Kilts and Heritage Railways

cessna152towser · Post by **cessna152towser** » Sat May 20, 2006 7:35 pm

I've worn kilts on steam trains in Scotland, the Strathspey Railway; Bo'Ness and Kinneil railway and the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig but apart from my train trip into Wensleydale in March this year haven't yet worn my kilts on any of the English lines. They seem to be catching on though because today I spotted not just one but two guys wearing black watch kilts at the Tanfield Railway near Gateshead - was wishing I'd had the foresight to wear a kilt too and will definitely wear one next time I go there.

Gregg1100 · Post by **Gregg1100** » Sat May 20, 2006 9:48 pm

Hello Cessna,
Have you been on West Somerset Railway--from Bishops Lydiard to Minehead. Goes through Watchet, Blue Anchor etc. What a good day out.
Greg

Departed Member · Post by **Departed Member** » Sun May 21, 2006 10:07 am

I don't often wear Kilts/Skirts on preserved railways as inevitably I either end up visiting loco footplates or squeezing through diesel loco enginerooms - not the cleanest of environments for expensive clothes at any time! There's also a 90% chance of meeting someone I know, and cannot be bothered with answering non-railway (i.e., Kilt!) questions, when I'm out for a day's bashing/photting! Having said that, I have worn a Kilt to the Caledonian Railway @ Brechin & carefully negotiated the inside of a "Mac-Rat" into the bargain (but I'd rather not risk that again!), as well as experimentally wearing a M&S knee-length cargo-style skirt @ the Battlefield Railway (Shackerstone). I say 'experimentally', as I was intrigued to see if anyone actually noticed. Whilst I was aware of the odd quizical look, no-one appeared care & I suppose 95+% didn't even notice - the 'shorts' effect, no doubt. As for other sightings, other than the odd Kilt here and there, the only time I've seen a (railway-minded) skirted gent was at the Nene Valley Railway (Peterborough), where an elderly gent was wearing a tweed 'walking skirt' as part of his well co-ordinated outfit. I don't think anyone else noticed to be honest. And why should they? I'd seen these 'walking skirts' before, but in the Peaks environment, not elsewhere, and always worn by elderly gents as part of a tweed ensemble. Who markets these (if they still do, of course), I am unsure, but I'm surprised there's not been any (recent) reference/sightings on this forum!

Brandy · Post by **Brandy** » Sun May 21, 2006 1:31 pm

Merlin,
Well google 'walking skirt', did you mean these Victorian Era skirts? Seem's impossible to miss and from the activity you describe inpractical as well.

-- Brandy

Departed Member · Post by **Departed Member** » Sun May 21, 2006 6:08 pm

Brandy wrote:Merlin,
Well google 'walking skirt', did you mean these Victorian Era skirts? Seem's impossible to miss and from the activity you describe inpractical as well.

-- Brandy

No! These 'walking skirts' (marketed as such) date from the 1990s - basically tweed, straight, knee-length and with pockets - in effect 'one-legged-shorts'. Other than the (potential) cost of cleaning such expensive clothes, practical enough for hopping on, off or through the average loco! As opposed to Kilts, which are in danger of catching (tearing, even!

) on handles, battery box covers, etc., etc! :shake:

Brandy · Post by **Brandy** » Sun May 21, 2006 7:29 pm

merlin wrote:No! These 'walking skirts' (marketed as such) date from the 1990s - basically tweed, straight, knee-length and with pockets - in effect 'one-legged-shorts'. Other than the (potential) cost of cleaning such expensive clothes, practical enough for hopping on, off or through the average loco! As opposed to Kilts, which are in danger of catching (tearing, even! ) on handles, battery box covers, etc., etc! :shake:

OK could you mean: IRISH TWEED WALKING SKIRT

http://www.epinions.com/Clothing-IRISH_ ... full_specs

More Information
IRISH TWEED WALKING SKIRT. The timeless elegance of houndstooth tweed is exemplified in soft Irish wool of exceptional quality. Since 1929, Henry White, Ltd., Dublin, has been considered one of the finest clothing companies in Ireland. A striking mix of gold, tan, and brown celebrates the quiet heaths of the Irish countryside. A classic style that allows for freedom of movement with double inverted kick pleat in front, back vent, and back zip. Fully lined. In tan. Dry clean. Ireland. Sizes: 6-20. About 32""

Henry White, skirt not listed though:
http://www.henrywhite.ie/

Website · Post by **crfriend** » Sun May 21, 2006 7:35 pm

merlin wrote:These 'walking skirts' (marketed as such) date from the 1990s - basically tweed, straight, knee-length and with pockets - in effect 'one-legged-shorts'.

If you can provide an Internet link or a catalogue source, this'd be truly interesting fodder. The 1990s have never been known as the most "fashion forward" times, nor, as far as I can tell, were ever even remotely accepting of men wearing skirts. So, if these garments have been around since then, It'd be darn interesting to see and hear the history behind them!

merlin wrote:Other than the (potential) cost of cleaning such expensive clothes, practical enough for hopping on, off or through the average loco! As opposed to Kilts, which are in danger of catching (tearing, even! ) on handles, battery box covers, etc., etc! :shake:

I occasionally face those hazards, especially when dealing with RCS/RI's space, but usually resign myself to extra vigilance in managing my skirts. The payoff is more than worth it.

cessna152towser · Post by **cessna152towser** » Sun May 21, 2006 8:36 pm

Yep, been on the West Somerset once, on a DMU, which was a very pleasant run.

skirttron · Post by **skirttron** » Sun May 21, 2006 9:14 pm

I wore a black kilt on the London Underground. You sure have to be careful of where you're putting your legs in those facing seats, but no problems at all.

Departed Member · Post by **Departed Member** » Sun May 21, 2006 11:34 pm

Brandy wrote:OK could you mean: IRISH TWEED WALKING SKIRT

http://www.epinions.com/Clothing-IRISH_ ... full_specs

Henry White, skirt not listed though:
http://www.henrywhite.ie/

Nope! These are women's skirts. The ones I am referring to (and saw) were definitely marketed for MEN!

Since1982 · Post by **Since1982** » Mon May 22, 2006 4:01 am

I get "This page cannot be displayed" when I click on the "epinions" link. Any suggestions?:shake:

cessna152towser · Post by **cessna152towser** » Mon May 22, 2006 7:55 pm

Turns out the 2 guys I saw on Saturday belong to a re-enactment group. They and others dress up as 51st Highland Division Black Watch soldiers and take part in events throughout the North of England. That's something I never knew about before.
http://www.nww2a.co.uk

Since1982 · Post by **Since1982** » Tue May 23, 2006 5:36 am

That nwwco.uk link kicked me right out of my internet connection...I wouldn't dare click it again.

skirtcafe.org

Kilts and Heritage Railways

Kilts and Heritage Railways

Irish Tweed Walking Skirt

"Walking skirts" for men?

page cannot be displayed

nww link