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.

MS Eurodam - Greenock Visit and Self Tour

The Holland America Lines cruise ship 'MS Eurodam' made an early arrival at Greenock this morning - appearing before 06:00.

As I was up nice and early I caught a few images as she arrived.

Went home for a change and then back again as an invited guest to take a self tour and enjoy a sumptuous four course lunch.

This was served by a very friendly and attentive restaurant staff - who also treated the diners to an impromptu chorus of a lively song from their country of origin.

My impressions once aboard was that she was very well equipped and the decor carried a degree of old style elegance.

I felt at home as I wandered the decks and took in the ambience.

I found the crew to be very helpful and friendly. We exchanged information as they advised me on locations aboard, and I for my part on how best to get in to town and where to get their shopping done.  They only have a few hours ashore so this local knowledge would be invaluable.

One of the chefs I spoke with was keen to try haggis so I pointed her in the right direction and explained how best to cook and serve the entire haggis, neeps, and tatties experience.

I hope she enjoyed.

Then back ashore and some home time before returning to catch her departure late afternoon.

A thoroughly enjoyable experience, and one I hope to manage again.


Arriving at Greenock Esplanade

 Rembrandt Dining Room

 Atrium Looking Down

 Observation Deck

 Radar and Comms

 Observation Deck

Lido Pool Complex

Tamarind Restaurant


 Burmese Disciples

 Promenade Deck

Looking Aft

 Interior

 Cabins

Departing the Ocean Terminal

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.