Thanks for the footage..I was a kid in the 70s and 80s and remember these engines well with their distinctive sound...when at my grans in pratt st kirkcaldy across from raith rovers ground ..I used to rush out of her house to see what train was passing..happy memories of those trains and the Br era .....being a child back then was simpler fun...loved trains back then and that has endured till today. .such a shame seeing those ones being scrapped along with the class 110s. .all those people they carried in all weather's all those stories brought to a sad end...they lived maybe that's why it was sad seeing their demise....as a 12yr old I'd jump on the train from kirkcaldy to Edinburgh just for the ride and back..old carriages with separate compartments. ..loved those days...yes progress has to come (some diesels were huge polluters ) but gone is the character. ..thanks again for posting the sights and sounds of the 27s bring a tear to ones eyes...a simpler time
@@soulman3590 So I'm not alone then..nice to hear...I forgot to mention I was in the railriders club remember that? the beading of rain on the diesel soaked sleepers or the smell of them on a hot day...it was a treat when you could hear it was a 37 coming. .my dad's friend let me drive a dmu at Thornton yard ...heady days
My son Ricky lived for trains. And would go find a place just to hear and take photos of those trains flying by. This Class 27 has a unique sounding engine.
I lived in Oban in the mid 1970s and I treasure the memory of the sound of the Class 27s slogging up Glencruitten Bank. Reliability could sometimes be a problem (possibly due to poor maintenance) and on one memorable occasion a train from Glasgow arrived in Oban about three hours late with three Class 27s on it only one of which was working properly!
So did I 1971 to 1974 I was a chef in the great western hotel and the my uncle got me a job with BR as a fireman at eastfield traction depot springburn and I ended up driving class 27s & class 37s up to Oban
Sad time for these classic iconic sounding Units Before Electrification,Love the sound of the Class 26 going through the Scottish Highlands to the Cities ,Towns and Villages ,With that Classic Clag ❤️ Miss these units on the Main line,Fabulous Footage ❤️🏴Born in 1973 ,Got to see these before Privatisation had these removed in the Early 1990s ,Love the classic Clag and Can see a Class 26 or 27 at Bo'ness ,Outside Linlithgow preserved ❤️These were iconic Locomotives,Just sad to know that most of these were victims of the Cutting torch 😢😢😢Not a nice way for something that did well to be victims of changing times and Replaced by These ugly Sprinter two car units that I couldn't stand the sight of in 1984/85 time .
Thank you so much for posting this. I myself was a Secondman at Haymarket from 1980 to 1986 and a Driver from 86 to 92 at the Waverley and latterly Millerhill. I had extensive experience of working on these noisy and smelly diesel engines, but loved every minute! This invaluable film footage is precious to people like myself.
You're welcome John - only wish I'd had the chance to do more. Got plenty stills of them at work out of HA - just look for Bruce Galloway on Flickr or Zenfolio.
Hi john I worked the class 27s on the push and pulls as a fireman queens st to Waverley much preferred the class 37s queens st to Oban I worked out of eastfield traction depot springburn glasgow 1974 happy days
All these type 2 sulzers sounded sensational. As a young boy I can remember the 26 on the Eastern Region in London, they sent them to Scotland, then class 24s appeared and lasted till around 66. The sulzers all sounded good including the class 47s, but the type 2 sulzers were just a feast to the ears, earthy and gutsy they were. On the Eastern we got the class 31s which just did have that raw sound
The BRCW-Sulzer Type 2 diesels (D5300 series later Class 27) were very much part of Scottish railways in the 1960s and 70s. I recall them on all the Highland lines including the much-missed Callander & Oban and the Kyle line, hauling between 3 and 6 maroon Mk 1 coaches usually. Cecil J Allen, I think it was, wrote that the BRCW Type 2s were as redolent of Scottish highland lines as the Stanier Black 5s had been before them. The characteristic putter-putter (heard on this useful film) as they neared a station in the Highlands in those years was a welcome and reassuring sound - the train was on its way. You always felt you could rely on a D5300 type 2.
