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What do drivers do whilst waiting at a signal?
- Thread starter KingDaveRa
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RailUK Forums
Yep..
We had a similar rule on the buses about not using mobile phones in the cab, I think it's in case anybody takes a photograph and it might not be clear you were stationary at the time.
I must say I've seen freight trains stuck in loops for ages and wondered if the signalman has any means of contacting the driver to say they'll get a clear signal in 5-10 minutes etc? And what happens if the light changes and the driver has fallen asleep, easily done
Deepgreen
Established Member
Or have many signal balance arms to hang them on!
craigybagel
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axlecounter
Member
Absolutely.
Back in the analog radio days (until 5-10y ago here in Switzerland) signalmen had the habit, when clearing a signal after a more-or-less long wait, to press a couple of times the Push-to-talk button on their radio, so that the radio on the driver's cab would crackle a bit, eventually waking him up.
When it worked. When it didn't they started to speak on the radio...and not in a gentle and soft way.
No, but 153 crews do have a watering can with them
Lol, unique feature of the dogboxes!
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PHILIPE
Veteran Member
There was a case at Rossett (between Chester and Wrexham at bottom of Gresford Bank) once when the signalman had to leave his box to wake the footplate crew up. There was deep snow on the ground under the signal arm.
KingDaveRa
Member
Reminds me of something I read about the Underground (if memory serves), how many years ago, to save time the drivers would pull into a station, run into the mess room on the platform and make up tea, then leave one on the side of the platform. When they pulled out of the station, the drive would slow down a bit, so as the guard at the rear was passing the tea on the side of the platform, he could lean out and pick it up.
But back to the original topic, I suppose the main thing I wondered was how restrictive things were on the drivers. It sounds like it's not overly restrictive though, and that stands to reason if you've got four hours to kill!
Nice to be paid to put your feet up, I suppose
axlecounter
Member
Nice to be paid to put your feet up, I suppose
Depends on what was next on your schedule:
More work? It can be nice.
Having a programmed break in a proper place (with a bathroom, some stool and a table and maybe a microwave)? Can be a bit annoying, more if the four hours will add up to your already long service, less otherwise.
Driving the last mile or two and then finally go home? It is annoying, moreover if the 4 hours wait was unplanned.
Or...the store near you closes in 15 minutes and you have still to buy those things that your wife has asked for and that she'll get mad if you don't and you said "I'll definitely get off before closing time dear, don't worry!" and now the signalman tells you that you'll be waiting "maybe 5, maybe 10, maybe more minutes, who knows, we still don't know what the problem is" and you start sweating...
Jamesb1974
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Pakenhamtrain
Established Member
Need loos on the locos like we have.
trainmania100
Established Member
Thought 66s had a label saying keep your feet off the dash
ExRes
Established Member
I like the way this thread is going, crap and 66 cabs, apt I would say
During disruption (like the flooding a couple of weeks ago) it was possible for us to nip back into the train (390/221) to use the loo or sit and natter to the crew with a brew having given the box your mobile number, the downside of GSM-R now is you have to stay by the cab so you can hear the radio if they need you. So its read a book, play with your phone or iPad (as long as the train isn't moving in our case) or even worse sing to yourself...
CarltonA
Member
A few years ago I saw a freight driver stop an oil train outside the buffet at platform 5 in Slough. He nipped in to get a coffee. This was on a green signal, and not very far from the signallers who may have been aware. It was about 5am and there was nothing due behind for about fifteen mins by which time the train would have been going into the Langley depot.
Heh, heard a similar story from the Underground involving stopping half way down the platform and pints of beer
scott118
Member
I've heard some say that they have " rolled a big phat one.." whatever that is..
A friend of mine was trained as a signalling designer on the Underground. Noticing the tight terminus turnround times for London Underground crews, he and some colleagues realised that an interlocking change was desirable at terminus approaches: the MKCR relay (Mess Room Kettle Checking) was proposed, and the interlocking changes designed for a sample site.
The aim was to ensure that the Mess Room Kettle is turned on before clearing the platform entry signal, to ensure that crews would have boiling water by the time they reached the mess room during turnround, and hence not delay the outgoing service...
Sadly, the changes were never implemented - someone suggested that boiling water isn't essential. Perhaps that explains a lot about traditional railway tea?
NB this isn't entirely a joke... i saw the locking diagrams!
I'm all for tolerance and live and let live, but... BURN THE NON-BELIEVER!!!
Cliveblackpool
Member
In days gone by, the driver would make a brew, and refill his pipe!
(Most freight type locos were/are fitted with a stove)
(Most freight type locos were/are fitted with a stove)
Llanigraham
On Moderation
I certainly know of a signaller near me who had to ring a driver who had been sat in a goods loop for over an hour one night, and didn't move when he'd been given the line. They said he sounded very sleepy when he answered the phone.
I certainly know of a signaller near me who had to ring a driver who had been sat in a goods loop for over an hour one night, and didn't move when he'd been given the line. They said he sounded very sleepy when he answered the phone.
...of course the reverse can also be true!
Llanigraham
On Moderation
Never!!
That is one of the good things about AB...............the bells, those damned bells!!
Unless you get too comfortable after the (two) bellsNever!!
That is one of the good things about AB...............the bells, those damned bells!!
.
Llanigraham
On Moderation
You'd be surprised how insistent "Call Attention" can get!!!
I did have to ring a neighbouring box one night, though.....................
I did have to ring a neighbouring box one night, though.....................
rdlover777
Member
i'll chip in.
They sing.... Whistle while you work!
They sing.... Whistle while you work!
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