Published: Wednesday, 27th August, 2008 12:30
Train spotters witness another 'first' in Alloa
By Jamie MacDonald
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The Alloa Alloer pulls into the new Alloa Station.
Pic by: Jan van der Merwe
THE first train for 28 years fully laden with passengers made its journey along the tracks from Dunfermline to Alloa on Monday.
For the first time since the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway opened in May a train, the ‘Alloa Alloer’, with passengers travelled from the east on to and along the line.
A special service organised by English based company, Pathfinder Tours, headed up from Bristol, with its last pick up point in York, and ran along the Fife circle and passed through the Wee County and Glasgow before returning south.
Commercial manager for Pathfinder, George Szwejkowski, told the Advertiser, “We have around 550 people booked on the trip and they have all booked specifically because of the trip along the line to Alloa.
“The last time was so long ago that there has been a lot of interest in this trip and it will be really nice to see that part of the line.”
Pathfinder Tours also organised the last passenger train to run along the line on 11 October 1980 which was pulled by class 25 diesels – engine numbers 25064 and 25247 – and at 12.12pm on Monday an EWS trains class 60 diesel – engine number 60100 – passed through Alloa station once again pulling 13 carriages.
Enthusiasts had to wait for almost two hours on Monday in the rain for a glimpse of the delayed train making its historic journey. Some had travelled from all over Scotland and England just to be on the platform as the locomotive passed.
Tom Williamson, from Midlothian, said, “The first train coming through is a significant journey. It is good to see the line being used after all this time.”
He added, “Standing about for a couple of hours waiting on a delayed train is just a hazard of the hobby.”
Since the passenger services finished in 1980 coal trains have continued to use the track regularly as a route to Longannet Power Station.
According to Roger Haynes, rail tour manager at the Scottish Rail Preservation Society (SRPS), the track from Dunfermline to Alloa is suitable for heavy trains but a lack of signalling makes it unsuitable for regular passenger trains.
On the opening of the new railway line, the steam train laid on by SRPS travelled the same line without any passengers to pick up guests in Alloa and take them to Stirling.
Special permission from the track owners is required to use the line and SRPS have arranged a further tour for Saturday 27 September.
Mr Haynes said, “Our tour will be the first time locals can enjoy the trip along the line. It passes along the side of the Forth to Culross and then Kincardine. It should be a great trip.
“The Great Marquess – the steam train used at the SAK opening ceremony – will be used for both trips.”
The SRPS morning tour leaves from Linlithgow with the afternoon tour departing Dalmeny. Both tours take in the Fife circle before heading for Clackmannanshire and Stirling before returning to their respective starting points.
Standard tours cost £39 (children £27) and first class £63 (morning) or £59 (afternoon) – the first class tours include lunch or afternoon tea.
To book a tour call 01698 263814 or 01506 857810 between 7pm and 9pm Monday to Friday. Further details can be obtained from www.srps.org.uk
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