The D5300 series started with the lesser powered Class 26. The Class 27s rarely appeared on the Highland mainline or the Kyle and Far North lines - there were mainly operated by Class 26s. The 27s were mainly found on Glasgow QS - Oban/Ft William/Mallaig services, QS-Dundee stopping services and of course the push-pull QS-Waverley service. Once they were replaced on the E&G services they served on the Edinburgh - Dundee stoppers.
Excellent vids and camera work, It's nice to see footage from the 80's again, those were the days and sadly missed. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Absolutely superb camera work and subject. Highlight of my memories was an unofficial cab ride in 1970 from Cowlairs to Perth and given the controls for most of the way. The divergence from Glasgow Edinburgh main line was scary at flat out speed. Exhilarating doesn't come anywhere near describing the experience. I was too excited to note the TOPS number!
What a fantastic video! This and the others in your series.... great stuff, brings back so many memories of my times on the rails in the 80s BR blue/grey era. Thanks for sharing therse.
A sound that will always be remembered and very distinctive too , good old Sulzers. Bo'ness still has one in service (27001). They used to go up the Far North line double-headed from Inverness then split at Georgemas Jtn. I think that line still exists at Westfield because they still test it now and again.
Fantastic video, thanks jbg06003 - that distinctive sound takes me right back. Used to watch them speed at 80+ past Kingsknowe with the evening Carstairs postal (Even if it was only load 1!). One question - can anyone explain their knack for catching fire? Was it a fault in the design? Thanks again
I believe it is air escaping from the brake reservoirs via the Spirex valves designed to drain out condensate. Most likely coming from the 47 in this case.Thanks to GM for the confirmation!!
Great video thanks! Does anyone happen know where I can find pic' or videos of the class 20's into Methil power station or the East Fife Central Railway worked by D2584. Any help appreciated Billy
Very nice indeed! I remember them on the Edinburgh to Dundee service in the mid 80s, and am lucky enough to live reasonably close to 27066 on the Dean Forest Railway, though it's poorly at present :(
Remember taking a pair of them from Edinburgh to York (route conductor from Newcastle) on a SRPS charter in the '80s. Apparently one of them went on fire on the return journey!
I worked at Craigentinny from 1986 to 88 I used to couple locomotives on&off the trains then worked at Waverley from 88 I never worked a class26 or 27 loco hauled train.I worked trains hauled 37s,47s,86s,87s&90s.
Seeing the scrapped locos near the end is criminal I hate seeing that but a brilliant vid nevertheless and check out the size of them pistons on the floor next to the loco!!!such a shame.
If there have been 100 Class 26s or 100 Class 27s built, BR would probrably have got what they have paid for but opted for a cheaper BR design that turned out to be inferior and expensive to run.
Thanks for the footage..I was a kid in the 70s and 80s and remember these engines well with their distinctive sound...when at my grans in pratt st kirkcaldy across from raith rovers ground ..I used to rush out of her house to see what train was passing..happy memories of those trains and the Br era .....being a child back then was simpler fun...loved trains back then and that has endured till today. .such a shame seeing those ones being scrapped along with the class 110s. .all those people they carried in all weather's all those stories brought to a sad end...they lived maybe that's why it was sad seeing their demise....as a 12yr old I'd jump on the train from kirkcaldy to Edinburgh just for the ride and back..old carriages with separate compartments. ..loved those days...yes progress has to come (some diesels were huge polluters ) but gone is the character. ..thanks again for posting the sights and sounds of the 27s bring a tear to ones eyes...a simpler time
@@soulman3590 So I'm not alone then..nice to hear...I forgot to mention I was in the railriders club remember that? the beading of rain on the diesel soaked sleepers or the smell of them on a hot day...it was a treat when you could hear it was a 37 coming. .my dad's friend let me drive a dmu at Thornton yard ...heady days
I used to travel on the push pull from Glasgow to Edinburgh, class 27's on each end. What a sound, when trains were trains.
Amazing video of unique times. We spent many a Freedom of Scotland and All line rover chasing these beasties. Magical times...
I really miss those engines and that fantastic noise!
My son Ricky lived for trains. And would go find a place just to hear and take photos of those trains flying by. This Class 27 has a unique sounding engine.
I lived in Oban in the mid 1970s and I treasure the memory of the sound of the Class 27s slogging up Glencruitten Bank. Reliability could sometimes be a problem (possibly due to poor maintenance) and on one memorable occasion a train from Glasgow arrived in Oban about three hours late with three Class 27s on it only one of which was working properly!
