Search results

I'm not aware of wheelflats having caused an accident certainly in the last 50 years? I still don't understand the 'urgent' word in the first post. If it was a dire safety issue then station staff can and should ensure the train is stopped by the signaller (eg if you saw smoke coming from it...

Semantics but WSMR were by definition a TOC (Train Operating Company) but you are correct in saying they were not a member of the ATOC (I don't think anyone has stated otherwise). I'm sure you are aware that coalface staff don't actually get involved in the bidding process, on this occasion we...

Wheelflats are common enough and would be noticed by staff onboard or when going on depot. You reported it which is admirable, I really wouldn't waste any more time on it. It's not a major safety issue but there are checks in place to pick these things up anyway. --- old post above --- --- new...

Well Captain you've failed to acknowledge your fundamental inaccuracies on this thread whilst continuing to expect us to listen to you. I like to give everyone a fair chance but I am having to draw my own conclusions about you now. Opinions are fine, but have the gumption to admit to your...

Zzzzzzzzzz. I can't believe anyone running a company connected to the industry has to come on here to ask such a question and also fails to know that defects should be sported to the traincrew and now continues to ignore polite requests about the fault. Hmmmm

Both stations have new ATW shelters, I think this is the work you may have seen being undertaken?

They have to know this anyway so why would they need a device to tell them what they have learnt?

If they weren't a train operating company (TOC) then what were they? All this about Virgin only being interested in Wrexham since WSMR's demise.... Actually no, Virgin came in an set up their Wrexham-London service AFTER WSMR did. As others have said, it will be interesting to see how long...

I am just staggered that nobody has built 10-20 miles of dedicated railway line, constructed to standards that will allow 80-120mph running and furnished with several different types of service train to enable them to train up people who want to learn to drive trains so that they can, with...

I think you've made some valid points there rodders. I think we also have to accept some train enthusiasts, and some bitter failed wannabe train drivers, and some of the rest of the general public, don't want to look at both sides. Drivers are paid more than they are or they've had no rise or...

And your point is? If I want the job I apply, go through the same process as anyone else and if I'm good enough I get it. If I'm not I come on a forum and bleat about the closed shop. Join the queue of failed train drivers. There's plenty in it!

In fairness though the drivers have been calling for parity with other drivers this time. The interesting debate here is that the 3.7% part of the deal was sub inflation. Other TOC's have been giving higher rises so ATW drivers have fallen behind. Drivers who have seen their pay eroded are...

If you go to a preserved railway you wouldn't get paid though. Many train drivers don't find it 'exciting' but look at the terms and conditions of the job, and apply. When they find their employer wanting to erode those terms, they protest. Incidentally there are also BA staff, train cleaners...

That's true. But you can't just start up your own railway company (well you can but look what sadly happened to WSMR).... My point remains that there seems to be some jealousy at play here. I saw everything that is being mentioned as 'bad' here, decided it was 'good' and set my sights on a...

I think 'closed shop' is the wrong phrase but I do understand the point you are making. I do find it amazing (but also quite refreshing at times) how we can, if we want to, hold them to ransom. In my grade at my depot we haven't, but at other depots they have, but this is backfiring on ALL...

We are so far removed from the point of this thread now as to be beyond a joke. Why anyone is comparing flying a plane with driving a train I have no idea. It has been said earlier so just to recap: the train crew are trained to very high standards. The knowledge required amazes most people...

Just to add that in any industry you get poor performers doing jobs those on lower pay would gladly do for less money. But ask anyone on this forum who is not on minimum wage or unemployed how they would feel being told 'lots of people could do your job and would do it for less'! I sense a lot...

It's nothing to do with a 'closed shop' but again why let facts get in the way. I, like many of my colleagues, applied for vacancies off the street (admittedly rare to get that chance due to low staff turnover) and got the job on merit. Many fail the tests as they are quite stringent. Bus...

There is also a separate thread for it

Just a few points: 1. The main problem with the drivers is the enforced commitment to work Sundays, not 'more money'. 2. If a train fails the driver does not just 'light up a fag'. Such a comment just shows ignorance (again). Drivers have to have a lot of unit and mechanical knowledge and...