Arisaig becomes regular crossing point as afternoon ‘Jacobite’ is retimed earlier

ARISAIG, the most westerly station on the national network, has become a regular crossing point for steamhauled trains for the first time since the 1960s.

A need to meet demand and a desire to offer an earlier and more attractive itinerary prompted ‘Jacobite' operator West Coast Railways to review its timetable and strengthen both trains to seven coaches – making them too long for the previous passing point at Glenfinnan, where the loop can only accommodate a six-coach train. The afternoon train is now retimed to depart from Fort William earlier, at 12.45pm, meaning it arrives back before 7pm and that more of the return journey will run in daylight towards the end of the season.

Saturdays unchanged

However, the Saturday afternoon trains currently remain at six-coach length to cross at Glenfinnan, because the presence of the ‘Royal Scotsman' tour train on the Mallaig line prevents use of the lunchtime path.

Motive power for the ‘Jacobite' consists of the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group's Peppercorn K1 2-6-0 No. 62005, Ian Riley's ‘Black Five' No. 45407, and classmate No. 45212 on loan from the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Mr Riley's other ‘Black Five', No. 44871, is on hire to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but available to swap with the other two if required.

‘Black Five' No. 45407 sets off from Arisaig with the afternoon ‘Jacobite' for Mallaig on April 27, while K1 No. 62005 departs in the other direction with the morning train, returning to Fort William. DAVE COLLIER