The McBuffer Puffer

**cessna152towser** · 10th February 07, 06:15 PM

A chance to put the new Freedom Cargo kilt and Freelander Sporran to the test today on the McBuffer Puffer railtour.

Including driving from home to Larkhall park and ride, a public train from there into Glasgow Central then a full day excursion this was 19 hours away from the house.

The trip was a send off for the first generation bull nosed type 3 diesel locomotives, the last of which are about to be withdrawn after nearly 50 years service. American viewers will recognise the colour scheme of Wisconsin Rail. The freight operator English, Welsh and Scottish Railway is an affiliated subsidiary. Until recently this locomotive, named The Saltire Society was hired by them to Scotrail to haul the Fort William sleeper.

Really a series of short trips to various commuter destinations in the Glasgow area and the Clyde Coast. This is Springburn, in north Glasgow.

The opportunity to run the trip today came about because the old Cornish Riviera carriages which date from the same 1950s era had been used for bringing Welsh rugby fans from Cardiff to Edinburgh for the weekend.

Inside the carriage

One of the dual language station signs. Outwith the highlands, these signs including gaelic are only found at stations on lines leading into the highlands.

If you thought xmarkers were forever taking photos you should see the rail fans; hundreds of photographers out for a photoshoot at every stop; but I'll post a lot more train piccies on my website tomorrow for the rail buffs among you. Meantime some kilt pictures.

**cessna152towser** · 10th February 07, 06:26 PM

Plenty of time off at the various destinations visited and this provided an opportunity for one or two photos of the new Freedom Cargo kilt in seaside settings.

At windswept Helensburgh. This is a seriously heavy kilt which behaves itself even in winds. This is a kilt colour which merges into the crowd. It may surprise you that much as I enjoy posting kilt pictures here, when I am actually out in public I prefer the kilt to be seen as everyday wear and not an issue for discussion or photography. (Though if anyone asks to take me photo as did two of my fellow passengers today I will politely agree).

On the promenade at Helensburgh. The kilt is still very stiff and would be rather abrasive on the skin if worn commando but it should soften with wear and wash. The Freelander Sporran proved ideal for holding all my day's needs such as money, keys, camera, mobile phone, tickets etc.

Plenty of other kilties spotted, as here at Dumbarton, nae doot ganging tae the rugby!

Later in the day this photo was taken at Gourock. With all the sitting in cars and trains and not always being successful in sweeping the pleats, the kilt arrived home tonight with the pleats needing a good ironing which I'll attend to tomorrow. Off to bed now after a long day.

**Dreadbelly** · 10th February 07, 06:29 PM

I got to make it to Scotland someday and visit. I'd love to see the seaside.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 10th February 07, 07:03 PM

As always, fantastic pictures!

**pdcorlis** · 10th February 07, 07:20 PM

Thanks for the train photos - its a wonderful bit of history

**McClef** · 11th February 07, 05:26 AM

Lovely pics Alex.

I didn't know that the EWS colours were do to them being affiliated with Wisconsin Rail and it was interesting about the gaelic station signs too!