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Brief History - The original Caledonian Railway company was formed in the early 19th Century and was major Scottish railway company for nearly a century (1830's to 1923). Before the Caledonian Railway company was formed, Scotland and England's early railways were not connected. Before 1849, when the Caledonian Railway open its mainline, the quickest way to travel from Glasgow to London was to catch a train from Glasgow to Greenock, then travel between Greenock and Liverpool by ship and then from Liverpool to London by train. When the Caledonian mainline was opened in 1849 the journey time from Glasgow to London was slashed to only 12.5 hours. In 1923, the Caledonian Railway company was absorbed into the London, Midland and Scottish (LMS) Railway by the Railways Act of 1921. This Act was passed to reduce the losses being made by the 120 seperate railway companies operating in the country. After 1921, there were four large companies; LMS, GWR, LNER and SR. After the second world war, the battle scarred LMS along with the other 3 large railway companies were nationalised by the Transport Act of 1947 and became part of British Railways. British Railways (British Rail from 1965) operated the vast majority of rail transport in Great Britain from 1948 to 1997. During this period, the type of locomotive hauling trains gradually changed from steam to diesel. Steam hauled trains were eliminated in 1968 in favour of diesel and electric. During the 1960's, the "Beeching Cuts" or "Beeching Axe" was inforced to close 30% of all route miles and 55% of all stations with the objective of reducing the large amounts of debt built up by BR due to competition to move freight by road. This meant that the vast majority of small branch lines were to close. The Brechin to Montrose branch line was closed to passengers in the early 1950's but remained open to freight traffic until 1981 when it was preserved by Caledonian Railway (Brechin) Ltd. In the early days of preservation, shuttle trains operated from Brechin only to just outside the station limits. In 1993, the railway received a Light Railway Order (LRO) which allowed trains to operated the full four mile line to Bridge of Dun.
Caledonian Railway
Early bird discount!
Tickets for our Easter Eggspress on 11th & 12th April are now on sale. Book your family's place today and SAVE 10% when you use the discount code 'EASTER20' at the checkout.
To book your tickets and for more information, please see our website at https://caledonianrailway.com/events/2
Early bird discount!
Tickets for our Easter Eggspress on 11th & 12th April are now on sale. Book your family's place today and SAVE 10% when you use the discount code 'EASTER20' at the checkout.
To book your tickets and for more information, please see our website at https://caledonianrailway.com/events/2
Well done to The Whistle Stop!
😱😱look what’s happened today!!
On the short list for independent coffee shop of the year, www.themenufoodanddrinkawards.co.uk😆
#throwbackthursday to summer 2002 when we had a visitor from the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway. Here we see Caledonian Railway No. 419 powering through Magdalen cutting.
📷 Ian Lothian
Caledonian Railway's cover photo
Caledonian Railway
Caledonian Railway Diesel Group
We're very grateful to Mr Duncan McIntosh of Duncan McIntosh Trailers, Brechin, for the generous donation of a 15' Lang 8B2 lathe which will be a big boost to the scope of machining we can do in house. Thanks also to Geddes Group of Swirlburn for the transport. It's a lot bigger than our current Colchester!
Duncan's website can be found at - http://www.duncanmcintosh.co.uk/
Brechin Railway Preservation Society
Trackwork progress
A few members of the volunteer P-Way team have been out this week working on this season's track renovation work.
All of the replacement sleepers have now been laid down ready for the team to make a start on reinstating the rails this coming weekend.
📷 K. Bisset
The Whistle Stop
PART TIME STAFF REQUIRED for our busy coffee shop.
A cheerful, friendly, highly motivated, hardworking, reliable, individual with experience.
You will be required to work weekends and week days on a rota basis.
Hours will vary between 8.30am -4.00pm.
Please hand C.V. into The Whistle Stop, Coffee Shop.
Steam and Diesel services running throughout the summer. See our website for more details and to book www.caledonianrailway.com
Caledonian Railway
Some of our volunteers were out today making a start on this season's track work
Our P-Way team were out today working off those extra Christmas calories, lifting over 1000ft of our running line. Over the coming weeks, our team of volunteers will level off the track bed and begin relaying the track with new materials.
