Railway History

[GJL9916]

Hey guys, can anyone recommend any decent books to read on railway history? With me not coming from a Railway background I am not too clued up and found myself lacking a bit at an interview in the past because of it. I always study the company and the position itself but would also like to improve Railway knowledge, so if anyone can recommend any worthwhile books to save me buying any duds that would be appreciated!

Cheers

 

[Twotwo]

You don't need to know about the railway to get a job in the railway. Just learn a bit of general knowledge for the toc you wish to apply for...

 

[GJL9916]

You don't need to know about the railway to get a job in the railway. Just learn a bit of general knowledge for the toc you wish to apply for...

No maybe not but it would help I reckon, I did research the FOC and the role etc but as embarrassing as it is they asked me what the West coast main line was and I didn't know and just said that its a railway route which is basically correct but they were looking for a bit more knowledge!

Was thinking it would be good to learn some of the basics not indepth history

 

[Bennski]

Wait, you didn't know what the West Coast Mainline was?

 

[GJL9916]

Wait, you didn't know what the West Coast Mainline was?

not to the extent of what cities it passes through if I am honest no! I knew it was London to Scotland and that was it, I didn't even know where to in Scotland sorry!

 

[MostlyHarmless]

I'd probably concentrate on the routes that the TOC you apply for run, as that will be far more pertinent to any interview - and it will all be available on their website. There are plenty of good Railway books out there but I'm not sure if they would help you.

 

[sw1ller]

They’re not after the history or in depth knowledge on the railways in interview. But a common question from any TOC/FOC would be to ask what routes they cover and a basic geographical knowledge of these. It shows you’ve put the time and effort into research and it shows your ability to learn new information. This is what’s important to them as with a FOC your about to embark on a course that could last 18-24 months. A TOC is 6-12 ish. They don’t expect you to know the ins and outs of the routes, that’s what trains is for.

 

[RollingOn]

I'm currently trying to learn the Northern routes ready for future interviews but the number of different routes and destinations is quite overwhelming. Any advice on what to concentrate on? Maybe just a specific depots routes?

 

[sw1ller]

I'm currently trying to learn the Northern routes ready for future interviews but the number of different routes and destinations is quite overwhelming. Any advice on what to concentrate on? Maybe just a specific depots routes?

Just an overview. Give the main stations like Manchester to.... Chester, Liverpool, southport, Blackpool, Carlisle etc. You won’t need to name every station. Then go to the depot you’re applying for and ask a guard/driver where they sign. This will also show you’re serious about the roll too.

 

[GMT]

True one doesn't need to know about the history of the railway to become a train driver, but I thought this link may be of interest anyway for somebody enthusiastic about railway stuff.

 

[Dieseldriver]

If you're applying for a Safety Critical role then I wholeheartedly recommend purchasing a book on Railway Disasters/Incidents. Red for Danger is good aswell as 'Beyond Hidden Dangers, Railway Safety Into The 21st Century'.

 

[Shimbleshanks]

There's a fairly new book called The Railways by Simon Bradley which gives a reasonable overview of how the railways developed and isn't full of technical detail. Quite readable and well written. The paperback version is only £9.99 and it's available in most decent high street bookshops.

 

[Mgv1349]

I had a walk around Crewe station because that’s where I live and just tried to pick up things that you see and spoke to some people about what lines was what and which go where and don’t know if it helped or not but I got the job I went for.

 

[Starz123]

Wait, you didn't know what the West Coast Mainline was?

We ain’t all enthusiast in this group mate. Some of us haven’t got a clue about the railway until we apply for the job !

 

[Narom]

We ain’t all enthusiast in this group mate. Some of us haven’t got a clue about the railway until we apply for the job !

Very true. But probably a wise Idea to learn some very basic info for an interview, which appears to be the general gist of the replies.

 

[Starz123]

Very true. But probably a wise Idea to learn some very basic info for an interview, which appears to be the general gist of the replies.

Of course a little research would be the common thing to do with any job role you apply for. But come on we aren’t expected know everything. Some of the guys In this forum give others such a hard time. But no hard feelings to anyone lol enjoy your weekend all.

