The Whistling Highlander, Feb 24 and 25th 2024
40013 “Andania” whistling away on LSL’s Crewe depot first thing on February 24th 2025
On leaving the hotel the unmistakable whistle of 40013 ticking over warmed our spirits on a cold, frosty Crewe morning. On boarding the superbly restored Mk III rake, the atmosphere was already highly charged much like the 80’s railtours of old.
We left a little late and were soon powering North with long spells of 90mph running. Speeds dropped on the ascent of Shap, despite being 4 coaches back we could “Andania” clearly, grinding her way to the summit. A welcome photo stop at Carlisle then we crossed the border and again a long slog up Beattock bank, i have always loved passing through the Southern Uplands in daylight as mostly i pass through them on the sleepers in darkness.
Thanks to Craig Ross for this nice image of the tour at Carlisle
North of Carstairs we overtook more classic traction in 56096 and 56105 on 6S36 Dalston – Grangemouth oil empties. Former BY legend 321407 was cheered at on passing in Mossend Yard , today 407 survives as a parcels unit. By this time it was obvious LSL tours are different, the stewards were friendly, there were no patronising Farrow type announcements over the PA, in fact there were no PA announcements all weekend. Tour details communication was by conservation, how very soche! Good to see Greenloaming (nr Gleneagles) box and semaphores still in use, plus a non stop run through Perth was a first for me.
As we headed furthur North into the Highlands, the weather remained largely sunny with snow on the higher hills. 40013 slogged over Drumochter (apparently assisted by 47805 in the rear), Aviemore Speyside had 9F 92219 outside, and then the mighty Scholdt in bright sun. Once over both summits the train was let go in spectacular style, high speeds at times.
Thanks to Graeme Elgar for this superb image of the tour passing Dalwhinnie
On arrival in Inverness to the charismatic whistle of 40013 warbling under the station roof was superb, especially for those who remember memorable class 40 Highland Line runs in the late 70’s and early 80’s. People than scattered for hotels and pubs in Inverness, we went North on 158711 to Dingwall to do the Wimpys for the riot value. The Wimpy’s was shut however! so the top chippie and the Stag Bar in Dingwall fuelled us up for the next day.
A fantastic sight and sound 40013 rests at Inverness with whistling all round, a fantastic moment
A Wetherspoons breakfast along with a good few other railtourers, Ben Wyvis completely snow covered looked good from the River Ness bridge. The weather once again was sunny, clear and frosty, no rain! We departed East right time taking in the “over the top” scenery, Teddy D9500 at Port Elphinstone was well received. A welcome photo stop at Aberdeen allowed many phots and snacks still under clear skies. Passing the now partially preserved Ferryhill depot once the haunts of many 40’s, several volunteers here were photting 40013 passing South..
On the Sunday, in good weather 40013 awaits departure time from Inverness
Tail end ETH loco 47805 looking good at Aberdeen
40013 during the Aberdeen photo stop in perfect weather!
Calm seas and the awesome Tay Bridge crossing followed then through Burntisland of “Bellower” tour fame before crossing the mighty Forth Bridge. We swung Right onto the Dalmeny – Winchburgh chord before a pathing stop alongside the still surviving (as a wagon repair depot) Motherwell depot where DRS 88004 was stabled.
A slow slog out of Motherwell with speed slowly building up before passing Carstairs and Beattock summit where we hit a reported 93mph descending the mighty bank. 56051 was viewed in the fading light at Carlisle New Yard. At Carlisle we were delayed 10 minutes for some
Trans Pennine plastic to pass and we slogged up to Eden Valley loop for another passing Pendo to pass. I was only on a plus 8 at Crewe onto the 350 home so these booked loop visits werent welcome! Fortunately we didnt do the Grayrigg pathing stop or Carnforth so we were 8 early into Preston. A steady run saw us back at Crewe at 2105, i made my tight connection but was unable to phot 40013 on arrival after 909 miles behind “Andania”, heres to next time LSL, what a superb tour!
end
Leighton Lists 