Royal Deeside Railway

The Royal Deeside Railway was formed in 1996 with the intention of reclaiming part of the former branch line between Aberdeen to Ballater, constructed between 1853 and 1856 by the Deeside Railway company and closed by British Railways in 1966. Work is underway to reinstate the railway between Banchory and Milton of Crathes, with a new station under construction at Milton of Crathes and almost 3/4 mile of track laid west towards Banchory.

The railway offers a passenger train service every Sunday afternoon from Easter until September, using a heritage diesel locomotive hauling a traditional Brake van.

Locomotives

*Steam Locomotives
**Aberdeen Gas Works Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 807 "Bon-Accord". Undergoing restoration off site. Planned to be on the railway and working again in 2008.
*Diesel Locomotives
**Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 No. 415. Operational.
**BR 0-6-0 Class 03 no. D2134. Operational.
**BR 0-6-0 Class 14 no. D9551. Under repair.
*Multiple Units
**BR BEMU unit 79998+79999. Overhaul of electrical systems in progress.

Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust

The Royal Deeside Railway is one of the members of the Ferryhill Railway Trust who are aiming to restore the former Caledonian Railway engine shed at Aberdeen Ferryhill, next to the Duthie Park in Aberdeen. The shed, which is owned by Aberdeen City Council is expected to be leased to the trust in the next couple of months. It is hoped to establish a railway heritage centre & workshop facility using the building and surrounding land once major restoration work on the building is carried out.

It is hoped that, in the future, the locomotive turntable and sidings next to the shed may be made available to the trust for use (these are still owned by Network Rail).

ee also

*Milton of Crathes railway station

External links

* [http://www.deeside-railway.co.uk/ The Railway website]
* [http://www.bon-accord.org.uk/ Bon Accord Locomotive Society website]
* [http://www.visitBanchory.com/ Visit Banchory website]
* [http://www.thesectionalappendix.co.uk/ScRN02.html British Railways in 1960: Aberdeen (Ferryhill Jn.) to Ballater]