13th June 2021

Transferred from the west country after working for Great Western Railway, the Class 153 single car units that have been designated "Active Travel" coaches have started guard training runs. On a day when all other Scotrail services on the West Highland Lines seemed to have been cancelled, thanks to industrial action by the RMT, this test run still went ahead and no doubt the overtime was welcomed by those on board! At 13.19 Class 153 no. 153380 and Class 156 no. 156458 run through the woods at Achnacloich, between Taynuilt and Connel, with the 3T90 09.02 Eastfield H. S. to Oban train. Bullhead track on wooden sleepers with jointed rail meant that the "clickety-clack" announced the train's imminent passing very nicely! Hear it for yourself on my video: https://youtu.be/7JIEmGT8_AU

I also photographed the train on its return journey, from a very unusual location.....