Week 2 of the 2020 timber trials (as if we need a trial to prove railways can move timber). WCRC Class 37s nos. 37685 and '669 disappear over the rise away from the Helmsdale River, as they coast down towards Kinbrace station, heading north with the empties (old BDA wagons previously used for the pipe traffic). Let's hope West Fraser actually purchase proper wagons for raw timber transport in the future, and don't just stick to finished product in containers. 12th August, 2020.

Also back in 2020, we had the rather odd sight of a Class 73/9 gracing our Northern rails. Used for route learning/refresher duties, 73970 is seen coasting south through the s-curve at Achentoul, between Forsinard and Kinbrace. A snow squall obscures the Ben Griams behind. 19th November, 2020.

Class 66 66104 climbing away from the Helmsdale River, South of Kinbrace. It's taking the Hartlepool pipes northbound, through the fog and the midges. Seen before 06:00 on 18th June, 2014.

DRS had a contract for ballast trains on the Wick branch in the Summer of 2019. Unfortunately, their '37s failed at Forsinard on the very first trip north, before the first job. Over a month later, Colas took on the task. Class 37s nos. 37116 and '219 are seen climbing away from the same Helmsdale River as the previous shot of the '66 (heading south this time), as they take empty ballast wagons south towards Kildonan, rising out of the morning mist. 25th August, 2019.