Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway: (TRACKmaps 1 p25E 2021)

Having left Ratho in what might best be described as rain of biblical proportions, driving through several unplanned lakes on the way, I was not massively optimistic of good conditions for photography (or anything else) at Leadhills. I was pleasantly surprised to find dry, if cold, conditions on arrival. Yes, as a 'local' (only 44 miles), I was last to arrive... An honourable mention must be made of our member who caught the Caledonian Sleeper to Carstairs then travelled by bus (there aren't many) to Leadhills.

Some of our fully booked group of 36 seemed reluctant to board with 'non preferred' traction Hunslet No10 Mennock (1994) for the first run of 1,200yd up - literally - to Glengonnar, but were encouraged away from their cameras to join. The absence of glazing in the door windows created what even a hardy soul might describe as a fresh atmosphere as we climbed through a barren post-industrial landscape to the current highest altitude (1,498 feet) on an adhesion railway in the UK. The train had drawn up short of the stop board, so after the photos had been taken and an initial elimination round for the Silly Hat award had taken place, we drew up to the buffers and then set off back downhill.

The station loop, previously occupied by various freight wagons, had been cleared by No6 Clyde (1975) looking very bonny and we passed through the loop reaching Canter Path Level Crossing, way past the end of the public run. We returned to the platform via the two external sidings, one with a dumper truck carefully placed as a stop block. The loco change took place here, No6 Clyde taking charge for the shed area. We reached the shed doors on the left hand road with No10 Mennock stabled just inside, but made it to the end of the right hand road. The siding on the right of the main shed held various wagons which may not have been easily moved. We travelled east to Horner's Brae, our path blocked by a traffic cone at this point due to the poor track beyond, preventing access to the short siding.









A return to the passenger platform saw passengers disembark but the visit was not over as timings allowed a further run to Glengonnar with No6. I'm afraid I declined this chance as I had experienced the loco to Glengonnar on my previous visit and decided a warm up in the car was more appealing! Others decided to enjoy an additional complimentary hot drink, or head off to photograph 'Nith' which was stored in one of the containers. Thanks to the Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway for such a warm welcome to their delightful 2ft gauge line and to John Cameron for all the arrangements.



























Doon Valley Railway:

I wasn't quite 'Dunaskin' how to find the railway but I will admit to using my phone as a guide, having been less than convinced about taking the B741 from New Cumnock westwards. The RAC timings from Leadhills to the site were (politely) 'optimistic', but I made it for the 13.45 start. Also, from the Dalmellington direction, it wasn't clear where the entrance was exactly.

Our party had grown to 37, with a few who had not attended Leadhills taking part and vice versa. I was a late booker on this visit, having missed out on the initial availability. In the event the party size had been increased to accommodate all who wanted to go. My only previous visit to the line was on the Pathfinder 'Galloway Galloper' railtour of 12 Feb 2011 from Glasgow Central, which made it to Chalmerston Loading Pad. This was the final tour on the 10½ mile branch (last coal train 10 Jul 2012).

We were split into two groups, one to travel while the other visited the Museum and Loco Shed on this massive site. Worryingly, all the Committee seemed to hold back for the second run - did they know something we didn't? No, they were just being polite! I was delighted to find 1941 Barclay Powfoot No1 waiting in Dunaskin platform (52m 65ch) and the LMS Saloon 45020 still with EWS logo on the side. We set off towards Laight Level Crossing in damp conditions, reaching the extent of the current line (53m 63ch) (TRACKmaps 1 p2C Dec 2021). There are 'medium term' plans to bring the ex-National Coal Board track beyond the crossing to Minnivey (55m 00ch) back into use.









We returned via the station loop and towards the headshunt, reversed, then ran forward to the end of the long siding (53m 08ch). Having disembarked at the platform, it turned out that we had not quite reached the headshunt end, so group one was back on board for a very brief move to the stop blocks.






Group two set off and headed straight into the headshunt then repeated all the track. Group one was then escorted to the Loco Shed, where a number of locos were in various stages of repair. I was particularly pleased to see BP Grangemouth No1, having been a long time resident of the Falkirk area.

The Tees Storage Co North British built loco also caught my eye but it wasn't well placed for photos.

A second brief visit to the excellent Museum was followed by a cup of tea before I set course for home via the A70, a regular haunt of mine while working on the University of West of Scotland Ayr Campus. Thanks to John Cameron for arranging all this and to the Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group, Doon Valley Railway volunteers for turning out especially on a Friday afternoon at a time of year when they don't normally run. This included staffing the Museum café which was open for us.