📷 K. Bisset
From all of the volunteers at the Caledonian Railway, we would like to wish our visitors a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎅🎄☃️
Would you like to win a family pass to one of our 2020 running days? Simply LIKE and SHARE this post to enter. Hurry, as you only have until 7pm tonight to enter!
Take a ride on the Caledonian Railway in Brechin. LIKE and SHARE for your chance to win a family pass to visit on one of the railway's regular opening days. A winner will be chosen at 7pm tonight. Good luck!
#ChristmasCountdown #visitangus
Advent image - (c) Marlyn McInnes
We're down to our last few tickets for this Saturday's Santa Specials! We only have 14 private compartments and 5 bays left. All of our other dates and times have sold out.
These last few spaces are expected to fill up very quickly so book your seats today through our website - https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
Our remaining Santa Special dates are almost completely sold out!
We only have a limited number of tickets left for this Saturday - these are available to purchase through our website at https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
For our customers visiting from Aberdeen today, please be aware that there has been an accident southbound on the A90 just north of Stonehaven.
Crash just happened a92 southbound just before muchalls bend.
Emergency services on scene.
Traffic at a standstill.
Santa's steam train is all ready for tomorrow!
All tickets for this weekend have sold out but there are still spaces available for some of our remaining dates - book now by visiting our website at https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
With our Santa Specials starting this weekend, here are a few Top Tips for visiting us this December:
- All Santa Special trains depart from Brechin station - our postcode is DD9 7AF.
- Please arrive on time, allowing plenty of travel time for inclement weather conditions and for parking your car. Trains are available to board up to 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Do not be late as the trains will not wait for you!
- Parking is available in our Brechin yard car park and Park Road car park. If you are using on-street parking, please consider other road users and Brechin's residents when leaving your vehicle.
- Please be careful when walking around the site - wintery weather conditions can cause surfaces to become slippery.
- Please have your tickets either on a smart device or printed to show the ticket collector on board the train. If you do not have a copy of your tickets, please visit the ticket office when you arrive.
- There are no toilets available on board the train. Toilets are available at Brechin and Bridge of Dun stations.
All information on our Santa Specials can be found on our website at https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
Santa's steam train journey's at the Caledonian Railway start THIS WEEKEND and run every weekend up until Christmas!
We have limited spaces remaining - get your tickets today to avoid missing out!
Book now - https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
One week to go until Santa arrives and many of our trains have completely SOLD OUT, with a number of other times with very few seats remaining!
Tickets for the remaining times are still available online and can be purchased through our website at https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
Over 80% of the tickets for our Santa Specials have now sold!
We still have limited availabilities on some of our trains this December. Quick, book now and avoid missing out - https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
Last chance!
Best of luck!
SANTA TICKETS UPDATE
Only 11 days to go until our first #santasteamtrain and more times have now SOLD OUT, with limited availabilities on a number of other times.
We expect spaces on all of our other times to sell quickly - BOOK NOW to avoid missing out! https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
Santa will be here in only 13 days!
There are still some tickets available for his special train but they're selling fast so book your family's place today and avoid missing out - https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
🤞
Best of luck!
It's great to see the ladies over at The Whistle Stop mentioned in yesterday's Courier
A wee mention today in The Courier 😁🤗
Caledonian Railway's cover photo
SANTA TICKETS UPDATE
A number of our upcoming Santa trains have now SOLD OUT, with limited availabilities on other times.
Tickets are selling fast so BOOK NOW to avoid missing out! https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
Best of luck!
Have you got your tickets to see Santa?
Trains are filling up fast, with the 11am trains on Sunday 8th & 15 December now sold out.
Hurry, book your tickets now through our website at www.caledonianrailway.com/events/10 or call the box office on 0333 666 3366.
#flashbackfriday to December 2014 when Salmon the steam engine visit us for our Santa Specials.
Salmon was very kindly lent to the railway at short notice from the Royal Deeside Railway based at Milton of Crathes Station near Banchory.
Fun fact: During their working lives, Salmon and our big blue steam engine Harlaxton both worked together at Harlaxton Ironstone Quarries before being replaced by diesel locomotives in the 1960's.
Did you know that our Santa trains will be back again this December? Lots of tickets have already sold, with limited availability left on a number of our times.
