling stock is all first class and fares for this train are £69 and £89 at a guaranteed table for two. For under 18s, there’s a £34.50 reduction on the adult price, and the tour is open to non-BLS members.

On March 8, the first day of the BWC2 tour will utilise Class 37 No. 37403 Isle of Mull and depart from Bo’ness station, picking up at Linlithgow, before a circuit of the Edinburgh suburban line and a pick up at Waverley.

From Edinburgh, the tour heads via the Cowlairs East

Curve and Dalmuir to Fort William for an overnight halt, passengers arranging their own accommodation.

For day two, it’s a very early start (06.35) and back south over the West Highland line to Crianlarich, where after reversal the train runs to Oban for a two-hour break. There will also be calls at both Tyndrum stations for those wanting to enjoy some walking. The train returns to Fort William for another overnight stop, but there will be another photostop at Crianlarich.

Mallaig & Wemyss Bay

On day three, the tour heads west to Mallaig (photostop) before returning to Fort William and around Glasgow and out to Wemyss Bay, returning via Glasgow Central to set down and then via Glasgow Queen St high level on its way back to Bo’ness where the estimated arrival is at 23.20. A GBRf loco will bring the train back from Wemyss Bay and assist with any reversing moves on the way back to Bo’ness.

This three-day train is for BLS members only and first class seats are priced at £299. However, all seating at a guaranteed table for two has been sold. Under 18 fares are half price. All profits from this charter will be donated to Martin House Hospice and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

On all trains, a buffet car will serve a limited range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light refreshments.

To enable passengers to return south on March 11, a one-way train will leave Linlithgow at 09.40 with a circuit of the Edinburgh suburban line, before heading to Carstairs, south over Beattock and via Hexham and Darlington, setting down as outward to Derby, with the ‘57/3’ hauling the train.

Adult fares on this final train are £69 and £89 at a guaranteed table for two, and for under 18s, there’s a £34.50 reduction on the adult price.

Full details of positioning and the main tour is online at branchline.uk

The BLS is planning a charity charter train with a four-day excursion around Cornwall from May 3-6, but details have not yet been released.