VIDEO: Old friend goes for a run on the Strathspey Steam Railway line
Strathspey Steam Railway welcomed a special visitor this week – from the main line.
A Scotrail HST125 made a conspicuous show for those fortunate enough to catch site of its unique appearance 'off the beaten track'.
There was certainly some confusion for passengers waiting on platforms 1 and 2 at Aviemore station as the HST passed from the mainline onto the Highland railway.
From there it gently made its way down the line to a very wet Boat of Garten Station.
The test run – the first such occasion for an HST on the Strathspey railway – was carried out in advance of another visit later in the year, again organised by ScotRail.
The HST125 (High-Speed Train) is capable of doing 125 mph maximum but alas it was restricted to 25mph on the heritage line.
The Jamster social media account stated: "History was made when a Scotrail HST visited Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Railway.
"To best of my limited knowledge, this was the first time a HST had ever been on the Strathspey Railway. I believe it was a gauging test run in advance of an upcoming rail tour later in the year.
"We start the video onboard a Scotrail HST struggling with the climb to Slochd summit due to poor rail adhesion.
"This resulted in the power cars suffering with wheel flats which can be heard as the train departs Aviemore.
"Due to delays caused by the poor rail conditions in the Slochd area, the HST from Inverness to Boat of Garten was delayed by around an hour. By the time it arrived it was a case of Boat by name, Boat by nature as the weather took a turn for the worse.
"43163 and 43150 with a five carriage set did the honours and was probably the most modern train that has ran on the Strathspey ever, even though the HST is over 40 years old!"
More train footage from The Jamster can be seen here
