#TheJacobite #BeasdaleBank #WestHighlandLine
It’s probably an indulgence. It feels like an addiction. And twice a year it is some sort of pilgrimage. To the land of ‘proper steam’, where regular steam trains from Fort William to Mallaig operate usually every day between mid-Spring and the end of October. On most days there are two services – and between around 1015 and 6pm the hills, mountains and glens echo to the bark of a Black Five doing what it was designed to do. Seven-coach trains now carry hundreds of visitors and tourists(and a large Harry Potter fan contingent).
But for me the draw is something I first encountered in the mid 1950s. The sight, sound and smell of steam. The experience is enriched by wonderful scenery, often dramatic with some very tall mountains and the deepest loch in Western Europe. And then the sea, with the islands of Muck, Rum, Canna and Skye often extremely visible from between Arisaig and Mallaig.
The highlight for me is the 1/48 gradient around Beasdale with rock cuttings, tunnels and ancient woodland. Despite a few issues, getting up high is extra rewarding, physically challenging and spiritually very therapeutic. Waiting for the train to make its entrance is extra good when it’s audience seems to be overwhelmingly Nature – the rain, the wind, the sun, the bleating sheep, the occasional buzzard and the enemy – hoards of midges determined to catch you out if you arrive early and choose to remain stationary. Hopeful the sequences included here will illustrate.
The opening scene of 45212 leaving Mallaig (1700hrs departure on Saturday 16th September) was notable for its speedy acceleration up the 1/75, the unexpected blue skies, the spectacular smoke and a lack of onlookers. The evening provided a very special sunset(video to follow in the next couple of weeks).
Two other sequences deserving an extra explanation. Both feature trees and an apparent lack of railway. For the latter, I was too slow to get to the desired viewpoint but chose to capture the sound on the 1/50 gradient east of Arisaig. And for the former – a case of being very much caught by surprise. The trains are rarely late – but this one had been due 30 minutes earlier. I assumed storm damage had closed the line and found myself gingerly retreating down uneven and boggy ground, through four foot high ferns, brambles and bilberry, with occasional hidden rocks and vegetation-hidden holes. A rumble in the second tunnel down the line gave me less than 30 seconds to extend and stabilise the tripod and load the camera. Capturing the sound alone would be ample reward and it’s just such a privilege to be there! I hope you enjoy the video…..
Many more videos in the DBLM Steam Complete Playlist – accessible by clicking at the very end of this video or by using the link below.
Thank you for viewing – and please feel very welcome to share the link.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRavXMNgtOEXIpG5Y1rduoOs8mYiKkaiW
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