Hurry, book now through our website at www.caledonianrailway.com/events/10 or call the box office on 0333 666 3366.
Only 4 weeks to go and nearly 50% of our seats have already gone for our Santa Specials - Caledonian Railway happening this December!
Have you got your tickets? Hurry as trains are filling up FAST so book now through our website at www.caledonianrailway.com/events/10 or call the box office on 0333 666 3366.
Tickets on sale now at https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
Wow, is it November already?! That mean there's only 4 WEEKS to go until Santa will be visiting us here in Brechin!
Tickets for his special steam train are selling out FAST. Get your tickets today - https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
The Whistle Stop
Bonfire cupcakes 🔥 and rolo cupcakes at The Whistle Stop today!!
#throwbackthursday to December time during the 1990's and we see our 'Wee Barclay' arriving at Brechin station with a Santa Specials train.
The railway has come a long way since this photo was taken but our little Andrew Barclay still works hard throughout the summer months hauling the majority of our Sunday train services.
Did you know that we still do train journeys with Santa? He will be back again this December, with tickets being available from our website.
Don't miss out! Book today - https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
#tbt #santatrain #santasteamtrain #steamtrainscotland #steamrailway #familyactivities #familydaysoutscotland #whatsonangus #thingstodoinangus #thingstodoscotland #christmasinscotland
Afternoon Tea at The Whistle Stop.
We are pleased to announce that The Whistle Stop Coffee Shop at our Brechin station will be serving afternoon teas on 3 selected dates this December.
A classic treat with a difference - served on board a real heritage railway carriage! Sandwiches, tray bakes, mince pies and more served with fresh tea and coffee.
Get your tickets now by clicking the link below or visit The Whistle Stop and buy at the till.
The Whistle Stop
Come and try our spooktacular Halloween red velvet cake today👻👻🎃
Santa Specials at the Caledonian Railway in Brechin - tickets are selling fast so book now to avoid missing out!
All aboard Santa's Special Steam Train this December! Every child receives a gift from Santa on board his Special Steam Train, with all adults receiving a miniature of whisky or wine.
The perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Tickets are selling out fast so book now through our website at www.caledonianrailway.com/events/10 or call the box office on 0333 666 3366.
Over the years, the railway has received endless support their friends at local businesses and organisations. We are incredibly grateful for all of the help we have received and we would like to thank Hydrus Group and Dales Marine Services for their recent and continued support of the railway.
During the final stages of restoration, it was found that the cylinder heads of 12052’s donor engine were unserviceable in their current state. Dales Marine Services stepped in and kindly overhauled the cylinder heads and returned them to serviceable condition. The heads were then refitted to the locomotive’s 350hp diesel engine and have been in service ever since. Dales Marine Services have been a big supporter of the railway in recent years and we would like to thank them for their continued assistance.
During routine inspection and maintenance, it was found that a British Rail repair on a section our 12T Taylor Hubbard rail crane’s jib had failed and required repairing. After removing the affected member, it was found that the rivet hole had been badly damaged and was now too large to house the rivet. After our volunteers had prepared the damaged areas, one Hydrus Group's skilled welders attended the railway this past week to carry out the weld repair. We were very pleased with the result and would like to thank them for their assistance.
Santa is coming to the Caledonian Railway in BRECHIN this December. Tickets are selling out FAST so BOOK NOW to avoid missing out! https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
Come along for a festive steam hauled train journey along Brechin's historic branch line. Every child receives a gift from Santa on board his Special Steam Train, with all adults receiving a miniature of whisky or wine.
Trains run from Brechin station on 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd December. Departure times are at 11:00, 12:15, 13:30 and 14:45.
Tickets are selling out fast so book now through our website at www.caledonianrailway.com/events/10 or call the box office on 0333 666 3366.
Get them while you can! 🍰
Celebrating a month of being open with one of our favourite!!! GIN & TONIC CUPCAKES!!
Tickets for Santa's Special Steam Train are on sale now!
