The Scottish Railway Scene 1973–2020

Book excerpt: This book takes the reader on a pictorial journey; in time from the early 1970s to 2020 and to places all around Scotland. All of the images are published for the first time. The captions reflect the author’s recollections and experiences from the platform end to more hands on railway adventures. As well as the everyday railway, there are insights into the preservation scene and steam on the main line. Starting in the days of BR blue and progressing through sectors to privatization the reader will find pictures of liveries, locomotives, rolling stock and infrastructure that are no longer with us; ”inter city” livery, BRCW class 26s, HAA coal wagons and Semaphore signals at Stirling being examples. From a base in Edinburgh we travel to locations across the country from Wick to Carlisle, from the scenic majesty of the West Highlands to the industrial Central Belt. There we will see; diesels and electrics in a selection of liveries on freight and passenger workings, steam on the main line and visit sheds, stations and preserved lines. This includes some more unusual places such as Cameron Toll, Prestongrange and The Isle of Mull and buildings that have been demolished such as Mallaig steam shed, Grangemouth shed and Millerhill diesel depot. This book will provide; reference material, nostalgia for some enthusiasts, a look back in time for others and for modelers, inspiration for their projects. So come and enjoy the journey.