Balornock Shed
Not a very sharp image, but it is only recently that I've realised the special significance of the locomotive, Perth's Black 5 44997. Here she was passing Balornock shed in 1963, just getting under way again with a lengthy train of empty stock after a signal check. 44997 achieved fame in March 1967 after an epic run double-heading A4 'Union of South Africa' on the 18-coach 'Grand Scottish Tour No 1', averaging over 60 mph from Perth to Aberdeen (see image 22971). But less well known is that, although she was not quite the last steam loco on BR Scottish Region's official withdrawal list, she subsequently did a post-withdrawal spell of steam heating at Craigentinny. That was as late as July 1967 and involved regular trips back and forth to St Margaret's for coal and water. My archive of Railway Society of Scotland newsletters reveals the Society's observation that she could 'thus be considered the last BR Scottish Region steam engine in operation.'
Location: Balornock Shed (former)
Original line: Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway
Photographer: Robin McGregor
Contact photographer: Robin McGregor
Date: 28/09/1963
Image number: 79982
Other photographs of Balornock Shed on RailScot
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