 

[tiptoptaff]

Of course a little research would be the common thing to do with any job role you apply for. But come on we aren’t expected know everything. Some of the guys In this forum give others such a hard time. But no hard feelings to anyone lol enjoy your weekend all.

Depending on the geography of the TOC you're applying for, I'd class knowing what the West Coast Mainline is as part of "basic" research.

 

[Bennski]

If you dont have a basic understanding of the job, why the hell would they even consider you? It shows a lack of interest plus when there are hundreds of other applicants you not knowing what the West Coast Mainline is just makes you an easy throw away...

 

[GJL9916]

If you dont have a basic understanding of the job, why the hell would they even consider you? It shows a lack of interest plus when there are hundreds of other applicants you not knowing what the West Coast Mainline is just makes you an easy throw away...

Not sure if you read any of the initial post before you commented but that's what I was asking about book to get a better understanding! I didn't ask why didn't I get the job because I didn't know the full extent of the West Coast Main line. Maybe you need to chill out a bit, we cant all be know it alls.

 

[Twotwo]

Is knowing what the west Coast main line relevant for the toc or foc you was applying with? I've worked in the railway for 3 years and I can confirm I prob would have had to take an educated guess. Some people need to chill out on here lol

 

[GJL9916]

Is knowing what the west Coast main line relevant for the toc or foc you was applying with? I've worked in the railway for 3 years and I can confirm I prob would have had to take an educated guess. Some people need to chill out on here lol

That's the thing it wasn't particularly relevant it was just a question that was asked to gauge my basic understanding I guess, I just used that as an example to highlight the fact I need to make sure I know the basics of the Railway as well as learning the FOC/TOC and the role but seems to have ruffled a few feathers, I wish I never asked now lol

 

[Trico382]

Just to put your mind at ease a little I joined the railway (driving job) with absolutely zero knowledge and got through. I researched the company very well but as for knowledge on routes and ins and outs I did not know anything. They took me on because I demonstrated the competencies that required for the role andnpassed all the testing. there was plenty who joined with and after me who were the same and are doing very well so don’t worry about it.

 

[Twotwo]

Honestly it's not even that deep! Some of the people who work in the railway are not even railway enthusiastic and its okay. A lot of drivers I speak too didn't come from a railway background nor have any interest in it so I think a lot of people would have struggled with that question...

 

[Bennski]

Your initial post said you were lacking in the interview due to you not knowing much about the railways. So the reason you are making this post it most likely you didn't get offered the job you went to interview for hence you are know asking how you can improve ready for your next interview? You have not ruffled any feathers just that it clearly shows you didn't do much preparation thats all, only takes a quick google search to get plenty of information about the British Railways and infrastructure. You wont stand a chance in these interviews as you will be competing with enthusiastic's and others who have an interest in the railways so you need to know these. Perhaps reading books on the railways will help but the internet and this forum provide up-to date and more job related information than a book I feel. Just being blunt thats all no hard feelings...

 

[Bennski]

I completely agree!

 

[Trico382]

Also, there is not many railway enthusiasts where I work, just people who are very capable at the job and are good drivers. I am not an enthusiast in anyway and it didn’t hold me back

 

[Bennski]

Didn't say not having a railway background or not being an enthusiastic would hold you back just you shouldn't go into an interview with no preparation and expect it to go well...

 

[Trico382]

Didn't say not having a railway background or not being an enthusiastic would hold you back just you shouldn't go into an interview with no preparation and expect it to go well...

That is definitely true

 

[sw1ller]

Didn't say not having a railway background or not being an enthusiastic would hold you back just you shouldn't go into an interview with no preparation and expect it to go well...

Yes you did. You said he wouldn’t stand a chance at interview because he’d be up against enthusiasts. I didn’t know anything (still don’t) about the South Wales main line, I’m pretty sure I’ve got the name of it wrong now, hasn’t held me back.

Knowing what a line is called won’t help you at interview stage. Knowing the basic geography of the routes that particular depot works will though, from the main spot to the outer extremities. Even if you use motorways to explain it (Stafford to rugby, I’d stick to the M6) shows the basics are in your head. Route learning comes with practice after months of train handling. Telling someone the stand no chance because they don’t know what the WCML is, is utter nonsense.

 

[Bennski]

Either way if your serious about joining the railways, at least know the mainlines...