Recent content by Orchid

Are Scotrail drivers still contracted to operate it from Glasgow to Fort William, or do GBRF crew it throughout now? If GB, does anyone know which depot does the work? Thanks.

XC now ask for 18 months, not sure about TPE but I think it used to be two years. Might have changed as XC used to be 3 years. The transfer of safety info form is company specific, you'll need one for TPE although i don't know how you'd get it, can you download one from a link on the job advert...

I agree, it surprised me as well and I think it surprised our DMs too!

Not true about AB, we have had drivers join us recently who had to have a bespoke AB brief as it wasn't taught in their initial training.

Edinburgh to Brum via Leeds and Donny, S&K and old road diversions. Crofton & NL. Traction 22x & HST

The refresh probably isn't that bad, it's more a problem of an overhyped product and a wilful failure to manage expectations. Phrases such as "transformational" and "like new interior" inevitably lead to disappointment when the end result is less than that, especially when people see what can be...

When are the 180s due to be with GC, and is there a plan for the displaced GC HSTs?

The linespeed will change from 80 to a new speed of 90 where the current crossover is near the bottom of the bank. So the linespeed on the down and up Gloucester through Bromsgrove will be 90.

I am also ex-forces and now driving. I had to do the dreaded 12 months notice but at the time I didn't really have any commitments so it didn't matter if I came out to a railway job or not. I ended up working in a shop for a few months before making the move across to the railway (in an entry...

Congratulations and good luck in your new career. It will be well worth the wait. Kudos for the honest and well written post.

Hi Mojo, can't reply to your PM so have to message here, I have an old account linked to this email which I don't use anymore, could you please delete that one and keep this one active, thanks.

You're right about the Kites, they're definitely spreading out naturally as well. I enjoy seeing them in new places further and further away from their reintroduction territories. I have had to throw the brake in on more than one occasion to avoid hitting one enjoying a bit of railkill. They see...

I have also completed the course although I've not alplied for any roles since graduating. I did move companies halfway through, however, and the recruiters seemed pretty interested in it. I ended up getting the job but I can't put it solely down to the course. It is also quicker and cheaper...

The most interesting thing I have seen is an Osprey just sat on a fence post right by the lineside. Also a couple of Little owls and the odd barn owl. Saw a weasel/stoat once run across in front of the train (couldn't tell which). I was looking out for the lammergeier when it was around recently...

I quite like it actually, nice to see something other than the usual electrostar or desiro variant. Having said that, whilst it will of course conform to relevant visibility standards, I can't help but feel that sighting R/H signals might be problematic out of that narrow windscreen and past the...