Killin branch rebuilding plans from a few years back

Does anybody remember an article in Steam Railway (I think) from three or four years ago about plans to rebuild the branch line from Killin to Loch Tay (east of Crianlarich) to tie-in with boat trips on the loch? If I remember rightly it was a big article which stated that the branch would definitely be rebuilt but I've read nothing of it since then, I can't find anything at all on the internet and obviously the trackbed remains disused. I'd appreciate any information at all, if only to assure me that I didn't dream the whole thing up!

 

No you're not dreaming, I remember the article too. I think the boat trips were supposed to be some kind of steam launch? Shame it didn't happen, could have been an interesting scheme.

 

I too remember the original article.

EDIT: Just been doing a few searches and came across a number of bits that might be of interest:

http://www.gardentrains.co.uk/2001web/2001webhtms/40years.htm <--- Some details of the project and some pics of the trackbed showing how spectacular the scenery is in the area.

http://www.archive-articles.co.uk/general/spiritwillthiseverhappen.htm <--- A general article which outlines some of the reasons for the collapse of the project.

http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=21089 <--- A picture of the semi-complete steamer (note - the website listed on this page for the project does not work).

http://news.highlandperthshire.co.uk/whohasnedunnit.htm <--- Another general article with some more detail on what caused some of the construction problems.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3699991.stm <--- BBC news article from 2004 reporting on the iminent launch of the steamship, before problems were detected.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4108642.stm <--- BBC news acticle from 2005 reporting on the problems with the steamship construction.

I think I read the update in a fairly recent SR.


Keith

 

Thanks greatly for that info. The first link doesn't work (it could just be my browser) but the others make interesting reading. Looks as if funding just ran out and they never secured any more. Glad I'm not going mad anyway! The Killin branch and line from Crianlarich are set in such spectacular scenery, it'd make a lovely line for a restoration bid.

 

Has anyone any more recent news - the last article is 4 years old at least. If the steamer issue hasn't been dealt with, I suspect the owning company will have gone bust by now but is the hull still rusting away or has it been cut up?

Steven

 

The Historic Boat Company is still going but 'non-trading', not that that means much, it has no legal meaning. One well known railway charity has been non-trading for years.

Dave

 

is this the kielder forest scheme or is that something seperate? i thinkn its a different one but so many new schemes these days its hard to keep up!

 

No connection that I know of. Two totally different locations and the Kielder scheme was narrow gauge IIRC. (Nice engine you have B-T-W)

 

which engine is that?

 

which engine is that?

 

Whilst on the topic of the Kielder scheme does anybody know which Feldbahn it was going to use? And why the railway never materialised?

 

I just checked, and the first link definately does work - maybe worth trying another browser.
Regarding the failure of the project - it had nothing to do with running out of funding. I suggest you read the articles again!!


Keith

 

I just tried the first link again (same browser) and it worked, oddly. The scenery around there really is stunning. I'm not familiar with the condition of the trackbed and the like but I imagine that a Crianlarich-Killin railway would have great potential as a preserved line, what with the main line link, relative proximity to tourist towns like Oban etc.

I just re-read the articles about the steamship. I was thrown by the talk of the project having received zero funding and I didn't see spot the stuff about the concerns over the standard of construction. What a shame that it all went to pot anyway. I assume nothing is set to happen with the scheme now, since that BBC article is a good 4 years old...

 

Errr.......... this one I presume? http://www.railphotoarchive.org/rpc_zoomx.php?img=0314020160000&aid=&_FACT=200&_UP=25

 

Errr.......... this one I presume? http://www.railphotoarchive.org/rpc_...ACT=200&_UP=25

 

ah yec 2521 yeah we have another loco so manning wardle no 1207 "the welshman" so wasnt sure which one you were referring too. proper machine.