31st March - 2nd April 1978

R.P.P.R.
The Skye Train

Locos Used 25046, 27002, 47120, 47439, 50048, 85023 & 86253

Route :

Loco(s) Route
50048 London Paddington - Reading - Solihull - Birmingham New Street
86253 Birmingham New Street - Duddeston - Bescot - Stafford - Crewe - Carlisle - Wishaw - Holytown - Mossend
25046 + 27002 Mossend - Gartsherrie South Jn - Gartcosh Jn - Sighthill Jn - Cowlairs Jn - Dumbarton Central - Ardlui (1) Crianlarich - Rannoch (1) - Fort William
25046 + 27002 Fort William - Glennfinnan - Mallaig
25046 + 27002 Mallaig - Glennfinnan - Fort William
25046 + 27002 Fort William - (reverse of outward route) - Mossend
85023 Mossend - Holytown - Wishaw - Carlisle - Crewe
47439 Crewe - Stafford - Rugeley - Cannock - Walsall - Birmingham New Street
47120 (2) Birmingham New Street - Nuneaton - Rugby - Coventry - Reading - London Paddington

Notes :
(1) 27002 suffered a traction motor fire at MP28¾ (just after Ardlui), resulting in a 32 minute late arrival into Fort William. Original suggestions by some of a several-hour delay at Rannoch owing to the failure of 25046 seem unfounded. The train did stop at Rannoch in both directions, for photos.
(2) Also reported as 47120 & 47439 - confirmation anyone?

With regards to notes (1) & (2) Tony Willmore comments: this tour is in John Vaughan's Railtour Pictorial book. There is no mention of the traction motor fire, and no mention of 47439 and 47120 double heading. I am sure that John would have mentioned this in the text if it had happened.

Source : Alan Costello (information taken from RPPR Railtour Pictorial Booklet),
David Farrow, Pete Wilcox (courtesy of Jonathan Wilcox)  & Clive Barlow

Timings (Booked Only)
(from Clive Barlow)

Location Booked
Paddington 21.10d
Birmingham New Street 23.43d
Fort William 09.50d
Mallaig 12.25d
Fort William 17.15d
Birmingham New Street 03.42d


Back to "The Railtour Files - 1978"