Royal Deeside Railway

rdf:langString Royal Deeside Railway

rdf:langString The Royal Deeside Railway is a Scottish heritage railway located 16 miles west of Aberdeen on part of the original Deeside Railway Line. Formed in 1996 by a group of volunteers, the intention of the group was to reclaim part of the former branch line from Aberdeen to Ballater. The first ever steam-hauled passenger services on the newly reclaimed line were operated in 2010. Originally constructed between 1853 and 1856 by the Deeside Railway Company, the line was regularly patronised by the Royal Family and other very important personalities (VIP) visiting Balmoral. However, due to its dwindling passenger numbers the line was eventually closed by British Railways in 1966. Also, the Royal Deeside Railway currently runs a passenger train service that stretches over 1 mile of track from Milton of Crathes to Birkenbaud Crossing (soon extending to a new station; Riverside Halt) that all services call and terminate at the Milton of Crathes with each journey taking between 20-30 minutes for a return trip. This rail services are operated using rolling stock including former Aberdeen Gas Works Steam Engine "Bon Accord" and British Rail Class 03 diesel shunters that haul three British Rail Mark 2 passenger coaches in BR Crimson and Cream livery, with a fourth coach currently being restored. The Royal Deeside Railway also have the original British Rail "Gemini" Battery Railcar (BEMU) which was converted from diesel engine to batteries and specifically tested on the old Deeside Railway Line in the 1960s. The BEMU currently requires a complete electrical overhaul which is sometimes used as a passenger coach, offering an alternative to the Mark 2 coaches.