Mull & West Highland Railway moves to Balloch
"Lady of the Isles" at Torosay
Picture: © Copyright Andrew McIntosh and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
The late Mull & West Highland Railway ceased operating on the 1st of September after 28 years of service! The 10 1/4 inch gauge line was built to serve Torosay Castle on the Isle of Mull, running from the Ferry Terminal at Craignure a distance of 1 1/4 miles.
At the end of 2010, the Castle was sold and the new owners decided to close it to the public, this would have had a severe effect on passenger numbers at Mull Rail and therefore it was decided to close the railway too! One of the steam locomotives, 2-6-2T Lady of Isles was sold. Most of the rolling stock I believe has been retained along with a diesel loco and Baldwin style steam loco, 2-6-2T Victoria.
The new site proposed is at Balloch, on the shores of Loch Lomond. The would run from Balloch Railway station in the town to the Loch Lomond Shores shopping complex. With beckoning return to service of Maid of the Loch, the 1953 built Paddle Steamer undergoing restoration at Balloch Pier. The railway would provide a transport link with this lovely old Paddle Steamer as well as the restored Balloch slipway steam winch.
Providing permission can be approved, the society hope to be running by 2012.
Balloch Rail station
Picture: © Copyright Thomas Nugent and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
2-6-2T "Victoria" at Craignure
Picture: © Copyright Allister Combe and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
