Jacobite 2012

Certainly looks a very heavy programme in 2012 with the extended season of PM running.

 

Just an observation on the Jacobite. Why does the morning train leave before the first Glasgow train arrives? As the marketing says, passengers need to arrive the night before (or use the sleeper) as the Jacoibite departs before the first in bound Glasgow service. Would it not be an idea to dovetail these services?

 

It's successfully operated to the same timings for the last 20+ yrs, so much so they have had to introduce a second train to cope with demand. Don't think there's any need therefore to dovetail the service if it's that popular.

 

I think the second path was offered as compensation for WCRC losing the Cambrian service after the introduction of ERTMS.

 

Also note that the Sleeper runs as a public passenger service from Edinburgh to Fort William, calling at Westeron then all your stops Northbound to Fort William. So there is a morning train people from Edinburgh/Glasgow could catch ( ableit very early, 4:50am off Edinburgh if I remember ).

 

It wasn't offered as compensation, actually - demand led us to request the second service, the running days for which we've increased for this season.

A busy first day, yesterday - and the sun shone, which was rather different to Sunday's weather!

JS

 

Daft question I suppose James but are ticket sales restricted to the number of seats or are any standing passengers allowed? I ask as I'm not quite sure when I'm going up so not in a position to book yet so may have to take a chance on "pay on the day" in the hope that a) it's not sold out or b) WCRC will be happy to take my money as a "standing room only" passenger.

 

I've always done it by turning up on the day. Most of the time it's been sold out, and passengers turned away, but when I've asked Flo (the guard) if I can buy a ticket and say that I'm going to stand by a window, she's always been happy to take my money.

 

5944 is right - if you want a seat - book early. I can't get a morning departure in early June now!

 

Flo is a good egg that's for sure. More than happy to stand by a window as that is what I would do anyway even if there was a seat spare. Previous times I've done pay on the day has been right at the end of the season so not quite so busy but I'm quite possibly going up in July this time.

 

The seats in the buffet and the brake are available directly from Florence on the day or even the day before - but don't call her Flo!

JS

 

Would never dream of being so familiar.

 

Mr Shuttleworth is not John - that one is from Barnsley!

 

I know. Fingers working faster than brain. Post now corrected.

 

Have done this several times when hosteling around scotland. I used to stop in the hostel by the station at Crianlarich, catch the early morning sleeper (still 37 hauled back then!) and then steam from Fort William up to the the isle of skye. There used to be a lovely hostel (now sadly closed) at Armadale on Skye where the Mallaig ferry came in, great fun!

 

Do we know when 61994 might be used? Info I can trace still has it going to Thornton on 21st. If that remains correct it is not going to be at FW within the next few days.

David

 

WCRC Twitter said 62005 for the first two weeks. The usual scenario is the two locos work alternate weeks.

 

Accommodation and travel tickets booked so hoping for a few sunny days in early July. I suspect the Grog & Gruel may see an increase in its takings.

 

I'll try not to drink it dry in June then