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
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.
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
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
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
This is the third of three posts planned to cover the Ballachulish Branch. It includes the final length of the line approaching Ballachulish, some details about the quarries and a November 1950 article about the line which has been taken from The Railway Magazine of that date. http://rogerfarnworth.com/2019/01/05/the-ballachulish-railway-line-part-3
God's country - with Amber nectar as well - you need something to tame the effect of the West Coast midgees. Great articles. Paul
I drove through Ballachulish once, on the way from Fort William to Oban, but I have to admit I didn't stop there....
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.