Almondell is operating in line with the Scottish Government’s current advice for controlling the virus.

Please observe the ESME guidance specifically for Almondell. 

It is important that you continue to follow all government guidelines, social distancing, hand sanitiser, gloves etc.

Club running days have now recommenced on Sundays FOR MEMBERS ONLY unless by prior arrangement with the Secretary.

If you don’t have a key to the site, then opening time is usually 11:00.  Keyholders like to be off site by 16:00 so please respect this.

As the track and associated facilities are still under construction, we would like you to be aware of the following:

Locomotive Register / Members sign in –

All details to be entered into the register before running your locomotive.  These books are kept in either the bothy or the entrance lobby of the building.

Running –

7¼” gauge locomotives are restricted to the 7¼” gauge only Comrie circuit (‘C’).  Running direction is clockwise unless otherwise agreed.

5” & 3½” gauge locomotives can run on the dual gauge 5” / 3½” gauge Newliston circuit (‘A’).  Running direction is anti-clockwise unless otherwise agreed.

The dual gauge 7¼” / 5” gauge Almondell circuit (‘B’) is currently incomplete & is run on an ‘out & back’ basis.

• Great care must be taken when running in reverse as vision is restricted.
• Speed in reverse to be limited to a slow walking pace.
• When approaching the level crossings, a good lookout must be maintained for conflicting movements across the various junctions.
• A good lookout must be maintained for errant pedestrians.

Unloading & loading of locomotives –

The steaming bays and turntable have been constructed.  A ramp has been provided which can be raised and lowered by adjusting the jack.  If you add packing to raise the ramp higher then PLEASE REMOVE IT once you have loaded or unloaded!  Care must be taken.

Once you have completed your operation please move your vehicle or trailer away from the ramp and park it neatly either further down the track towards the workshop containers or into the car parking area by the site entrance.

Operating –

The railway is not signalled.  Drivers are operating under visual conditions and must not exceed 5 mph.

A suitable Tail Lamp or End of Train Indicator MUST be carried on the last vehicle.

All steam locomotives must have a valid boiler certificate and this must be brought along for inspection.

All locomotive owners must sign into the register and complete the appropriate details.

When more than one engine is in operation, drivers must inform each other of their presence and agree about locomotive movements before proceeding.

Siding space for servicing locomotives is very limited on all circuits.  Please be considerate to other users when stopping for any length of time.

Bring your own coal as bunkering facilities have not yet been constructed.

Servicing facilities –

Water is available from standpipes at Almondell Central, Drumshoreland & the steaming lyes.  It is suggested you bring along a watering can or other suitable container.

All disposal of ash and hot coals from steam locomotives must be carried out on the concrete crossings or the steaming lyes.  A brush is provided to sweep this up and to keep the running rails clear on the crossings.

Internal combustion and battery electrics can be prepared on the sleepered track.

Leaving the site –

Please tidy up your ash or other waste.  Return all club items back to where you got them.  Ensure the water supply is turned off.  Please coil any hose pipes up neatly.

Passenger trains –

Due to the CoVid-19 pandemic passenger trains are not being run.  Social distancing procedures have yet to be worked out & implemented.

Building –

This is not open for member or public use apart from access to the toilets.  Please observe the CoVid -19 guidelines set out in the ESME release of lockdown bulleting circulated to members.

Disclaimer of Liability

All persons entering this property or using any amenities or facilities on this property do so entirely at their own risk and subject to the following conditions:

This site is private property and the owners and / or members of these premises reserve the right to refuse admission or entry to any person.

This property may be monitored by CCTV surveillance.

The owner & operator of these premises, amenities & facilities and its directors, officers, members & representatives do not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury or death of any person or the loss or destruction of or damage to any property, whether arising from fire, theft or any cause whatsoever and by whomsoever caused or arising from the negligence or gross negligence or wrongful acts or omissions of the owner, operators, directors, officers, members & representatives.