2. Fife to Perth-25.07.19

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2019 > 53. A North British Extravaganza-24-28.07.19 > 2. Fife to Perth-25.07.19

After an early morning arrival on the sleeper at Edinburgh Waverley, we collected our hire car, a rather naff Fiat Tipo; not one of Europcar's finest offerings! We then made for the delightful Fife coast via the Forth Bridge and up as far as the Tay Bridge. We then made for our hotel at Perth and had an evening out and back on two former GWR HSTs to Dundee followed by a superb curry. Whilst it was a nice day with lots of sun, it did not have the incredible and record breaking high temperatures as experienced by the south.

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Images 1-38 of 38 displayed.

Display panel, CS 23.36 London Euston-Glasgow Central & Edinburgh Waverley sleeper (via Manchester) (1S26 & 1B26, RT), approaching Edinburgh Waverley
As well as having excellent and very large matrix displays on the exterior panels of the coaches, the CAF Mk. V sleeper stock also has these carriage end displays. There were a series of rolling displays giving lots of information about the train, such as this as well as Scotland and what to do and where to stay, all very useful and geared towards the many visitors who are expected to use the sleeper services.
Keywords: Display panel 23.36 London Euston-Glasgow Central Edinburgh Waverley sleeper 1S26 1B26 approaching Edinburgh Waverley

Interior of sleeper coach, CS 23.36 London Euston-Glasgow Central & Edinburgh Waverley sleeper (via Manchester) (1S26 & 1B26, RT), approaching Edinburgh Wavereley
A view down the corridor of the sleeper coach as we approach Edinburgh Waverley station. Very similar to their Mk. III older siblings, there was not much space in the corridors particularly when moving luggage through to reach the cabins. Also, there was some awkward moments when moving through the corridors when meeting people coming the other way! However, the interiors were commendably quiet and rode well. They also still had that 'new' smell about them!
Keywords: Interior of sleeper coach, CS 23.36 London Euston-Glasgow Central Edinburgh Waverley sleeper 1S26 1B26 approaching Edinburgh Wavereley

Interior of sleeper compartment, CS 23.36 London Euston-Glasgow Central & Edinburgh Waverley sleeper (via Manchester) (1S26 & 1B26, RT), Edinburgh Waverely station
Andy and I shared a twin cabin, what CS call a 'classic room; the new standard'. It was very similar in layout and size to that found on the Mk. III sleepers with better facilities such as USB charging and excellent lighting. There is a small sink but, unfortunately on this particular train there was no hot water. That will have pleased those passengers who paid a hefty premium for en suite showering facilities that gave out luke warm water. Every train was carrying a mobile fitter from CAF but he was unable to fix the problem on this service. Staff were grumbling about having to make constant excuses for the problems being encountered on the services and there was slightly mutinous feel about their mood! However, on the positive, the ride was very good, the beds were very comfortable as were the lovely pillows but some control over the rather 'full-on' air conditioning would have been good; I awoke with a dehydration induced headache!
Keywords: Interior of sleeper compartment, CS 23.36 London Euston-Glasgow Central Edinburgh Waverley sleeper 1S26 1B26 Edinburgh Waverely station

92020 (from Carstairs), CS 23.36 London Euston-Glasgow Central & Edinburgh Waverley sleeper (via Manchester) (1S26 & 1B26, RT), Edinburgh Waverely station
The Lowland sleeper splits at Carstairs with the Glasgow portion heading northwards with the locomotive that brought the train up from London. The Edinburgh portion, that Andy and I were on, enjoys a new locomotive taking it the relatively short distance to the Scottish capital, a journey time of about thirty minutes. On arrival at the glorious Waverley station, GBRF's 92020, on-hire to CS, basks in the early morning sunshine. To sum up our experience of the new CS sleeper, I would give it half marks at the moment. There are still too many problems that have yet to be sorted out with more testing needed, and as for those awfull seats in the club car, that's another subject in itself!
Keywords: 92020 23.36 London Euston-Glasgow Central & Edinburgh Waverley sleeper 1S26 1B26 Edinburgh Waverely station

90043 & 90047, stabled, Edinburgh Waverley station
Two Freightliner class 90s rest at Edinburgh Waverley station in two different liveries. 90043 is in their newer green and yellow livery whilst 90047 is in the their rather dated grey scheme. These two locomotives are 20% of Freightliner's fleet of class 90s that were introduced on the network in 1990 making the earliest example nearly thirty years old!
Keywords: 90043 90047 stabled, Edinburgh Waverley station

