A poster commemorating the ‘Bennie Railplane’ is to go on permanent display at Milngavie Station.
The extraordinary contraption even ran in Milngavie for several months in the 1930s, but failed to secure funding for further development.
George Bennie’s railplane was a form of rail transport – albeit powered by propellers.
His prototype ran over a 120-metre line in Milngavie which was demolished for scrap in the 1950s.
Despite its appearance, the Railplane was not a monorail as it used both an overhead running line and a guide rail below.
ScotRail, the train operator, is putting the famous poster on display.
It had been presented to Milngavie in Bloom by the Milngavie Book & Arts Festival.
The image captures the futuristic elegance of Bennie’s creation which was intended to run above conventional railways.
John Yellowlees, ScotRail’s external relations manager, said: “It is sad that George Bennie, who died in 1957, was not able to deliver his vision.
“But I think he would be mightily impressed that Milngavie now has a half-hourly direct service to Edinburgh.”
Rona Miller, of the Milngavie Book & Arts Festival, said “The image on the poster promoted this year’s festival. We are delighted that it will have permanent home at Milngavie Station.”
Media enquiries:
ScotRail Communications:
John Yellowlees, 0141 335 4787 / john.yellowlees@firstgroup.com
Notes to Editors
Milngavie in Bloom has ‘adopted’ Milngavie Station, with its work including planters and flower beds.
The Bennie Railplane was intended to run above conventional railways – and separate faster passenger traffic from slower freight traffic.
