Forsinard leap?

[autotank]

Hoping to go for a trip on the Far North Line this Saturday. Do you know if it's possible to change from the down to up service at 1706/1707? Can you use the crossing whilst an Up train is sat in the platform? I'll ask the guard obviously - but just wondering if anyone had done this in the past. Otherwise I'll fester at Kinbrace for 25-30 minutes.

 

[trc666]

Best to have a word with the guard, and if in doubt change at Kinbrace as you suggested.

 

[Pumbaa]

Fairly sure it's do-able, single track with the loops at stations used to loop trains and exchange electronic tokens.

 

[tsr]

Fairly sure it's do-able, single track with the loops at stations used to loop trains and exchange electronic tokens.

If they are exchanging tokens, could this not have a slight delay so that the token is only passed once connecting passengers have changed trains? Granted, this is probably not best practice, nor can I see it being officially endorsed, but it might ensure a passenger is not stranded, when a very minor delay could lead to them being able to board the train. Obviously, this only needs to occur when someone actually needs to change trains, which I imagine is reasonably rare at Forsinard. Also, surely a very minor delay of the sort I propose above wouldn't actually cause any problems on the Far North Line?

That said, importantly, the level crossing will probably not permit you to cross between the platforms (it would mean crossing whilst red flashing lights were showing), and the minimum connection time is 5 minutes (somebody obviously just made that up, though, and amusingly, the minimum connection time at Altnabreac is also 5 minutes).

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I believe that the crossing will remain closed during the pause at the station.
The token exchange, even the RETB 'electronic tokens', all take time.

However, there is also a wooden walkway between the 2 platforms adjacent to, and parallel to, the road which is within the station.
I shall not presume to tell you that you would have authority to cross the tracks by that walkway but, and echoing all the other responses, I am sure that if you explain your intentions to the Guard in good time, then you should expect to be given authority to cross and that the other service will be expecting you. (They're a friendly bunch!).

 

[blackfive460]

I'd much prefer 25 minutes at Kinbrace for a leg stretch and time to appreciate the scenery - assuming it's a nice day, of course.
The midges will appreciate it too...