43274, GR 08.30 Edinburgh Wavereley-London King`s Cross (1E07, 48L), Edinburgh Waverley station
43274 'Spirit of Sunderland' sits at the rear of the 08.30 Edinburgh to London King's Cross service. It is at Waverley's newly opened platform eight that used to be where the taxi rank was located. This service left Edinburgh a little late but was subject to heavy delays further south due to speed restrictions being enforced by Network Rail due to the extreme heat and concerns about the state of the track.
Keywords: 43274 08.30 Edinburgh Waverley-London King`s Cross 1E07 Edinburgh Waverley-station

66131, 07.05 Mossend-Tees Dock (4E96), Kingsknowe station
66131 crosses the Kingsknowe Road level crossing at the station of the same name. It is leading the 07.05 Mossend to Tees Dock 4E96 Freightliner. This service will soon take the Edinburgh avoiding line at the nearby Slateford Junction and rejoin the ECML at Monktonhall Junction near Musselburgh.
Keywords: 66131 07.05 Mossend-Tees Dock 4E96 Kingsknowe station

385036, SR 09.17 Glasgow Central-Edinburgh Waverley (2Y48, RT), Kirknewton station
385036 enters Kirknewton station working the 09.17 Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley that has travelled via Carstairs. These Hitachi Rail built units, seemingly like all new trains, have been fraught with a number of problems that went so far as to force their squadron withdrawal until a 'fix' was found. The most bizarre fault was with drivers seeing 'pairs' of signals in certain lighting conditions due to the unusual curvature of the windscreens. It is believed that the cure for this was very expensive involving the replacement of all the 'screens with some completely re-designed units.
Keywords: 385036 09.17 Glasgow Central-Edinburgh Waverley 2Y48 Kirknewton station

158729, SR 10.22 Cowdenbeath-Edinburgh Waverley (2G52, RT), Dalmeny station
Taken the wrong side of the light but with judicious use of Photoshop a reasonable image has been produced! 158729 comes to a halt at Dalmeny station forming the 10.22 Cowdenbeath to Edinburgh service. The station sits in an elevated position just south of the Forth River with the famous bridge seen in the background.
Keywords: 158729 10.22 Cowdenbeath-Edinburgh Waverley 2G52 Dalmeny station

43308, GR 07.08 Leeds-Aberdeen (1W03, 7L), Dalmeny station
Taken from the platform end at Dalmeny station 43308 'Highland Chieftain powers the rear of the 07.08 Leeds to Aberdeen LNER service. The train is just commencing the crossing of the Firth of Forth over the famous bridge, one of the most impressive and instantly recognisable structures on the UK railway network.
Keywords: 43308 07.08 Leeds-Aberdeen 1W03 Dalmeny station

170395, SR 11.02 Edinburgh Waverley-Arbroath (1L61, 4L), North Queensferry station
Taken into the light but I wanted the huge structure of the Forth Bridge looming in the background. 170395 arrives at North Queensferry station forming the 1L61 11.02 Edinburgh to Arbroath service. This was a very busy section of line and made one realise what a bottleneck the Forth Bridge is to railway traffic in this area of Scotland.
Keywords: 170395 11.02 Edinburgh Waverley-Arbroath 1L61 North Queensferry station

170408, SR 10.40 Glenrothes with Thornton-Edinburgh Waverley (2G08, 1L), North Queensferry station
170408 comes to a halt at North Queensferry station with the 10.40 Glenrothes with Thornton to Edinburgh Waverley service. Behind me is the huge structure of the Forth Bridge that the train will soon cross. North Queensferry station was very well kept with an excellent little museum on the platform contained in one of the former waiting rooms. Also, I can thoroughly recommend the toilets!
Keywords: 170408 10.40 Glenrothes with Thornton-Edinburgh Waverley 2G08 North Queensferry station

The Forth Bridge, North Queensferry
Andy and I parked the car in the small car park just visible in front of the two bungalows at North Queensferry. Parked right underneath the Forth Bridge by the stone pier made you realise just how huge the structure is....it's gargantuan! We then sat and had a break in a nearby café and both commented on the number of trains rattling over the bridge in the relatively short time it took to have a pot of tea. I suppose if you lived in one of the said houses in this image, like everything you would get used to the noise!
Keywords: The Forth Bridge North Queensferry

170470, SR 12.40 Edinburgh Waverley-Glenrothes with Thornton (2K01, 2L), Aberdour station
170470 leaves the delightful station at Aberdour with the 12.40 Edinburgh to Glenrothes with Thornton service. This was a lovely station, even though not much is seen in this image apart from some bare platforms! It was opened by the North British Railway in 1890 and today the building is adorned with flowers and hanging baskets.
Keywords: 170470 12.40 Edinburgh Waverley-Glenrothes with Thornton 2K01 Aberdour station

