The Ballachulish Railway Line

Discussion in 'Historic & Abandoned Railways' started by Roger Farnworth, Jan 6, 2019.

  1. Roger Farnworth

    Roger Farnworth Full Member

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    Another of those magazines at Christmas time (2018). This time it was an old "Hornby Magazine" from 2012. This was originally intended to be a short reflection on the Ballachulish Line but it is developing into something much longer. There will be three parts to this story!

    This is the first post:

    http://rogerfarnworth.com/2019/01/01/the-ballachulish-railway-line-part-1
     
  2. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Now that is a very interesting little railway
    Thanks for sharing the research
     
  3. Wolseley

    Wolseley Full Member

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    A lovely station building, a sort of amalgam of the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau styles, with some hints of the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (the architect, whose name escapes me at the moment, even used the same style of lettering as Mackintosh on his drawings.

    There was an article on the station, complete with drawings and photographs, in an issue of True Line (the Caledonian Railway Association's journal) some time in the 1980s. Unfortunately I no longer have my copy. If you don't already have it, it might be worth seeking out. the C.R.A. does have back issues available on DVD.

    Also, Volume 5 of LMS Engine Sheds (Wild Swan Publications, 1987) has four pages on the engine shed, with a track plan of the station and some good photographs.
     
  4. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Very interesting. I have had the pleasure of viewing the Ballachulish bridge from the Cairn at the summit of the buchullie Etive Mor . My second munro scalp. You can stand on the summit and view 360 degrees of beautiful scottish scenery at its best. Straight up Glencoe, Glen Etive up to Ballachullish, The Devils staircase, , Rannoch Mor ......... The views go on and on ..... There is no better.

    Toto
     
  5. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    Been there ... no t shirt though ... stunning!

    Ian vt
     
  6. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    The most beautiful place in the world ..... bar none. If you know the history of the area, you can feel the hairs on the back of your neck rise. A very evocative place.

    Toto
     
  7. Roger Farnworth

    Roger Farnworth Full Member

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    I feel like that about much of the West coast of Scotland.
     
  8. Roger Farnworth

    Roger Farnworth Full Member

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    In Part 1 of this story we covered much about the history of the line between Connel Ferry and Ballachulish. We start Part 2 with a few reminders of what was covered in Part 1 and provide some additional material from various sources before continuing our journey North along the branch.

    http://rogerfarnworth.com/2019/01/02/the-ballachulish-railway-line-part-2
     
  9. Roger Farnworth

    Roger Farnworth Full Member

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  10. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    God's country - with Amber nectar as well - you need something to tame the effect of the West Coast midgees.

    Great articles.

    Paul
     
  11. Wolseley

    Wolseley Full Member

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    I drove through Ballachulish once, on the way from Fort William to Oban, but I have to admit I didn't stop there....
     
  12. Chatty

    Chatty Full Member

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    Thank you for sharing the details of the interesting branch railway.

    I have only had time to scan the information but I will read it in depth over the next few days.

    The railways of Scotland have always interested me and I have a soft spot for the Highland Railway. I am seriously thinking of returning to the Highland once I have a little Midland Railway project out of the way.

    Thanks again.
     
  13. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    I was always told that was Chester by my Tutor at work... I feel I may have been had! :avatar:
     

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