Any tips on route learning?

[SlamDoor]

Hi guys,

Well im progressing through my training, having gained my PTS and SCWID now.

Just about to start signalling next week.

Anyhow, inbetween all of this, i need to start learning my routes.

Does anyone have any top tips for remembering these??

Thanks....

 

[Daniel]

I know it sounds simple, but the best way I find of memorising routes is just time in the cab.

Most of my time has been built up travelling with friends... therefore most of my time in the cab is spent talking... but it's amazing not only how time flies when you're having a conversation, but how much route knowledge you also retain, despite the fact you're not necessarily paying that much attention to it.

 

[SlamDoor]

I know it sounds simple, but the best way I find of memorising routes is just time in the cab.

Most of my time has been built up travelling with friends... therefore most of my time in the cab is spent talking... but it's amazing not only how time flies when you're having a conversation, but how much route knowledge you also retain, despite the fact you're not necessarily paying that much attention to it.

Would you say this would work the same way for conductors? I believe we are not technically allowed in the cab!!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Would you say this would work the same way for conductors? I believe we are not technically allowed in the cab!!

If you are route learning officially by the company, and they expect you to do it from the cab, then you will be issued a cab pass.

 

[CarterUSM]

I think you will be entitled to route learn from the rear cab at the very least. Where is the guards space on the southern units anyway? the rear cab is technically our space up here, though I route learned up with the driver it is not now permitted by my TOC. If it is any help, I found it useful to learn all the junctions in order, turning points in order, not to mention stations of course, it's important to remember key route risks also such as where overheads or 3rd rail start and end, changeover to different block signalling systems and the like, max speed of line and various speed restrictions en-route also. It will aid you greatly if you know the sort of questions you will be asked on a route and you can concentrate on whats important. To be honest, I think you will take in more than you realise, and you will no doubt find your colleagues helpful also. I'd make the most of it just now anyway, though i'm sure you want the full rate of pay, it is great chilling out enjoying the view whilst training. Best of British!

 

[anonymous0101]

If you are route learning officially by the company, and they expect you to do it from the cab, then you will be issued a cab pass.

Conductors are not normally allowed to travel in the leading cab. So route learn from rear cab and ask the conductor about the route, you can of course use the sectional appendix. You'll need to know stations in order, level crossings, controlling signal boxes which stations are on a bend, whether they have signals at the end and location of off indicators and banner repeaters. There's loads more so ask the conductor on the route as well as platform staff.

 

[Old Timer]

You could do far worse than visit the signalboxes en-route.

In some cases, you could talk to the local infrastructure maintenance guys and get to visit some of the more complex junctions during a Possession or a track patrol. That may have to be done in your own time though.

Years ago when I moved to a new area I would walk the route with an OS map, a signalling diagram, and the access point plan. Not so easy these days but still a very good way for complex areas.

 

[175001]

Welcome to the tedious worlf of road learning. What I did was write out the route on paper, and colour the stations, junctions, tunnels and viaducts in different colours. Then by station names, draw pictures of it's main features like end of platform signals, island platform, OFF/RA indicators and how many cars the platforms that are shorter can take.*

With about 15 routes out of Manchester Victoria, this method certainly worked for me, but everyboy has a different style of learning!

Enjoy it, took me nearly 3 months to learn them all!!

Where you based at?

 

[SlamDoor]

Welcome to the tedious worlf of road learning. What I did was write out the route on paper, and colour the stations, junctions, tunnels and viaducts in different colours. Then by station names, draw pictures of it's main features like end of platform signals, island platform, OFF/RA indicators and how many cars the platforms that are shorter can take.*

With about 15 routes out of Manchester Victoria, this method certainly worked for me, but everyboy has a different style of learning!

Enjoy it, took me nearly 3 months to learn them all!!

Where you based at?

I am based at Barnham, so will have routes from Littlehampton and Barnham to Victoria, London Bridge, Brighton, Portsmouth and Southampton.

So much to learn, but thanks for all the useful tips!!

Cheers

 

[GB]

Just a quick question from someone not in the know, how much and what sort of route knowledge is a conductor or guard expected to know/learn?

 

[Aictos]

I know it's not the same but try and look out for certain landmarks when you try to know where you are, when I joined FCC I spent the time travelling between Peterborough and Kings Cross/Finsbury Park looking for landmarks so I knew where abouts I was on the journey.

Now I had no need to do this but I found it useful so I knew where I was and when to get up and get ready to leave the train, for example I used to use Bounds Green depot on the way into London and Holme on the way into Peterborough to determinate when I needed to get ready to go and still do.

I use landmarks like trees, industry buildings, crossings, sidings, bridges etc...

And by spending the time travelling on the services, it does help with your route learning as you can say to yourself well I've just passed these trees and gasworks so I must be coming into Hitchin for example coming from Peterborough.

Little things like that must help,

 

[westcoaster]

I am based at Barnham, so will have routes from Littlehampton and Barnham to Victoria, London Bridge, Brighton, Portsmouth and Southampton.

So much to learn, but thanks for all the useful tips!!

Cheers

you will be taught the principles of route learning, plus you will do most off your learning with an instructor out on the job. You will be given everything you need to learn the route that you will sign, things include

sectional appendix
basic route maps (stations/controling signal box, level crossings/tunnels)
timetables (sounds a bit strange but will help)

hope that helps

 

[CarterUSM]

Just a quick question from someone not in the know, how much and what sort of route knowledge is a conductor or guard expected to know/learn?

Stations on the route, stations with starting signals, block working in operation, signal boxes in control, max speed of line plus any speed restrictions at certain points, junctions, turning points, important bridges and tunnels and their length, location of lineside phones, locations where wires/third rail start/end, not to mention key risks such as signal placement/off indicators and some platform lengths for longer trains that may call. That's the gist of it, though i'm sure i've omitted something no doubt!!