The Spring 2001 Bo'ness Diesel Gala.
Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May 2001
This year saw the decision to hold a gala in May as well as the now established September event.
Bo'ness is a most delightful little line situated around 3 miles from Linlithgow. From Bo'ness station the line runs to Manuel Junction where there is a connection with the main line. Passenger services only operate to Birkhill giving a round trip of 7.2 miles.
At a glance the railway may be lacking as far as mileage is concerned. This issue simply pales into total irrelevance when nearly 5 minutes of full power is available as the line climbs to Birkhill, not many (if any) other preserved lines can match such quality. Added to this everyone involved in the railway treats their visitors as though they are acquaintances of many years. In short just like the Scottish Region of the 1980s.
Main line diesel locomotives based at Bo'ness are 20020; 25235; 26004; 26024; 27001; 27005; 37025; 47643 (or 47269 of boilered Haymarket fame!) and lastly and by all means least 50021.
27005 is out of service for body repairs, 37025 is undergoing extensive restoration and the 50 is well broken.
The Diesel chaps at the railway have three passions - hard work to restore the locomotives followed by hours of enjoying the sound effects then lots of Caledonian Deuchars IPA!
The entire event was a most friendly affair, Cameron's Pish Wagon kept us all fuelled long after scheduled licencing hours whilst the meals in the station buffet are highly commendable.
The following views depict the quality motive power available.
The motive power depot has been very tastefully completed and reminds one of Inverness depot in a lot of ways. Here 37025 is having a major battering whilst 25235 and 27001 await 'the call to duty'
There are numerous sidings to the rear of the motive power depot, 20020 keeps 26004 and Mark 1 sleeping car M2822 (M2821 is also on site and was whacked in for sleepage!). 20020 was once withdrawn and dumped in Glasgow works. An unfortunate 20036 arrived and the body was deemed beyond repair. All salvageable components were fitted to 20020 which then went on to provide a few more years service.
Here is 26024 making it's debut after e very tasteful restoration job. The loco's first 'proper' run was on the Friday night when, paired with 25235, the SRPS railtour stock was taken to Manuel Yard. After Birkhill 024 was put to the test dragging the 10 coaches and the 25!