Operation
Until diesel multiple unit trains were introduced in the early 1990s, all trains on the Far North Line were locomotive hauled, initially by Highland Railway steam locomotives, then by LMSR steam locomotives and latterly by British Rail steam and finally Class 37 diesel locomotives. Northbound passenger trains would divide at Georgemas Junction, with the rear portion for Thurso and the front portion for Wick. A locomotive was stabled at Georgemas Junction to haul the Thurso carriages.
Following the introduction of Class 156 diesel multiple units on the line, trains were always composed of two trainsets (four cars) and at Georgemas, these would split in half with the front portion heading to Wick, the rear to Thurso.
This practice was halted with the introduction of Class 158 sets which operated as single sets. On arrival at Georgemas Junction from Inverness, trains must reverse to reach Thurso. The train then operates from Thurso back to Georgemas Junction and on to Wick. An easement to the National Routeing Guide allows passengers for Wick to stay on the train between Georgemas Junction and Thurso, which would otherwise technically be off-route.
| Preceding station | National Rail | Following station | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotscalder | First ScotRail |
Wick | ||
| Thurso | ||||
| Historical railways | ||||
| Halkirk |
Sutherland and Caithness Railway |
Bower |
||
| Hoy |
||||
Read more about this topic: Georgemas Junction Railway Station
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