So did I 1971 to 1974 I was a chef in the great western hotel and the my uncle got me a job with BR as a fireman at eastfield traction depot springburn and I ended up driving class 27s & class 37s up to Oban
Sad time for these classic iconic sounding Units Before Electrification,Love the sound of the Class 26 going through the Scottish Highlands to the Cities ,Towns and Villages ,With that Classic Clag ❤️ Miss these units on the Main line,Fabulous Footage ❤️🏴Born in 1973 ,Got to see these before Privatisation had these removed in the Early 1990s ,Love the classic Clag and Can see a Class 26 or 27 at Bo'ness ,Outside Linlithgow preserved ❤️These were iconic Locomotives,Just sad to know that most of these were victims of the Cutting torch 😢😢😢Not a nice way for something that did well to be victims of changing times and Replaced by These ugly Sprinter two car units that I couldn't stand the sight of in 1984/85 time .
Thank you so much for posting this. I myself was a Secondman at Haymarket from 1980 to 1986 and a Driver from 86 to 92 at the Waverley and latterly Millerhill. I had extensive experience of working on these noisy and smelly diesel engines, but loved every minute! This invaluable film footage is precious to people like myself.
You're welcome John - only wish I'd had the chance to do more. Got plenty stills of them at work out of HA - just look for Bruce Galloway on Flickr or Zenfolio.
You might have worked with Raymond Howden. He worked out of Haymarket, Waverley and Craigintinny
Hi john I worked the class 27s on the push and pulls as a fireman queens st to Waverley much preferred the class 37s queens st to Oban I worked out of eastfield traction depot springburn glasgow 1974 happy days
@@thomasshepard6030 Thanks for that. I was at Millerhill during the latter part of my career. Left in 92 to go to university. Never looked back.
@@machosker Did I ever reply to your email? Yes I do remember him. Is he retired now?
All these type 2 sulzers sounded sensational.
As a young boy I can remember the 26 on the Eastern Region in London, they sent them to Scotland, then class 24s appeared and lasted till around 66.
The sulzers all sounded good including the class 47s, but the type 2 sulzers were just a feast to the ears, earthy and gutsy they were.
On the Eastern we got the class 31s which just did have that raw sound
love the sound of the Sulzer 6-cylinder locos, especially the tick-over sound and when slow shunting. Great video indeed.
Great camera work!
Brilliant video!
They sound fantastic!
What a breath of fresh
Air compared to today’s
Characterless traction!
Got a cab ride in one of these beauties from Taynuilt to Lower Tyndrum in 1985 😃
The BRCW-Sulzer Type 2 diesels (D5300 series later Class 27) were very much part of Scottish railways in the 1960s and 70s. I recall them on all the Highland lines including the much-missed Callander & Oban and the Kyle line, hauling between 3 and 6 maroon Mk 1 coaches usually. Cecil J Allen, I think it was, wrote that the BRCW Type 2s were as redolent of Scottish highland lines as the Stanier Black 5s had been before them. The characteristic putter-putter (heard on this useful film) as they neared a station in the Highlands in those years was a welcome and reassuring sound - the train was on its way. You always felt you could rely on a D5300 type 2.
The D5300 series started with the lesser powered Class 26. The Class 27s rarely appeared on the Highland mainline or the Kyle and Far North lines - there were mainly operated by Class 26s. The 27s were mainly found on Glasgow QS - Oban/Ft William/Mallaig services, QS-Dundee stopping services and of course the push-pull QS-Waverley service. Once they were replaced on the E&G services they served on the Edinburgh - Dundee stoppers.
Aberdour looks like a beautiful station. I hope it still looks that good. Thank you for the video.
It certainly is. Its still well looked after by locals.
Great video of the class 27 , engines with soul and character and that distinctive Sulzer sound to their engines
Remember these 27's coming up to Waterside from Ayr on the coal trains. Lovely sounding engines!
Superb rare footage. Long live the BRCW Type 2s.
Excellent vids and camera work, It's nice to see footage from the 80's again, those were the days and sadly missed. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Nice video of these gritty locomotives .thanks for sharing.
