Early Morning Train Haul

There had been an excursion running yesterday from Whitby to Gourock.

The train had stabled in Gourock overnight and due to head back (empty) to Bo'ness.

Scheduled time was 08:00 so an early start for a Sunday morning to get there for a few images.

Locomotive engines were running when I arrived and the drivers hoped to get away as soon as they could.

They left about fifteen minutes early.

 Engines Running at Gourock Station

Preparing to Leave Gourock

Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47832)


On Her Way


Taking the Rear


Bound for Bo'ness

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

Royal Scotsman Train Tours - Inverclyde

Another Sunday, another 'Royal Scotsman' tour arrives in Inverclyde with it's passengers enjoying the local scenery and activities.

I firstly stopped off at Greenock to get the Class 57 that was heading to Gourock to meet up with the train.

Then on down to Gourock station to see the train and other locomotive that had come down from Bridge of Orchy earlier in the day.

As I departed the station some of the passengers had disembarked from their their coach and were heading for the train to dine and carry on down to Kilmarnock.

I opted to catch her as she headed through Fort Matilda before heading home for my own dinner.

Class 57 - 57316 - Approaching Greenock 

57316 - Through Greenock Central

57316 Arrives in Gourock 

 Class 47- 47854 - Rear Traction

Welcome Aboard

Class 47- 47854 Awaits Departure

Opulence

 Dining Car

'Royal Scotsman'

Chink

 Tour Coach for the Passengers

Approaching Fort Matilda Station

Through Fort Matilda

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

Royal Scotsman Tour

Another visit to Gourock for the Royal Scotsman Rail Tour today.

Nice bright sunshine as I arrived at Gourock Station to get some images.

Some of her passengers were delayed due to a problem with the Rothesay to Wemyss Bay Calmac ferry so did not arrive in time.

They were reunited with the tour later in the evening.

Front Loco Ready for Departure

Rear Loco Ready to Go

Bright Sunshine

 Departing Gourock

Bound for Kilmarnock

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Sunday Pursuits

Sunday morning breaks to the forecasted poor weather, but there is some activity in the area today.

The cruise ship 'MSC Splendida' arrived very, very early at around 06:30 so despite being up and about I couldn't manage down to Greenock in time for her arrival.

Next on the agenda was the 'Royal Scotsman' tour that would be travelling through Inverclyde to stable at Gourock for the afternoon.

As there was an embargo on West Coast Railway pending safety checks we are being treated to some unusual traction. The embargo has been lifted so we will be back to 'business as usual' next week.

The same Class 66 diesel as last weekend brought the tour down, and we were treated to loco '66721' coming later in the day with her unusual livery.

Much standing about in the cold and wet, but that's what brings the rewards of getting some usable images.

'66735' Thunders through Greenock Central Station

 'MSC Splendida' berthed at Greenock Ocean Terminal

'66721'  Passing Fort Matilda Station

'Royal Scotsman' awaits  '66721' in Heavy Rain

 '66721' couples with the 'Royal Scotsman'

'66721' hauls the 'Royal Scotsman' through Fort Matilda Station

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

'Thomas the Tank' Day and Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway

Part of my day's trip was a run to Bo'ness and Kinneil railway.

It was a special fun day for the kids as Thomas the Tank engine and his many friends were out and about working.

There was much excitement in the air and everyone seemed to be having a good time and seeing their favourite railway engines.

 Percy

Diesel 

Choo Choo


Diesel

 Thomas the Tank Day

Diesel

Thomas the Tank

 Thomas the Tank

Thomas the Tank

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Vintage Trains - West Highland Line

Another wee run across the water to get a glimpse of a steam locomotive with a diesel escort as they headed up to Fort William.

Arrived at Helensburgh only to find they had arrived early and too far up the platform to get any decent images, so taking a chance, headed for Garelochhead station.

Saw them passing me as heading up, and with slow traffic ahead of me I wondered if this was to be my day.

Finally arriving I found to my joy that their stay was extended as they waited on the Southbound 'Sprinter' coming down.

The crew were a great bunch and kindly allowed me access to both cabs, so we now know this was to be a good day after all.

I'm Enjoying the Heat Aboard Steam Loco 44871

 Steam Loco 44871

 BR Class 37 Diesel Loco 37518

  BR Class 37 Diesel Loco 37518

Steam Loco 44871

Steam Loco 44871

 Jack with the Steam Loco 44871

Steam Loco 44871 Cab Interior

  BR Class 37 Diesel Loco 37518

 BR Class 37 Diesel Loco 37518 - Departing Garelochhead Station

BR Class 37 Diesel Loco 37518 Cab Interior

 In the Driving Seat of the BR Class 37 Diesel Loco 37518

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.