Father Christmas will be back in Brechin this December. Advanced bookings available online - get your tickets today before they sell out - https://caledonianrailway.com/events/10
The Whistle Stop
By popular demand two of our favourite cakes are being served today. Apple crumble and caramel and also Blackberry and apple. Celebrating over 1000 likes and followers on Facebook 😊. Thanks everyone 🥰
The Station, 2 Park Road
Brechin
DD9 7AF
For information on train times and events, please visit www.caledonianrailway.com
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Our Steam and Diesel trains are running again this weekend! Trains depart Brechin both days at 11:00, 12:20, 13:40 & 15:00. More information and tickets can be found through our website at www.caledonianrailway.com #visitangus #visitbrechin #visitscotland #tourisminangus #steamtrainscotland #steamtrain #steamrailway #heritagerailway #whatsonangus #thingstodoinangus #thingstodoscotland
Our Easter steam trains will be running again today! Steam trains depart #brechin at 11:00, 12:20, 13:40 & 15:00. The FREE Basin Rambler bus service will be running between our Bridge of Dun station, the House of Dun and Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre so why not make a day of it? Our buffet outlets at Brechin and Bridge of Dun stations will also be open selling a range of food and drinks. We have brakevan rides and children's play park at Bridge of Dun, miniature railway rides and face painting at Brechin and we also have the "Spot the Easter Egg" competition where you get the chance to WIN a family ticket to one of our Day Out With Thomas services this summer! Tickets are still available and can be purchased online or at our ticket offices at either stations today - see our website at www.caledonianrailway.com/events/2 to book! #visitangus #visitscotland #whatsonangus
That's all folks! Our 2018 season has come to a close. The volunteers and would like to thank all of our passengers for visiting us this year and wish them all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Did you travel on our Santa Specials this December? Why not write us a quick review on our Facebook and TripAdvisor pages?
Thomas is off to bed now after spending the weekend hauling trains here in Brechin. Thank you to all of our visitors this weekend. The volunteers hope that you all enjoyed yourselves and wonder if you could take a few minutes to write a review on our Facebook and TripAdvisor pages.
#thomasthetankengine and his friends are ready for another fun filled weekend here in #brechin. Tickets to travel on his train are still available and can be bought from our website https://caledonianrailway.com/events/9
Steam trains running today! Trains depart Brechin at 11:00, 12:20, 13:40 & 15:00. See our website for more info www.caledonianrailway.com
Diesel trains running today! Trains depart Brechin at 11:00, 12:20, 13:40 & 15:00. See our website for more info www.caledonianrailway.com
The volunteers that run the railway would like to say a big thank you to all of our customers that travelled behind #thomasthetankengine this weekend at our #dayoutwiththomas event. We hope that you all enjoyed yourselves and wonder if you could spare a few minutes to write a review on our Facebook and TripAdvisor pages. Don't worry of you missed out this time as Thomas will be back again on 25/26 August! Please see our website for details and to book tickets www.caledonianrailway.com
Steam trains running today! Brechin departures 11.00, 12.20, 13.40 & 15.00. Our gift shop & buffets will be open. See our website for more info www.caledonianrailway.com
One of our bigger diesels, No.26014, running round at Brechin. There's still time to catch a ride on the trains today, with departure times at 12.20, 13.40 & 15.00.
Whilst other parts of the country were struggling with the wintery weather conditions, the sun shone brightly all weekend here at the Caledonian Railway. Here is a clip of our Santa Specials departing Bridge of Dun today. Thanks to Steve Moir for the video.
"Peep peep, off we go" said Thomas. Here he is leaving Bridge of Dun station with the last train of the day. Thomas has had a really fun time here in Brechin and is looking forward to coming back in 2018! He hopes that you have all enjoyed yourselves and hopes you would take a few minutes to write a review on our Facebook and TripAdvisor pages
Our big steam loco, Harlaxton, powering through Magdalen Cutting with the Easter Eggspress. This is the steepest part of our branchline, with the gradient reaching 1 in 75.
Well, that's our Santa Specials over for another year. We hope you have all enjoyed your time with us this year and we'll see you all again in 2016! Until then, have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Caledonian Railway Diesel Group
The Station, Park RoadThe Friends of Brechin Town House Museum
28 High StreetScotland - Azerbaijan & International
Angus, MontroseMontrose Air Station Heritage Centre
Waldron Rd, MontroseMontrose Air Station Heritage Centre
Waldron Road, Montrose