170408, SR 12.51 Glenrothes with Thornton-Edinburgh Waverley 2K70, Aberdour station
Aberdour signal box is a delightful stone constructed North British signal box dating from 1890. Luckily, when the box closed it remained in use by the PW crews so was saved from probable demolition. It has now been converted by local artist, Lynette Gray, who has created a super gallery to showpiece her work, indeed, a search of the internet finds a lot about her and her work. It is pleasing to see the old box put to a new use and that it has maintained many of its original features such as the reproduction wooden nameboards. Lynette can be seen in the signal box garden enjoying the summer sunshine! In the background, 170408 waits at the station with the 12.51 Glenrothes with Thornton to Edinburgh service.
Keywords: 170408 12.51 Glenrothes with Thornton-Edinburgh Waverley 2K70 Aberdour station

Frontage, Aberdour station
The lovely frontage of Aberdour station is adorned with hanging baskets and maintained in lovely condition. As is usual, various parts of the station have been put to other uses such housing a local heritage centre. The station has an active friends group who undertake the work to maintain it to a high standard with their efforts having paid off, see... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-45527857
Keywords: Frontage Aberdour station

170393, SR 13.21 Glenrothes with Thornton-Edinburgh Waverley (2K13, 1L), Burntisland station
Burntisland was another example of a well maintained station on the Fife coastal route. 170393 arrives at the station with the 13.21 Glenrothes with Thornton to Edinburgh Waverley past one of the planters containing a Rhododendron in full bloom. When I last visited the station during my 1984 Scottish railrover, the station's main feature was the large BR (Sc) blue enamel running-in signs.
Keywords: 170393 13.21 Glenrothes with Thornton-Edinburgh Waverley 2K13 Burntisland station

170430, SR 14.39 Glenrothes with Thornton-Edinburgh W (2G04, 1L), Glenrothes with Thornton station
170430 arrives at Glenrothes with Thornton station with the 14.39 from Edinburgh. This station was opened by BR in 1989 following the opening of the Fife Circle route. The station enjoys a regular service and has healthy and growing usage numbers. The unusual name is derived from the nearby newtown of Glenrothes, that actually is closer to Markinch station, and the much smaller town of Thornton that lost its station under Beeching in 1969.
Keywords: 170430 14.39 Glenrothes with Thornton-Edinburgh W (2G04, 1L), Glenrothes with Thornton station

Former station building, Markinch station
The former station building at Markinch is now in private use and a very nice structure it is too. It is nice to see that the new owners have kept the old florescent lights from the platforms complete with the station name on the covers, a common feature of the railways that many of us will remember. When I visited Markinch during my Easter 1984 railrover it was adorned with totems and a huge array of other enamel signs.
Keywords: Former station building Markinch station

43319, GR 10.00 London King`s Cross-Aberdeen (1W11, 15L), Sprinfield station
Springfield station is a delightfully rural spot on the Edinburgh to Dundee Fife coast route with the peace and quiet only spoiled by the passing of trains. The 10.00 King's Cross to Aberdeen LNER HST passes under the typical wrought iron latticed footbridge with 43319 doing the work at the rear. Unfortunately, the station has a very poor number of trains calling with no Sunday services. Usage numbers, whilst in the ascendancy, are low and unlikely to increase much further unless ScotRail looks at the stopping pattern.
Keywords: 43319 10.00 London King's Cross-Aberdeen 1W11 Sprinfield station

43169, SR 13.57 Aberdeen-Edinburgh Waverley (1B35, RT), Springfield station
The last time that I saw this HST power car it was passing Severn Tunnel Junction with Paddington to Cardiff Central service! Now wearing its ScotRail livery but still in its former paint scheme, it races through Springfield station with the 13.57 Aberdeen to Edinburgh Waverley service. This must be an infinitely better way to make this superb journey enjoying fantastic coastal views than in a noisy unit.
Keywords: 43169 13.57 Aberdeen-Edinburgh Waverley 1B35 Springfield station

Former gas lamp holder, Springfield station
The wrought iron footbridge at Springfield was not in fantastic condition and was in much need of the attendance from a maintenance team. However, it did have these former oil lamp holders at each end and I hope that they are not removed when maintenance eventually takes place.
Keywords: Former gas lamp holder Springfield station

Cupar signal bx (NB, n k)
The North British signal box at Cupar is hardly recognisable as an original structure dating from some time at the end of the nineteenth century. It has received a ghastly new roof that is totally out of keeping as well as UPVC cladding and windows. I also believe that the brickwork has been painted red. Altogether, it looks awful and very different to the state it was in when I last photographed it in April 1984. One thing also of not is its distance from the running lines due to the removal of the extensive sidings that were in front of it
Keywords: Cupar signal bx (NB, n/k)

