DMU Operations: Scottish Region
Gleneagles - Crieff/Comrie
This branch had the honor of being one of two lines to host Scotland's first DMU services, albeit on a temporary basis to determine the suitability of using railcars.
On Monday 11th June 1956 a Met-Camm "Lightweight" borrowed from the Eastern Region formed of E79055 and 79271 took over all services apart from the 6.00am Stirling to Crieff (the engine of which returned light). The set was stabled in the semi-roofless Perth North shed, from there it ran out empty in the morning to Comrie and returned light at night after working the 6:03pm Gleneagles to Comrie. The set proved popular on both comfort and patronage. It finished on the branch on the 21st July and ran light to Leith Central the following day.
On the 15th September 1958 (the start of the winter timetable) AC Cars railbus Sc79979 commenced operations between Gleneagles, Crieff and Comrie, providing a more frequent service of nine trains each way between Gleneagles and Crieff, with three extended to and from Comrie. Previously there were seven steam services, of which only two extended to Comrie. Some of the connections at Gleneagles were still very bad, with up to a 30 minute wait for passengers travelling to/from Glasgow. The vehicle was stationed at Crieff, and manned by Crieff drivers and guards. It was stabled at Perth on a Sunday, working a 9.00pm SO from Crieff.
The ticket machine was similar to that used by bus conductors. Using this he could issue tickets for the Branch and Gleneagles stations, and he could also handwrite through tickets to destinations such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth etc.
The fitting of the folding steps allowed stops to be made at local crossings etc. New halts were opened at Strageath (one mile north of Muthill) and Pittenzie (700 yards east of Crieff) level crossings. No platforms were needed, but a dry standing area was provided formed of several cement slabs.
The services brought in a marked increase in traffic despite the bad connections at Gleneagles with main-line expresses. An early assessment of figures in December 1958 showed that the Gleneagles - Crieff - Comrie service along with the Aviemore - Craigellachie - Elgin service receipts were up dramatically, £116 in September compared with £57 the year before, an increase of 104%, and in October there was a 233% increase, takings being £90 over the previous year's £27. Read the full report.
Sc79979 would move to Beith - Lugton duties in May 1959, but the AC Cars line drawing continued to be used on publicity material.
The Wickham railbuses seemed to be the next type to be used, both of the Bristol railbuses were allocated to Perth for a short time in 1963 (image of 79959 on flickr), Park Royal M79973 would be the last to operate passenger services on the line on Saturday 4 July 1964, the line officially closing on Monday 6th.
Sample Timetable and Poster
15th June, 1959 to 12th September, 1959
Size: 6 1/8" x 10".
2nd November, 1959 to 12th June, 1960
Poster.
Scan courtesy of John Paton.
Images
21st June 1956
79055 + 79271 at Comrie after arriving with the 6.03pm Gleneagles - Comrie service on June 21, 1956. Hamish Stevenson.
21st June 1956
79055 + 79271 at Comrie after arriving with the 6.03pm Gleneagles - Comrie service on June 21, 1956. It was one of two sets borrowed from the Eastern Region for trials, DMU services would not start in Scotland until January 1957. Hamish Stevenson.
19th August 1958
On the platform at Gleneagles station on 19th August 1959 are, from left to right: Mr James Ness, Scottish Region General Manager; Provost J Paterson, Auchterarder; Sir George McGlashan, Convener of Perth and Kinross Country Council; Sir Ian Bolton, Chairman, Scottish Area Board; Provost D.O. McLean, Crieff; Principal T.M. Knox, St Andrews University; and Sir James Denby Roberts. They are standing beside AC Cars railbus Sc79979 which took them on a demonstration run to Blackford and back. British Railways.
15th September 1958
On the first day of railbus services on the Gleneagles - Crieff/Comrie 15 September 1958 guard Tom Blair issues tickets on board SC79979. British Railways.
15th September 1958
Guard Tom Blair helps lift a pram on board AC Cars railbus SC79979 at Pittenzie Crossing. Taken on 15 September 1958, the first day of railbus services on the Gleneagles - Crieff/Comrie line. British Railways.
15th September 1958
Driver Charlie Robertson at the controls of SC79979 whilst at Crieff on 15 September 1958. British Railways.
15th September 1958
A young passenger climbing aboard railbus SC79979 at Strageath Crossing past guard Tommy Blair. Taken on the first day of railbus services on the Gleneagles - Crieff/Comrie line, 15 September 1958. British Railways.
11th October 1958
Sc79979 approaches Pittenzie Halt (Crieff) on the 11th October 1958. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Unknown
A Wickham railbus in Crieff station, looking towwards Comrie. Date unknown, probably 79965. Walter Burt Collection.
4th July 1964
79973 works the 3.17pm Gleneagles - Crieff service seen 1 mile north of Gleneagles on 4 July 1964, the last day of service. Michael Mensing.