ScotRail 1T48 Train from Dundee to Stirling in Declassified First Class

Heading back to Edinburgh with my split tickets, this required just a few minutes of additional planning as my tickets were split at Perth, which means that I will have to return via Perth instead of catching a direct train from Dundee to Edinburgh via the Fife Circle Line. The next possible combination was a train to from Dundee to Dunblane or Stirling, followed by another train from Dunblane or Stirling to Edinburgh, as the Dundee to Dunblane or Stirling train will make a stop at Perth, making both of my tickets valid.

Dundee Railway Station

Heading back to Dundee Railway Station after a short afternoon in Dundee.

Heading in to Dundee Railway Station.

Heading down the escalator to the platforms.

Heading through the open gate line.

The next train to Dunblane or Stirling was departing from Platform 3, a bay platform.

Platform 3 in the middle of the 2 main side platforms for through services towards Aberdeen.

ScotRail 1T48

My ScotRail 1T48 train was formed of a single 3-car Class 170 Turbostar set with 1st class seating at the ends of the train before the driver’s cab.

It then dawned on me that 1st class was not available on this train, which means that these 1st class areas would be declassified.

The interior of the Class 170 Turbostar DMU in standard class.

As for me, I decided to upgrade myself to a 1st class seat for free, if it is indeed declassified.

As luck would have it, there was an off-duty ScotRail staff inside whom I could double-check with that 1st class was indeed declassified, and he informed me that it possibly is, but double-check again with the conductor when he comes around.

The interior of the 1st Class seating area is cozy and compact, with seats laid out in a 2+1 configuration, with a set of table and airline-style seating inside.

I took my seat at a table seat with 2 facing single seats, since I would have more legroom, and it is the only forward-facing single seat available in this section of the train.

A 3-pin UK power socket is available at each row of seats by the wall.

The other table seats 4 passengers.

The airline-style seats also have very good legroom on board 1st class.

A big tray table is provided for the 1 row of airline-style seats.

Notably, 1st class seats on the Class 170 Turbostar reclines. I haven’t seen one of those for a while in the UK since I’ve almost only been travelling in standard class.

Curtains are also avaiulable on board 1st class on the Class 170 Turbostar.

However, for photos, I found a downside to 1st Class, which are the table lamps. See the next picture onwards if you can spot the ScotRail watermark.

My ScotRail 1T48 train departed from Dundee Railway Station on time at 4.16pm.

Passing under Seabraes Footbridge.

Splitting off from the direct line towards Edinburgh over the Tay Bridge.

Heading along the River Tay.

Invergowrie Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Invergowrie Railway Station.

Heading along fields.

Crossing over the River Tay on entering Perth.

Crossing over Tay Street in Perth.

Passing by Greyfriars Burial Ground where William Farquhar is in.

Perth Railway Station

Entering Perth Railway Station with a ScotRail Inter7city HST waiting for crossing with my train.

Making a brief stop at Perth Railway Station.

Departing from Perth Railway Station.

Passing by Perth signal box.

Passing by Perth Royal Mail Delivery Office.

Heading straight past Hilton Junction. The line on the left leads to Ladybank and onwards to the Fife Circle Line.

It started to rain on this leg of the journey.

Gleneagles Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Gleneagles Railway Station.

Nice Scottish Lowlands views from 1st class.

Entering the electrified double-track sector from north of Dunblane.

Dunblane Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Dunblane Railway Station.

I had considered changing to the train to Edinburgh here, which was waiting to depart from the bay platform, but figured out that I shouldn’t waste my effort to cross the bridges to change platforms fast enough, when the train to Edinburgh will be departing shortly and following behind my train, to enter the same platform at Stirling for an easy transfer there instead.

Bridge of Allan Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Bridge of Allan Railway Station.

The rain started again after departing from Bridge of Allan.

Crossing the River Forth.

Passing by Stirling North signal box.

Stirling Railway Station

Arriving at Stirling Railway Station.

My ScotRail 1T48 train arrived at Stirling on time at 5.24pm. This train will continue on to Glasgow Queen Street.

My connecting train to Edinburgh is following just 8 minutes behind, arriving at the same platform. Perfect.

This train transfer technically makes Stirling my third new Scottish city that I have set foot on in a day, though just for 8 minutes at 1 platform. I will be making another trip to Stirling to visit it properly on another day.