170420, SR 15.05 Arbroath-Edinburgh Waverley (1L58, 3L), Cupar station
170420 arrives at Cupar station working the 15.05 Arbroath to Edinburgh Waverley. These smart ScotRail class 170s have pretty much a stranglehold on these services but I suspect that travelers have applauded the introduction of the short set HSTs with their comfy seats, quiet environment, and picture windows.
Keywords: 170420 15.05 Arbroath-Edinburgh Waverley 1L58 Cupar station

$Frontage, Cupar station The grand frontage of Cupar station reminds us of its past importance. Now, only a small fraction of the building is put to railway use. Notice the large BR era sign above the main entrance dating from sometime in the 1970s or 19080s Keywords: Frontage Cupar station$

Leuchars signal box (NB, 1920)
When I last photographed Leuchers signal box on 08.04.84 it was from the 09.05 Edinburgh to Dundee train hauled by 47002. Then, it looked very different to how it does now with no UPC cladding and windows and with the brickwork in its as-built condition devoid of this odd red paint. The box was originally named Leuchars North being constructed relatively late by the North British in 1920 when sidings were built into the adjacent military base. When the South box closed in 1970, the North reverted to just Leuchars. Today it still controls a fine array of semaphores and while the base is still rail-connected the lines have not been used for many years.
Keywords: Leuchars signal box 1920

43305, GR 14.52 Aberdeen-London King s Cross (1E25, 116L), Leuchars station
LNER HST 43305 arrives at Leuchars station in beautiful afternoon light. The train is about to pass the former North signal box that controls the semaphores in the station area. Close examination reveals the signalman leaning out of the box watching the train pass, a practice to disappear from the network over the coming few years as this traditional aspect of the railway is finally phased out. This service was already late here at Leuchars, but by the time it reached its destination, it was just two minutes of being two hours late!
Keywords: 43305 14.52 Aberdeen-London King's Cross 1E25 Leuchars station

43181, SR 15.28 Edinburgh W-Aberdeen (1A78, 11L), & GR 14.52 Aberdeen-London King s Cross (1E25, 116L), Leuchars station
The unusual island platform layout at Leachars enables this picture to be taken of two HST in different eras of their lives. To the right, an LNER set pauses at the station on it way south forming the 1A78 14.52 Aberdeen to King's Cross. Meanwhile, to the left, ex-Great Western set, now one of ScotRail's short sets with 43181 at the rear is seen forming the 15.28 Edinburgh to Aberdeen. Leachars station was a really nice place that was pleasingly busy. Notice the newly constructed red brick-built structure on the station platform. This is Caledonian Sleeper's lounge for their customers whilst waiting for the arrival of their southbound service.
Keywords: 43181 15.28 Edinburgh Waverley-Aberdeen 1A78 14.52 Aberdeen-London King's Cross 1E25 Leuchars station

170403, SR 15.59 Arbroath-Edinburgh Waverley (2L60, RT) & Tay Bridge South signal box (NB, 1897)
With the Firth of Tay in the background, 170403 comes off the famous bridge forming the 15.59 Arbroath to Edinburgh service. The 1897 signal box, unlike a number of the other North British structures in the area, has not had its looks too badly wrecked by the addition of UPVC cladding, but it has had its brickwork painted in an awful red/orange paint. This must be an amazing place to be a signalman, affording superb views across the estuary with the city of Dundee just visible to the right of the box.
Keywords: 170403 15.59 Arbroath-Edinburgh Waverley 2L60 Tay Bridge South signal box

Tay Bridge & Tay Bridge South signal box (NB, 1897) from Stewert Road, Wormit
This elevated view of the Tay Bridge is taken from a driveway entrance in the village of Wormit, unfortunately, no train was due and we had to get on to our evening destination so this shot had to suffice. Notice the piers from the former bridge that collapsed in a storm on the night of 28th December 1879 killing seventy-nine passengers and crew who were in a train that plunged into the waters of the Tay. An interesting feature, that I did not spot until processing the picture, is the lines in the water at right angles to the bridge to the left. I suspect there was an incoming tide and that these lines are caused by the piers of the bridge.
Keywords: Tay Bridge Tay Bridge South signal box Stewert Road, Wormit

