Driver Reminder Appliance (DRA) question

[Lukespenceruk1]

Is there a reason why locomotives don’t have Driver Reminder Appliance (DRA)? But multiple units do?

 

[800301]

Is there a reason why locomotives don’t have DRA? But units do?

Freight services don’t tend to stop in locations like a station after passing a single yellow, therefore the effectiveness of a DRA in a loco isn’t as great

 

[john prytherch]

What does DRA stand for please?

 

[trainmania100]

Driver reminder appliance
When set it stops the unit taking power until the driver acknowledges the next signal aspect.

Eg could pass a single yellow arriving into a station without a signal, then when leaving the station forget the next signal is RED, and go through it by mistake.

 

[Nym]

Is there a reason why locomotives don’t have DRA? But units do?

A DRA is only mandated for operating passenger services and is applied in line with the Rule Book.

Notably, GERT8000-TW1 Preparation and Movement of Trains, Section 10.

This is mandated by RIS-2761-RST "Rail Industry Standard for Driving Cabs" Part 3. Unless the train is to operate exclusively under ERTMS.

 

[43096]

Is there a reason why locomotives don’t have DRA? But units do?

Some locomotives do have DRA.

 

[craigybagel]

Locomotives that normally operate passenger services have DRA. I seem to recall that when Freightliner Class 90s were being hired in to work the Caledonian Sleeper before the 92s were ready, special care had to be taken to ensure the allocated locomotives had DRA fitted. I suspect the GBRF 66s used with 73s on the CS have been modded to include DRA, but I'd need an expert to confirm.

 

[Wyrleybart]

Some locomotives do have DRA.

I would say that UK mainland locomotives which push / pull "TOC timetabled" passenger trains have to have operating DRA fitted. So some 67s, 68s, 73/9s, 91s and 92s

 

[martin2345uk]

Having never driven a train with an actual DRA, is it literally just a big red button that lights up red and prevents traction power being taken?

 

[craigybagel]

Having never driven a train with an actual DRA, is it literally just a big red button that lights up red and prevents traction power being taken?

Pretty much! On trains with dynamic brakes it also isolates them, so some TOCs frown upon using it on the move , but other than that it's a simple but effective bit of kit.

 

[Fincra5]

A DRA is only mandated for operating passenger services and is applied in line with the Rule Book.

Notably, GERT8000-TW1 Preparation and Movement of Trains, Section 10.

This is mandated by RIS-2761-RST "Rail Industry Standard for Driving Cabs" Part 3. Unless the train is to operate exclusively under ERTMS.

It gets slightly interesting when you deal with ETCS onboard and Locos without DRA and the FoC/OTMs methods for Mitigating against SAS Spads.

 

[Nym]

It gets slightly interesting when you deal with ETCS onboard and Locos without DRA and the FoC/OTMs methods for Mitigating against SAS Spads.

If it's not in the Paperwork, I ain't doing it...