A daily procedure
Every day at 11:00 a ScotRail Class 156 from Mallaig to Glasgow meets with the Jacobite Steam train (also known as the Hogwarts Express) from Fort William to Mallaig at Glenfinnan, the only station between Fort William to Mallaig with two platforms. There is a slight problem however, as the siding is only long enough for 6 coaches, while the Jacobite is 8 coaches long. So how do these trains pass each other?
1. The Jacobite stops at platform 1 just before the level crossing to platform 2.
2. The ScotRail train enters platform 2 and all disembarking passengers have to quickly cross in front of the stream locomotive.
3. The Jacobite pulls ahead just enough to clear the rear switches while still having coaches on the platform.
4. Now the Class 156 can leave for Glasgow.
5. Later, the steam train continues its journey towards Mallaig. In the meantime, its passengers can visit the small museum in the station building and the historic signal box.
This is repeated EVERY DAY at 11. In the summer, when the Jacobite runs twice per day, probably even more often.
A daily procedure
Every day at 11:00 a ScotRail Class 156 from Mallaig to Glasgow meets with the Jacobite Steam train (also known as the Hogwarts Express) from Fort William to Mallaig at Glenfinnan, the only station between Fort William to Mallaig with two platforms. There is a slight problem however, as the siding is only long enough for 6 coaches, while the Jacobite is 8 coaches long. So how do these trains pass each other?
1. The Jacobite stops at platform 1 just before the level crossing to platform 2.
2. The ScotRail train enters platform 2 and all disembarking passengers have to quickly cross in front of the stream locomotive.
3. The Jacobite pulls ahead just enough to clear the rear switches while still having coaches on the platform.
4. Now the Class 156 can leave for Glasgow.
5. Later, the steam train continues its journey towards Mallaig. In the meantime, its passengers can visit the small museum in the station building and the historic signal box.
This is repeated EVERY DAY at 11. In the summer, when the Jacobite runs twice per day, probably even more often.