43129, SR 17.40 Glasgow Queen Street-Aberdeen (1A83, 4L), Perth station
Before our evening meal in Perth, Andy and I decided to take a run out to the newly re-opened Dundee station. We hoped for a run out in one of ScotRail's refurbished short set HSTs and were not to be disappointed. In its very smart newly applied livery, 43129 arrives at Perth station with the 17.40 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen. We travelled on this train as far as Dundee and a very pleasant way to make the journey it was! This was one of the fully refurbished sets complete with plug doors and new interiors. The last time that I photographed this power car was in its previous life leading a Bristol to Paddington service into Bath Spa station, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/v/photos/21936chg/24099107404/x43129-1a14-bath-spa-station
Keywords: 43129 17.40 Glasgow Queen Street-Aberdeen 1A83 Perth station

170394, SR 19.36 Dundee-Perth ECS (5L34), Dundee station
170394 leaves one of Dundee's west-facing bay platforms with the 19.36 ECS working to Perth. Despite the complete re-building of Dundee station, this magnificent glazed wrought iron roof remains having had a thorough clean and repainting. Also, notice the traditional looking lighting that is far more in keeping than many other types that could have been installed.
Keywords: 170394, SR 19.36 Dundee-Perth ECS 5L34 Dundee station

170407, SR 19.17 Markinch-Dundee ECS (5N79), Dundee station
Having arrived at Dundee station as the 5N79 ECS working from Markinch, 170407 had its engines shut down and then rested overnight at the station before working it first train the following morning. This unit, along with a number of other ScotRail class 170s, was adorned with graphics encouraging the public to report railway crime to the British Transport Police via a dedicated text and 'phone number.
Keywords: 170407 19.17 Markinch-Dundee ECS 5N79 Dundee station

43181, SR 18.38 Aberdeen-Glasgow Queen Street (1T44, 1L), Dundee station
Not only were we lucky enough to have HST haulage from Perth to Dundee but also for the return journey! Here, 43181 (seen earlier in the afternoon at Luchars) arrives at Dundee station with the 18.38 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street. Unlike the earlier train that we travelled out on, whilst the power cars were refurbished, the coaches were straight off the Great Western lines having had nothing done to them bar the removal if their branding. So they still had their somewhat tired interiors, non-closed emission toilets and slam doors with drop-lights....luxury!
Keywords: 43181 18.38 Aberdeen-Glasgow Queen Street 1T44 Dundee station

From 18.38 Aberdeen-Glasgow Queen Street 1T44, 1L Errol
During our return journey to Perth aboard the 18.38 Aberdeen to Glasgow HST we were brought to a halt at Errol and held for some time at this, its home signal. A service coming in the other direction was also stopped the other side of the level crossing that is just beyond the lattice former station footbridge that can be seen in the distance. There was no clear reason why we were held for about five minutes but soon both arms were pulled off and away we went with no obvious signs of any problems at the level crossing as we crossed. Here, taken from the drop-light of a former Great Western HST Mk. III coach the signal, ER8, is seen nicely silhouetted against the early evening sky that is beginning to look a little stormy.
Keywords: From 18.38 Aberdeen-Glasgow Queen Street 1T44 Errol

43028, SR 18.38 Aberdeen-Glasgow Queen Street (1T44, 1L), Perth station
Having arrived back at Perth after our evening visit to Dundee the train we returned on leaves the station with ex-Great Western power car 43028 on the rear. Despite the coaches being as they were when running on Great Western lines, with the exception of having their branding removed, the power car, dating from October 1976, has been refurbished and now carries ScotRail's smart new livery cleverly marketed and branded as 'Inter7City'. I hope the people of Scotland appreciate their luxurious new stock even if they are cast-offs that are over forty years old!
Keywords: 43028 18.38 Aberdeen-Glasgow Queen Street 1T44 Perth station

158724, SR 18.43 Edinburgh Waverley-Perth (1L01, 3E) & 158722, stabled, Perth station
Two ScotRail 158s stand side-by-side in Perth's south-facing platforms. 158724 has just arrived with the 18.43 from Edinburgh Waverley whilst 158722 was switched off and stabled for the night. Both units were receiving the attention of cleaning crews. Notice the former Motorail ramp in the foreground. A number of Scottish stations had Motorail terminals up until the late 1980s and, in some cases the early 1990s. The car flats would be shunted into this bay, a ramp put across to bridge the gap enabling the cars to be driven off ready for their owners to continue their journeys.
Keywords: 158724 18.43 Edinburgh Waverley-Perth 1L01 158722 stabled Perth station

Tickets, Perth-Dundee-Perth
Andy and I have a two-together card so fares are one-third cheaper. Just over £11 as an off-peak walk on return from Perth to Dundee seemed about right, especially as we enjoyed an HST in both directions! Notice the amusing and highly appropriate way that the ticket has been clipped!
Keywords: Tickets Perth-Dundee-Perth

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