CliveM

Found this on Flickr for anyone still interested in the class 20's on the WHL. 1973! https://www.flickr.com/photos/96859208@N07/9877679803/in/photostream/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/96859208@N07/9877581936/in/photostream/ 1962 https://www.flickr.com/photos/24041160@N02/3381949699/

Yes, thanks for that. I simply couldn't remember that far back as we didn't get many 47/7's.

Agree with all the above. Just to add, the 47/7's had a more accurate speedo too, clearer and more finely calibrated up to 100 mph. Also, inside the cabs, above the windows all 47 loco's had a reminder Max speed 95 mph, except the converted loco's, Max speed 100 mph. They also had a slightly different layout within the engine room for CO2 bottles, something to do with them being operated in push mode, canot recall. Early conversions took place at Crewe with testing down the Shrewbury branch on a standard class 2 service, usually with a class 33 tucked inside. The loco came off at Shrewsbury and returned light engine to Crewe. It then worked light engine to Edge Hill in the early hours, was checked and refuelled. Then worked the first empty stock down to Lime Street the following morning, usually for the 07.05 and the loco eventually worked its way back to Scotland on the first Newcastle service. I recall 47 704 fresh off Crewe in the large logo livery, she was immaculate and I had the pleasure of driving her (albeit only from the shed, to the carriage sidings and down to Lime St station!!!). I wouldn't dwell too much on the 95 mph restriction on standard 47's, most drivers would do + if and when they could on class 1 duties.

Some very impressive overnight trains in their day (no pun intended!) Typically MK I sleepers, day coaches, mail vans and parcels vans. Usually headed by a steam heat class 47 with load 18. By the mid 1980's ETH class 47's and MK III sleepers brought the load down to 12. Amazing to think as late as 1980 ScR were still utilising class 40's over the Highland mainline for top link work like this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/richardboyd484/10040953743/

Looking at my BR Diesels in the Highlands by Bradford Barton on page 43 shows Deltic D9019 Royal Highland Fusilier at Pitlochry heading the Highland Mail. D5338 was the train engine, in April 1969. The Deltic worked south with a military special. On page 56 of the same title the Deltic is pictured at Aviemore with the same train. The caption also makes mention of D9004 Queen's Own Highlander working north for a naming ceremony in May 1964. I shall research this further in my copies of RM for that year. I've seen a photo of a Class 50 at Inverness on a service train so it's all very interesting the variety of motive power that used to get that far north. Finally, I also know a Class 47 made it up to Wick in the early 1980's on a service train.

That's amazing, never seen a Class 45 at Stirling before, thank you. My guess is it was heading to Aberdeen. Edinburgh and Aberdeen drivers were trained on the class as they did make regular appearances on Class 1 duties even into the mid 1980's. So this would have been an extra turn for them, I guess. I also "think" some Polmadie men were still conversant on them from the days of the Thames Clyde Express. I do know about the Deltics heading to Inverness for naming ceremonies as they worked service trains up with the train loco inside. Apparently the Deltic had extensive stopover's at each station due to early running! I'll also start digging around in my collection for that elusive 45 heading north of Perth! Many thanks.

Back in the days of black and white BR ran a series of test trains up the Highland Mainline. I believe the first was a class 47, load 18, MK II stock (ETH), circa 1972. I think they did the same with a class 44 or 45 for comparison. From memory I seem to recall seeing a photo of either a Peak or class 45 on the mainline but cannot recall when and where? Any thoughts please?

Class 20's made regular trips up the WHL during the entire 1970's usually on freight turns. Ft Bill had one as station pilot for many years, usually swapping at the end of the week or such like. It wasn't unusual to see one at the head of a passenger service either, usually deputising for a failed 27 or shortage of loco's at ED. In 1978 I recall seeing the Ft Bill to KingsX headed by a 27/20 combo at Crianlarich. The steam heat boiler was working on the 27 and I believe the Scottish based 20's were fitted with a through steam pipe. Either way it made a great combination and sound as the train left Crianlarich. On another occasion a Class 20 turned up at Oban off the overnight mail (arriving Oban about 4 am! with BG + BSK). This was a passenger service too for the early boat to Colonsay so the few travelers probably had a very chilly run from Glasgow. The 20 worked the first train out of Oban that morning - 8 am. On a slightly separate note one morning in 1979 I was travelling from Oban and it was a class 37 on the front. Apparently the drivers had never been on one of these at that time, but between them worked it out and safely drove the beast to Arrocher.