.....ahh happy days, used to ride the Dundee-Edinburgh every weekend in 1983-4, never thought it would be history!! thanks for the memories!!!
Fantastic video, Happy memories indeed of the 26's an 27's. They just dinna make em like that anymore, gone but legend live on :)
Absolutely superb camera work and subject. Highlight of my memories was an unofficial cab ride in 1970 from Cowlairs to Perth and given the controls for most of the way. The divergence from Glasgow Edinburgh main line was scary at flat out speed. Exhilarating doesn't come anywhere near describing the experience. I was too excited to note the TOPS number!
Fantastic video 👍
What a fantastic video! This and the others in your series.... great stuff, brings back so many memories of my times on the rails in the 80s BR blue/grey era. Thanks for sharing therse.
Only just come across this. Great film. Lovely Sulzer sounds,
This is brilliant footage thanks for posting
Wonderful video. Those old ladies had real character... and that sound !!.
An interesting tour of the north east on an obviously blistering hot day..
Now into wildlife photography too l see.
Well done Dan.
Awesome footage!
Cracking video. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely Fantastic
Superb!
I do love the McRats, lovely locos. Maybe Hornby should bring back the Lima 27 with their cheap DCC sound in 00 gauge. I'd buy it
I never saw one 'in the wild' but such a great sound, always a shame to see the scrapping of these things, thanks for uploading👍
Great Vid...Love it...
Great stuff...Great days too!
good engines still miss them now
Thanks Aidan. I remember that train well - my Zenfolio site has a few pics of it.
A sound that will always be remembered and very distinctive too , good old Sulzers. Bo'ness still has one in service (27001). They used to go up the Far North line double-headed from Inverness then split at Georgemas Jtn. I think that line still exists at Westfield because they still test it now and again.
It was Class 26s on the Far North lines
Fantastic video, thanks jbg06003 - that distinctive sound takes me right back. Used to watch them speed at 80+ past Kingsknowe with the evening Carstairs postal (Even if it was only load 1!).
One question - can anyone explain their knack for catching fire? Was it a fault in the design?
Thanks again
I believe it is air escaping from the brake reservoirs via the Spirex valves designed to drain out condensate. Most likely coming from the 47 in this case.Thanks to GM for the confirmation!!
Someone should get a preserved one a mainline ticket
Great video thanks! Does anyone happen know where I can find pic' or videos of the class 20's into Methil power station or the East Fife Central Railway worked by D2584.
Any help appreciated
Billy
Very nice indeed! I remember them on the Edinburgh to Dundee service in the mid 80s, and am lucky enough to live reasonably close to 27066 on the Dean Forest Railway, though it's poorly at present :(
Remember taking a pair of them from Edinburgh to York (route conductor from Newcastle) on a SRPS charter in the '80s. Apparently one of them went on fire on the return journey!
"Apparently one of them went on fire on the return journey!" I loved the 27s, but that is unfortunately the least surprising thing I have read here.
@MrJezza31 Sorry, do you not know what dreadful means?! It means fantastic, hellfire, excellent, etc. Why do you not like 40s?
Lovely sound didnt they have Sulzer engines?
Yes 👍
The silence after 6:46 is jarring, haunting and more than a little poignant. All those diesel noises, sights and smells - silenced.
I worked at Craigentinny from 1986 to 88 I used to couple locomotives on&off the trains then worked at Waverley from 88 I never worked a class26 or 27 loco hauled train.I worked trains hauled 37s,47s,86s,87s&90s.
By 1988 all the 27s were gone and the 26s were not booked on any passenger services.
Seeing the scrapped locos near the end is criminal I hate seeing that but a brilliant vid nevertheless and check out the size of them pistons on the floor next to the loco!!!such a shame.
rip class 27s you were better than most
If there have been 100 Class 26s or 100 Class 27s built, BR would probrably have got what they have paid for but opted for a cheaper BR design that turned out to be inferior and expensive to run.
Cheap DCC sounds? It's Digitrains Zimo, Howes or nothing.
@aureol40012 oh sorry miss understood i do like 40s but 27s are better :P
Bonnie engines hauling real trains. Charlie, Aberdeen
good engines still miss them now