AGM Weekend - 18th November 2022

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Glengonnar Halt, the present end of line (needless to say our tour did reach that triangle on departure.) Looking towards Wanlockhead where it is hoped to extend. The end of our tour train is far right (the loco propels up and leads down the hill). Perhaps that sign should say 'Britain's current highest adhesion railway'? Keen BLN readers will know that the adhesion worked standard gauge Rattlebrook Tramway (or Bridestowe Peat Railway) on Dartmoor reached 1,800ft - see BLN 1221.1683 of 22 Nov 2014.<br>[© Jenny Williamson 2022]	Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway; arranging the stock at Leadhills. This is the section east of the station towards Elvanfoot, not used by passenger services, but was partly covered by out AGM railtour. <br>[© Donald Stirling 2022]	Leadhills platform is left, that loco is in the run round loop, looking towards Glengonnar. The coach on our railtour (right) just squeezed past that brick pillar into the siding ahead.<br>[© Simon Mortimer 2022]	Leadhills sidings, looking towards the loco shed, with a smiling Mike McCabe far right for scale (see TRACKmaps 2 p25E 2021).<br>[© Donald Stirling 2022]	'Clyde' (ex-NCB Eppleton Colliery, closed in 1959, Co Durham) approaches Leadhills from Glengonnar Halt (1,498ft elevation).<br>[© Simon Mortimer 2022]	From the same spot in the other direction, approaching Leadhills. Note the miniature BLS headboard on the rear.<br>[© Simon Mortimer 2022]	Leadhills, looking towards Glengonnar Halt; organiser of this visit, your BLN NW Editor John Cameron, is the gent in blue.<br>[© Jenny Williamson 2022]
Rewind 34+ years, our Sun 28 Aug 1988 visit to Leadhills ('station' off the right). In those days known as the Lowthers Railway (still its legal title), it only went to an old quarry; the loco shed was a simple wooden affair at the end of line. Some may recognise a few faces! <br>[© Ian Mortimer 1988]	Leadhills station was very basic in 1988, by the short wooden platform is Kevin Driscoll (with cap) talking to the late Blanche (back to camera) and Doug (mostly hidden) Eacock. The engine shed is ahead.<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1988]	In the other direction: Don't all rush at once, there will be another one along shortly. Terry Velvick is left with a flat cap on and his head; 58 members took part, most travelled on our coach tour from Glasgow<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1988]	The 1988 end of line; the standard gauge trackbed to Wanlockhead is off left. Right is the distant signal for Leadhills which is the village ahead. Brain Ratheram (capped) is the shortest person in the group.<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1988]	A photo stop at the level crossing on the other side of the distant signal seen in the previous photo.<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1988]	Another photo stop, fortunately, it was a dry day with the open coaches!<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1988]	Doon Valley Railway (Waterside); standard gauge Andrew Barclay 347 built in 1941 from Powfoot Munitions Factory, Annan, is on our observation saloon special at Dunaskin. On the platform Geoff Treby (left) converses with Mike McCabe.<br>[© Simon Mortimer 2022]
Looking towards Chalmerston Loading Pad (disused) for opencast coal and Minnivey which was once a National Coal Board railway to the colliery of the same name and on to Pennyvenie Colliery (see e-BLN 1396.X.77). Far right is the NR Waterside Branch (to Dalrymple Jn south of Ayr) the NR boundary is just before the second crossover (immediately below the guards green flag). The middle line is Dunaskin platform run round loop. <br>[© Donald Stirling 2022]	A wonderful view of the line from the observation saloon - approaching Laight Level Crossing (53m 63ch) - the train is propelled in this direction.<br>[© John Cameron 2022]	On the run round loop, the disused Waterside Branch is right (boundary before the trailing points ahead) <br>[© John Cameron 2022]	In the opposite direction,the platform loco run round headshunt; far right is to the Loco Shed and Museum, behind the train is to Ayr<br>[© Donald Stirling 2022]	Going back over 34 years again to our 25 Aug 1988 coach tour, Minnivey (TRACKmaps 1 p2C 2021). The brakevan is on the former line to Pennyvenie Colliery off to the right, the track joining is from the former Minnivey Colliery. Left is to Waterside/Dunaskin and Ayr - see next photo.<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1988]	Looking east; this was then known as the Scottish Industrial Railway Centre. Right is Minnivey Colliery site, the pit only opened in 1955 and closed in Nov 1975; straight on after another mile or so (track lifted) was Pennyvennie Colliery (closed in Jul 1978). Your Editor managed to arrange a short notice trip on 7 Jun 1978 riding in rather dirty open coal wagons with NCB steam (e-BLN 1396.X.77).<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1988]	Our 24 Aug 1996 Bo'ness Traveller railtour, organised by Ian Mortimer, from Bo'ness to Minnivey (then Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group) passes Minnivey platform via the loop.<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1996]
Minnivey end of line, looking east on 24 Aug 1996; our 'Bo'ness Traveller' railtour with 37212.<br>[© Ian Mortimer 1996]